Daniel: Far From Homeنموونە

King Darius has issued a decree that allows people to pray, but only to him. It is a law that ‘cannot be repealed’ (v. 8). Anyone who prays to any other god will be thrown into the lions’ den (v. 7).

As in chapter 3, this law threatens the survival of the exiles and therefore the great Old Testament promises of God. If God’s people in exile remain faithful to the Lord, and pray to Him, they will be killed in the lions’ den.

The pattern of chapter 3 continues to be followed, and again we see the faithfulness of the man of God living in exile. In verse 10 we read of Daniel’s response to the decree of the king. We see in this verse that Daniel prays three times each day. His life is absorbed in prayer (not providing a model as to when we should pray, but a good illustration of Ephesians 6:18, where we are called to pray on all occasions). His focus is towards Jerusalem. This is the city that symbolized God living with His people. Now in ruins, Daniel’s focus suggests that he believes that God’s promises for that city will still be fulfilled. Daniel gives thanks, suggesting he believes that despite the king’s order, God is still in control. Further he prays ‘just as he had done before’. Godliness when faith is under attack comes more easily when godliness has been shown in times of no attack.

In verses 11 to 16 we see how events unfold. Those jealous of Daniel find him at prayer and report him to the king. The king, bound by his own law, is powerless to do anything and, when reminded again of his law, reluctantly gives the order for Daniel to be thrown to the lions.

We are meant to see the irony in these verses. The chapter opens with the king (as we saw in chapter 3) issuing a law claiming god-like status. And yet by verse 16, we see that Darius has no power to set Daniel free. He even prays that Daniel’s God might rescue him. Darius may look the powerful one in control, but he is, in reality, weak and powerless. Indeed, as we note the parallels with chapter 3, here we see a striking difference between Darius’s hope and the boastful declaration of Nebuchadnezzar (see 3:15).

That this weak king is not able to do the right thing reminds us of Herod with John the Baptist, and Pilate before the crowd.

Reflection

Think of situations where it seems as if those with power in this world look as if they are in control. How does this passage challenge that view?