CHAP. VI.
Daniel is highly preferred by Darius, and envied by his courtiers, who can find no occasion against him except concerning his religion, 1-5. Darius is prevailed on, to sign a decree, prohibiting every one, during thirty days, to present any petition to either God or man, except to the king; under pain of
being cast into the den of lions, 6-9. Daniel prays three times a day to God as usual; is accused before Darius; the execution of the sentence is urgently demanded, and Daniel is cast into the den of lions, 10-17. The king shews much grief:
but Daniel is miraculously preserved; and his accusers are devoured by the lions, 18-24. Darius commands all his subjects
to fear before the almighty God, whom Daniel serves, 25-27.
Daniel's subsequent prosperity, 28.
In this evil world, the most excellent and useful persons are often left in obscurity, like diamonds in the rubbish of the quarry, because their value is not perceived: yet, if the Lord have work for them, he will, by one means or other, bring them forth to do it.-The encouragement given, by persons in other respects of great abilities, to alarmed sinners, not to "let their thoughts trouble them," often goes upon as erroneous principles, as those on which the queen comforted Belshazzar. Alas! what did it avail him, that Daniel could read the writing, when that writing contained his irrevocable condemnation? And what else can the holy law do for transgressors, when men are taught to seek righteousness and sal
"in whom they live, and move, and are!" Thus men fill up the measure of their iniquity, and bring upon themselves "the judgment that is written." Whatever be their rank or situation, persons of this description cannot reasonably expect to hear any thing, except severe rebukes and awful denunciations, from the servants of God.-Soon will every impenitent sinner find the hand-writing of God's word, that now stands out against him, executed upon him; whether he be weighed in the balance of the law as a self-righteous Pharisee, or in that of the gospel as a painted hypocrite. His days will soon be numbered and finished; he will be judged and condemned, and all he seems to have will be taken from him, and divided among his enemies or successors; whilst nothing will remain for himself, but "indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish," for evermore.-Ere the uncertain term of life then
vation by their own obedience? - Many have be finished, let us judge ourselves, according heard of the light, understanding, and wisdom, to the word of God; let us weigh our characof some eminent servant of God, and have ters in his impartial balances: that, though the been led to extol them; to ascribe his attain-law condemns us as sinners, yet we may not
ments to a divine influence, and to consider him, as of a more excellent spirit than other men; who yet wish to consult him, only as a superior kind of magician, to interpret their dreams, to solve curious questions, and to explain difficult and controverted subjects, without inquiring after the way of salvation, or the path of duty! But if any one has, even by such means, access to the great and powerful, when under tribulations or convictions, at whatever distance he may be kept, or however they may soothe him by promises or flatteries; he must remember his own character and office, and not be content with gratifying the humor of princes or nobles, or his own love of lucre or honor. In some cases it is right to reject their proffered kindness with decision, or even disdain; at all times to shew an indifference about these matters, and to be far more earnest to do them good, and declare the whole counsel of God.
V. 18-31.
When sinners have long neglected to profit by the judgments of God on others, their own aggravated destruction may be supposed to approach. Their ancestors or neighbors have prospered and forgotten their Maker; they have been intoxicated with exaltation, and have abused it in tyranny and oppression; they have become terrible in proportion as they have been powerful; and they have been hardened in proud contempt of God; instead of being rendered thankful to him. Perhaps he has made examples of them in the view of others, by some signal judgments, till they have learned to submit and to adore: yet the persons, who have known all this, have in similar circumstances imitated and exceeded their pride, tyranny, and impieties, regardless of that God,
be adjudged unbelievers by the gospel, but may obtain a share of those blessings, which will be perfected in a kingdom that cannot be moved, or taken from us. Having these good things, we may despise the honor that comes from man; and we shall rejoice and be exalted, whilst sudden and inevitable destruction overtakes all the workers of iniquity.
NOTES.
