Daniel 6:1-15, Daniel, the Man of Prayer

 There is one other question concerning the record of history and the record of the Bible: who is Darius the Mede (5:31; 6:1)?  In history this is yet unresolved.  Media was joined with Persia with Cyrus being the overall ruler of the empire.  Ug-Baru was to have been the leader of the Mede army, but he died 3 weeks after the take-over.  Cyrus replaced him with Gu-Baru, whom many believe was Darius the Mede.

Further on this matter, history refers to this Darius as “Xerxes II,” the son of Ahasuerus (not the same king as in the story of Esther).  Why does Daniel call him “Darius”?  The name Darius includes the connotation of “ruler,” which would make sense in Daniel’s record.

History does tell us that this first ruler of Babylon under the Medes and Persians was like the man described in Daniel 6.  He was a sensual man; the nightly entertainment of 6:18 fits.  He was impulsive; making such a stupid law without thinking it through fits.  He was proud; requiring people to only pray to him also is fitting.  And history says he was somewhat disengaged from his responsibilities, not known for great government but more interested in revelry.

So Darius did delegate governmental responsibility.  And what a testimony to Daniel’s character and wisdom, to be a lead ruler in the new kingdom as he had been under Nebuchadnezzar.  The high position given to Daniel aroused envy among others.  Alexander McLaren (in his commentary on this passage) suggests three reasons for this envy: Daniel was a foreigner, a YAHWEH worshiper, and he was competent.  McLaren goes on to say, unfavorable circumstances are the most favorable for the development of Christian character … remember Daniel, in that godless court, reeking with lust and cruelty, and learn that purity and holiness and communion with God do not depend on environment, but upon the inmost will of the man.  When confronted by the king’s edict, Daniel did what he always did: he prayed to his God!  Consider these simple thoughts about Daniel’s prayer life (v10).

·       It was personal, in his house.

·       It was private, in a room (Matt. 6:6).

·       It was obedient, toward Jerusalem.  Solomon prayed for this in 1 Ki. 8:30,38,48-50: when Your people are in captivity and pray towards this place, hear them Lord!

·       It was humble, kneeling before God.  This is the position for pleading with God.  Study it in 1 Ki. 8:54 (with hands spread to heaven), Ezra 9:5-6; Lk. 22:41 (Jesus in the Garden), Ac. 7:60 (Stephen), 9:40 (Peter), and 21:6 (believers with Paul).

·       It was faithful, three times a day.  David did the same: Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud (Ps. 55:17).

·       It was thankful, giving thanks.  He was not whining about still being captive.  Daniel had been there for around 70 years.  Yet, he remembered God’s goodness.