1 Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. 3 Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

4 Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel, unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

6 So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! 7 All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. 8 Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Andy Rowland

Here for the third time, Daniel, an exiled Jew, finds favour with the king who occupies his homeland, and is appointed as a ruler over the enemy kingdom. This could be an occasion for him to neglect God and his people, to make the most of this very privileged position. It would be all too easy for him to assimilate into the culture and people around him, reaping all the potential benefits, and yet Daniel remains devoted to the Lord God and to his people Israel, as we will see clearly in Chapter 9.

Another opportunity Daniel has is to work half-heartedly, undermining the man who continues the occupation of Israel and exile of the Israelites. In such a position, it is so easy to only do what is necessary, working begrudgingly and selfishly.

As I've studied and worked, these have been very present temptations throughout my life, and many I've spoken to. It does take an extraordinary spirit to overcome it, and God has provided us with his very own spirit to do so!

Yet, because Daniel fears the Lord, he works hard and diligently. There's no deceit, no corruption, and no negligence in all he does. He isn't working for his own benefit; rather, Daniel is working from a fear and honour of God above men, even as he serves an enemy king. Colossians 3:23-24 helps me understand his work more clearly, as it reveals explicitly that the efforts of our labour and their rewards are not ultimately earthly, but will be given by God in heaven!

As Daniel's work prospers, he angers those who are working out of selfish ambition, for their own deficiencies are exposed. And the only way that they can get to him is by pushing into what makes him distinct, his love for God.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andy is one of our Student Ministers.