CHAP. VI. V. 1. 'These' (hundred and twenty provinces,) 'were afterwards enlarged to an 'hundred and twenty-seven by the victories of 'Cambyses and Darius Hystaspis. ( Esth . 1:1.)' Lowth .
V. 2. 'Darius came not to Babylon, but tar'ried at Ecbatane in Media, whither he sent 'for Daniel, that he might be always near him.' Lowth. The words translated "that the king should have no damage," may be rendered "that the king should not be troubled." ( Marg . Ref .)
V. 3. It must be supposed, that Daniel's interpretation of the hand-writing, just before the taking of Babylon, made him known to Darius. His renown, however, for wisdom and integrity was very great, and he was found upon trial to deserve all the reputation, which he had acquired: ( Note , Ez . 28:2-5, υ. 3.) so that Darius, when he made a new arrangement of his dominions, upon this vast accession of territory, under three presidents, thought good to make Daniel the chief of them, and as it were the viceroy of the whole empire. He had great experience in the pub'lic affairs, it being now sixty-five years since 'he was first advanced by Nebuchadnezzar. (2:48.)' Lowth. (Marg. Ref . Notes, Gen. 41. 38-44.)
4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not chang
and Persians, which altereth not.
5 Then said these men, jWe shall noted, according to the law of the Medes find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
6 Then these presidents and princes * assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for
ever .
71 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to
h 3:8. Gen. 43:18. Judg. 14:4. Ps. 37:12,13,32,33, Prov. 29: 27. Ec. 4:4. Jer. 18:18,23. 20: 10. Matt. 26:4. 27:18. Luke 20:20. 22:2.
i 1 Sam. 18:14. 19:4,5, 22:14. Luke 23:14,15. John 19:4. 2 Cor. 11:12. Phil. 2:15. 1 Tim. 5:14. Tit. 28. 1 Pet. 2:12. 3: 16. 4:14-16.
j1 Sam. 24:17. Esth. 3:8. Johu 19:6,7. Acts 24:13-16,20,21.
* Or, came tumultuously . 11. Ps. 56:6. 62:3. 64:2-6. Matt. 27:23-25. Luke 23:23-25.
Acts 22:22,23.
k 21. 2:4. 39. 5:10. Neh. 2:3. Acts 24:2,3.
1 See on 2,3.-3:2,27.
m Ps. 59.3. 62:4. 83:1-3.94: 20,21. Mic. 6:5. Matt. 12:14. 26:4. Mark 15:1. John 12:10. Acts 4:5-7,26-28.
V. 4, 5. The great reputation and preferment of a stranger, who had also been a minister of state, for many years, under the kings of Babylon, could not but give great umbrage to Darius's own subjects.
The nobles of his court, especially the princes and presidents, would envy his prosperity, disdain subjection to him, and covet his high station; as well as hate him for his religion: and probably his circumspection, integrity, experience, and penetration, would preclude many of the courtiers from those fraudulent advantages which they had expected; and would tend to expose their iniquitous practices. Thus various passions would concur in producing a combination against him.
But such was his unexceptionable conduct, such his unbiassed impartiality, his strict integrity, and consummate prudence, that they could find no handle against him, or discover so much as a fault or mistake, of which to accuse him before the king. And they were constrained to confess to each other, in their secret cabals, that they should never be able to substantiate any accusation against him, except they could render his religion criminal: and in this they knew him to be very exact, and one who would not deviate from his plan, for any interest, or to avoid any danger. (Marg. Ref.
Notes, Ps. 37:32,33. Matt . 22:15-22.)
9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. [Practical Observations.]
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and "gave thanks before his God, * as he did aforetime.
11 Then these men
assembled, and
41. Acts 7:60. 9:40. 20:36. 21: 5. Eph. 3:14.
t Ps. 55:17. 86:3. marg. Acts 3:1. 10:9.
u Ps. 34:1. Phil. 4:6. Col. 3: 17. 1 Thes. 5:17,18. Heb. 13:15.
x Neh. 6:11. Ps. 11:1,2. Matt. 10:28-33. Luke 12:4-9. Acts 4:18,19,29. 5:20,29,40-42. 20: 24. Phil. 1:14,20. Rev. 2:10, 13.
y See on 6.-Ps. 10:9. 37:32,33.
ly deeming it a sort of compliment, and having but faint impressions of a Supreme Being, to whom all men have constant need to present their petitions, he heedlessly signed the decree, without suspecting the malice concealed under it. They stated expressly, that all the presidents were consulted, and had concurred in proposing this counsel to him: but Daniel the chief of them knew nothing of it; and so all signified no more than two of them! Probably, the rest of the persons mentioned had yielded assent to it, some heedlessly, others maliciously.
Thus, not only was all the exercise of every kind of religion suspended by law, through this extensive empire, for the space of a month; (except any chose to worship the king, who thus inconsiderately or impiously suffered himself to be regarded as the sole deity of his subjects;) but no request might be made by one man to another: nay, the edict was so worded, that a child might have been condemned by it for asking bread of his father, or a starving beggar for craving relief. But they who framed the law had one object in view, and did not mean to make any further use of it.
'We have consulted, which 'way we may do thee most honor, and most 'ingratiate thee with thy subjects, now at thy 'first entrance on thy throne; and we have 'found no way more ... plausible than this; ... 'we have decreed, that none of thy subjects 'shall, for the space of thirty days, make any 'petition, to any god or man, save to thee, O king: that, by this means, they may be ... in'ured to an awful and divine conceit of thy 'greatness, and be more encouraged to have access to thee, for the more endearing of thee to them by the granting of their suits.' Bp . Hall . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .
Notes , 12—17, 24. Esth . 2:1. 3:8-15. 8:8.)
V.6-9. We can scarcely imagine a more absurd decree, than this proposed to Darius, to be by him rendered irreversible! At first sight, it appears almost inconceivable that any man could be induced, by influence and persuasion, and without the shadow of an argument, to pass such an edict. But power and prosperity are intoxicating: this decree seemed to make the king, for a month, the sole deity and benefactor in his empire; and thus it addressed itself to his pride and vain-glory.
His Law of , &c. (8) 'Here the words are, "The nobles would doubtless avow, that it was 'law of the Medes and Persians," out of regard thought a proper honor to be conferred on so 'to the king who was a Mede; there,' ( Esth . 1: illustrious a prince, and that it would conduce 19.) 'it is styled "the law of the Persians and to the public tranquillity. At the instance 'Medes," the king being a Persian at that therefore of so many chief men, perhaps mere-time.' Lowth . VOL. IV [657
found Daniel praying, and making suppli-ffe and he labored till, the going down of the cation before his God.
12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree, Hast thou not signed a decree; that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, a The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
sun to deliver him.
15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, 'Know, Ο king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is , That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God, whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the 17 Andia stone was brought, and laid children of the captivity of Judah, regard-upon the mouth of the den; and the king
eth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
14 Then the king, when he heard these words, d was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; e 2 Sam. 3:28,29.
z See on 3:8-12.-Acts 16:19, c 2:12. Esth. 3:8. Acts 17:7. 24. 24:2-9. d See on 3:13. Matt. 27:17- 24. Luke 23:13-21. John 19: 7-12.
a 8. Esth. 1:19.
b 1:6. 2:25. 5.13.
V. 10, 11. Either Daniel was absent from court when this business was transacted, or it was studiously concealed from him; for it does not appear that he heard of it, till it had been signed by the king and made public. And when he knew what had been done; he did not complain to Darius of hard usage, or exclaim against the absurdity, impiety, and iniquity of the edict, or make interest to have it repealed, or request a dispensation in his favor.
He perfectly knew that he was aimed at, and his people through him: and therefore, as a public and eminent person, he determined to set a decided example of his religion, without fearing what man could do to him. ( Note , Neh . 6:10-14, υ. 11.) He thought himself called on to protest against the law in this manner, either disregarding his life in so good a cause, or expecting a miraculous deliverance.
He therefore continued his stated devotions in his chamber, morning, noon, and evening, with his windows open, and probably his door also; for his accusers entered without interruption, and found him presenting his supplications to his God. Though the city and temple were desolated, yet he prayed towards Jerusalem, as it was customary, with reference to the temple, which had been a type of Christ; ( Notes , 1 Kings 8:28-30. Jon. 2:3,4.) and though he was very old, he prayed upon his knees.
Whatever he had done at other times, or whatever other Jews might do in this emergency, he would by no means conceal his religion: and though he was a man of much business, it appears that he had three stated seasons of devotion every day. It is generally supposed, that in this, he had reference to the hours of prayer, which were commonly observed by the Jews. He would not by silence shew, that he 'consented to this wicked decree.
He set 'open his windows toward Jerusalem when he 'prayed; both to stir up himself with the re'membrance of God's promises to his people, 'when they should pray toward that temple; 'and also that others might see, that he would 'neither consent in heart nor deed, for these 'few days, to any thing that was contrary to 'God's glory.' ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Ps . 55:16,17. 95:6. Acts 10:9—16, v . 9. 21:1-6, ν . 5.)
[Practical Observations.]
18 Then the king went to his palace,
f 8,12. Esth. 8:8. Ps. 94:20,21. g 2 Sam. 3.39. Prov. 29:25. Jer. 28:5. Matt. 14:8-10.27: 23-26. Mark 6:25-28. 15:14, 15. John 19:12-16. Acts 24:
27. 25:9. Rom. 13:3. h 20. 3:15,17,28. Job 5:19. Ps. 91:14-16. 118:8,9. Is. 43:2. Acts 27:23,24.
i Lam. 3:53. Matt. 27:60-66. Acts 12:4. 16:23,24.
V. 12-17. When Daniel's enemies had obtained the decree against him, and undeniable evidence of his disobedience to it, they seem still to have doubted of success: being aware how much the king valued so able and upright a servant, and how evidently he would perceive their malice in this machination against him. They therefore first reminded him that he had passed such a decree; seeking to draw from him an acknowledgment, that it was irreversible by the law of the Medes and Persians.
Having succeeded in this, they copied the example of those who accused Shadrach and his friends before Nebuchadnezzar: and instead of mentioning Daniel, as a man of great dignity, wisdom, and excellency; they described him contemptuously, as "that Daniel," the captive Jew, who had been favored and preferred.
They accused him of disregarding the king and his decree; as if his worship of God had resulted from pride, ingratitude, and rebellion against Darius; and they reported that he made his petition three times a day, so that his offences were multiplied: but they did not mention the Object of his worship, perhaps lest that should suggest a vindication of his conduct. ( Marg . Ref.z -c. -Notes , 3:8-12.
Acts 16:19-24, υυ . 20,21. 17: 5-9, v . 7.) The king, however, at once perceived, for what purpose the decree had been solicited; and was exceedingly displeased with himself that he had suffered himself to be so deluded: as under pretence of honoring him above all that was called god, or worshipped, they had devised to render him accessary to the murder of the most eminent and excellent person in his dominions.
Under this conviction, he was very earnest to deliver Daniel: and he spent the day in considering how it might be done, and in trying to effect it; either by evading or dispensing with the edict, or in persuading his nobles not to insist on the execution of it. ( Marg . Ref. d, e.) But the foolish constitution of this government, (exactly the reverse of the happy rule for our monarch's conduct,) allowed indeed their kings to be as tyrannical and mischievous as they pleased; but tied them up from pardoning any person, who had broken one of their de
j and passed the night fasting; neither were * instruments of music brought before him; and his sleep went from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel; and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, mis thy God, whom thou " servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, PO king, live for ever.
22 9 My God hath sent his angel, sand
2 Sam. 12:16,17. 19:24. 1 Kings 21:27. Job 21:12. Ps. 137:2. Ec. 2:8. Is. 24:8,9. Am. 6:46. Jon. 3:3-9. Rev. 18:22.
• Or, table.
2:1. Esth. 6:1. Ps. 77:4. 1 Matt. 28:1. Mark 16:2. 2 Cor. 2:13. 1 Thes. 3:5.
Jam. 1:25.
o 3:17. Gen. 18:14. Num . 11:
23. 14:15,16. Jer. 32:17. Luke
1:37. 2 Cor. 1:10. 2 Tim. 1: 12. 4:16-18. Heb. 7:25. Jude
24.
p See on 6. 2:4.-Neh. 2:3. q 20, 2 Sam. 22:7. Ps. 31:14. 38:21. 118:28. Mic. 7:7. Matt. 27:46. John 20:17,28.
r 3:28. Nura. 20:16, 2 Chr. 32:21. Ps. 34:7. Is. 63:9. Acts 12:11. 27:23.
in See on 16,27.-3:15,17,28,29. 1 Chr. 16:11. Ps. 71.14-18. 73:23. 119:112. 146:2. Prov. 23:17,18. Hos. 12:6. Luke 18:1. Acts 6:4. Rom. 2:7. s 1 Sam. 17:37. Ps. 91:11-13. Col. 4:2. 2 Tim. 4:17. Heb. 11:33.
1 Thes. 5:17,18.
crees, however capricious and arbitrary. They might be cruel and unjust; but in many cases they might not be merciful, and in some they were restrained from doing justice! (See on Note, 6-9.- Note , Ps . 94:20,21.) Thus the ringleaders of this faction turbulently assembled before Darius, and demanded the exесиtion of this most iniquitous sentence, as their constitutional right: so that Daniel was at length given up to their implacable rage. In this Darius was greatly to blame: for he should have refused his consent to so palpable an act of injustice, whatever had been the consequence.
He, however, entertained some expectations, that the God, whom Daniel had so long and devoutly worshipped, would rescue him in this emergency; having probably heard of the preservation of the three pious Jews in the fiery furnace. ( Notes , 3:19-29.) Thus he allowed, that Daniel had done right, and had pleased God, in violating his decree; and in that very action, for which he consented to cast him into the den of lions: as Pilate afterwards justified Christ, when he delivered him to be crucified. ( Marg .
Ref . g, h.- Notes , Matt . 27:19-26.) Daniel was therefore thrown into the den of lions; and it might have been expected, that they would devour him at once. Yet, either it was seen, that the lions did not seize on him; or some expectation of a miraculous interposition induced them to close the den with a stone, sealed with the king's own signet and that of his lords: that there might be full security against all collusion, and that he might be confined all night among amo the lions. (Marg. Ref . i.- Note , Matt . 27:62-66.)
V. 18-23. No doubt Daniel spent a far more pleasant night among the lions, whilst employed oyed in fervent prayer and admiring grateful praise, than either his malicious prosecutors, or the king himself did. As for the latter, he was so grieved, and ashamed of his folly; so affected with the consideration of having cast his faithful servant into the den of lions, and so anxious about the event; that he spent the night fasting, and without any of his ordinary recreations: nor could he close his eyes to sleep. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . j, k.
hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me; t forasmuch as before him in nocency was found in me; " and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God .
24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives: and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
25 Then king Darius wrote unto
t 23. Ps. 18:19-24. 84:11. Is. 3:10. Acts 24:16, 2 Cor. 1:12. 1 John 3:19-21.
u Gen. 40:15. 1 Sam. 24:9-11. 26:18. Ps. 7:1-4. Acts 25:8 -11.
v 14,18. Ex. 18:9, 1 Kings 5: 7. 2 Chr. 2:11.12.
3:25,27,28. 1 Chr. 5:20, 2 Chr. 20:20. Ps. 37:40. 118:8,
9. 146:3-6. Prov. 18:10. Is. 26:3. Mark 9:23. Heb. 11:33. y Deut. 19:18-20. Esth. 7:10. 9:25. Prov. 11:8.
z Deut. 24:16. Josh. 7:24,25, 2 Kings 14:6. Esth. 9:10. a 3:22. Is. 38:13.
b 4:1. Ezra 1:1,2. Esth. 3:12. 8:9.
Notes , 2 Sam. 3:31-35. Esth . 6:1,2. Ps . 77:4.) And as soon as the morning allowed him, he repaired to the den, having yet some hope that Daniel had been miraculously preserved.The decree having been now complied with, we may suppose, that he ordered the stone to be removed: and then, through fear and conscious misconduct, he dolefully ventured to speak to Daniel, as if yet alive; inquiring whether "the living God, whom he served continually," had shewn himself able to deliver him. ( Marg .
Ref . 1-o.) Some indeed think that he saw Daniel before he spake, but the contrary seems more probable: and his expectation of a miracle shews, that he had strong convictions of the power of Israel's God; though worldly motives retained him among the worshippers of idols. ( Notes , Acts 26:24-32.)-To this inquiry, Daniel, being safe and easy both in body and mind, answered with the utmost composure, without any complaint of unkindness, but with a respectful expression of good-will. (21) Not only was the God of Israel able to protect him from the lions; but even a single angel, when commissioned by him, had power effectually to shut all their mouths.
In this manner God had seen good to attest his innocency, in that conduct for which he had been condemned, seeing that he had approved himself upright before his heart-searching Judge: and he could appeal to the king also, that he had done him no wrong; having been actuated by a sense of duty, and not by any contempt of him or his laws. ( Marg . Ref . p-u.- Notes , 2 Sam . 22:21 -28. Ps . 91:11-13. Acts 25:9–11. 27:20-26, υν . 24,25.
Heb . 11:32-34, ν. 33.) This answer was very welcome to Darius, who now ordered Daniel to be taken up out of the den: and he was found entirely unhurt; "because he had believed in his God," and trusted in his protection while he obeyed his commandinents. ( Marg . Ref . u, x.-1 Chr . 5:18-22, v. 20.)
V. 24. The law of the Medes and Persians forbad the king to pardon Daniel; but it did not restrain him from casting his accusers into the lion's den in his stead: nay, perhaps malicious prosecutors and false accusers were le
unto the end.
all people, nations, and languages, that dwell destroyed, and his dominion shall be even in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
26 Id make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men e tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, & and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be Rom. 9:26. 1 Thes. 1:9. Rev. g Ps. 93:1,2. 146:10. Mal. 3:6. Heb. 6:17,18. Jam. 1:17.
c Ezra 4:17. 1 Pet. 1:2. 2 Pet. 1:2. Jude 2.
d 3:29. Ezra 6:8-12. 7:12,1S. e Ps. 2:11. 99:1-3. 119:120. Is. 66:2. Jer. 10:10. Luke 12:5. Heb. 12:29.
f 9:34. Deut. 5:26. 1 Sam. 17: 26,36. Hos. 1:10. Acts 17:25.
4:10. 5:14.
h See on 2:44, 4:3,34.-Ps. 29: 10. 145:12:13. Is. 9:7. Matt. 6.13. Luke 1:33. Rev. 11:15.
gally exposed to the same sentence, which they sought to bring upon the innocent; for this has been a salutary provision in many nations. ( Note , Deut . 19:15-21.) The ringleaders, however, of the conspiracy were cast into the den: for we cannot suppose that all the great men before mentioned were thus condemned, (7) nor indeed could the lions have devoured so great a number at one time. If Darius had thus punished the criminals alone, and had not cast their wives and children with them into the den, the sentence would have been unexceptionable: but that which he actually pronounced was both unjust and cruel. Yet, by this measure, the reality and greatness of the miracle wrought in Daniel's deliverance
27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders, in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
how seldom are many of them decidedly of "an excellent spirit!" And how seldom do kings prefer men entirely on that account! Yet nothing else can fully prevent damage to both prince and people. In some cases, men may continue in favor and power, notwithstanding repeated and entire revolutions; not by a criminal fickleness, but through an immoveable adherence to integrity and prudence, and a readiness by every lawful means to do good to mankind.-Extraordinary honor, wisdom, or exaltation always excite envy and enmity; but especially where one man's inflexible honesty disappoints or detects the iniquity and avarice of numbers, Those who are thus exposed to the view, malice, and severe scru
were evidenced: for the lions soon mastered tiny of multitudes, who are their competitors and destroyed them all; by which it appeared, and enemies, need to act with great circumthat they were exceedingly fierce and raven-spection and wisdom; that no fault or error, ous, and only restrained by a supernatural no evil "or appearance of evil," may be found
power; which being removed, they became through hunger the more voracious. ( Marg . Ref . Notes, Esth . 2:2-4. 7:10. 8:8,11-13.)
V. 25-28. After this, Darius, perhaps by Daniel's counsel, and in imitation of Nebuchadnezzar's example, published an account of these facts to all his subjects in their several languages; and decreed, that they should all "tremble and fear before the God of Daniel." He spake, in this address, very honorably of the Lord, as "the living God;" of the immutable stedfastness of his purposes, laws, and authority; and of his power to work miracles, and to deliver his servants; and he required his people to do him honor.
But it does not appear, that he renounced idolatry, to become the worshipper of JEHOVAH: and his language is not comparable to that of Nebuchadnezzar's, after his restoration to his reason and his throne; especially it wants that savor of humiliation and self-abasement, which appears in the other. (Marg.
Ref . b-k.- Notes , 2:46-49. 4:1-3,34-37.)-These events, thus authoritatively made known through so many nations, must have exceedingly tended to prepare the way for the diffusion of further light, by the Jews who went to sojourn in different countries, and at length by the preaching of the Gospel. After this, Daniel continued in authority and prosperity under Darius, and his successor Cyrus who reigned seven years. Daniel was living in the third year of Cyrus; but probably he died not long after. ( Marg . Ref . 1.-10:1.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-9.
Piety, wisdom, and integrity are profitable to a man, in all possible ble circumstances: and often induce others to favor such as possess them, merely from regard to their own interests. In large kingdoms numbers must be employed in managing public affairs: but alas!
in them: and it is very honorable to God and religion, when the most enraged and pertinacious opponents can find no fault with any part of the conduct of an eminent believer, except they can convert his piety and stedfastness in the faith into an accusation against him.
He who enabled Daniel thus to "walk in wisdom towards them that were without," in his difficult situation, and thus wrought more powerfully than when he protected him in the den of lions, is equally able to give us wisdom and "grace sufficient for us," that we may copy his example, and "by well-doing put to shame" and silence, "those that falsely accuse our good conversation in Christ." Yet this conduct of believers often drives their enemies to open persecution, as their only weapon.-How commonly are powerful princes surrounded by designing men, whose flatteries are the covering of their malice and selfishness! and how do pride and vain-glory lay men open to be imposed on by the grossest artifices!
They, who affect to be honored as gods, are proved to want the understanding of men: and the palpable absurdities, which have been sanctioned by the authority of renowned monarchs, and by the approbation of senates and councils, appear like a libel on human nature, as if intended to expose the folly and impiety of our fallen race. It is well that no human laws can deprive us of the privilege of asking petitions of the God of heaven: for except he continually uphold, pro tect, and supply us with all things needful for soul and body, we must sink into extreme misery.
Were the Lord as regardless of men, as they are of him, and did he withhold his communications as long as they do their petitions and thanksgivings, thanksgivings, they would speedily be left without comfort or hope. Yet how little is this considered! Indeed it is to be feared, that those who (without any prohibitory decree,) present no hearty and serious prayers