In Daniel 2:1, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled his spirit, but none of his men could recall and interpret his dream (2:2-12). However, with the help of God, Daniel was able. The dream consisted of a “great image” made of various materials (2:28, 31-45). According to the dream, the Babylonian Empire, represented by the head of gold, would be destroyed by the Medo-Persian Empire, represented by the breast and arms of silver. In Daniel 5:30-31, the dream came to fruition when Belshazzar was killed, and Darius the Median took the kingdom.
In most instances, a ruler of a conquered kingdom would not be preserved to serve in any capacity in the occupying kingdom. Yet, Daniel, now second ruler of Babylon (5:29), was made one of three presidents who reported directly to Darius to ensure that the kingdom was operating efficiently (6:1-2). Daniel’s reputation must have preceded him. From his youth he was dedicated to God first, and he allowed his dedication to lead him in every aspect of his life (1:8-9). He challenged the king when necessary (1:8-9), told the truth even when it hurt (4:19; Proverbs 27:6) and maintained a reputation of dependability (5:10-11).
Unfortunately, many people soil their reputations and have difficulty influencing others for good thereafter (Ecclesiastes 12:1; 10:1; 1 Corinthians 9:27). Apparently, after a period of time, Darius noticed that Daniel’s reputation was warranted. His true character was consistent with his reputation, and the king promoted Daniel to “chief” president (6:3). Have you ever revered someone only to determine that their character was far different than their reputation (Luke 6:26)? Daniel was a man whose character matched perfectly with his reputation.
The promotion of Daniel provoked other servants in the kingdom to jealousy and envy. Envy is a powerful force and can cause one to go to great lengths to destroy the well-being of another (Proverbs 27:4; Matthew 27:18). The other servants sought any pretext (“occasion”) in Daniel’s life to bring accusation against him. However, they had a problem. There was no error or fault to be found (6:4). They determined, then, that the only pretext for punishment was going to have to derive out of Daniel’s faithfulness to God’s Law. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all Christians were able to maintain such good conduct that the only accusation against them was their unwavering devotion to God? Their influence would be extraordinary (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:16-17).
Like most plans originating out of envy, the plan to harm Daniel began with a lie. The other servants approached the king and told him that “all the presidents” and servants had met and determined that a decree should be made that prayers could only be offered to the king for a thirty day period. If the decree was broken, the violator would be thrown into a den of lions (6:7). Daniel, the most important president, was conveniently left out of the meeting. Darius, blinded by his own ego, signed the law according to the Medes and the Persians, which prevented it from being changed (6:8 -9). The trap had been set; would Daniel be caught?
Daniel was not “caught,” but rather he knowingly violated the decree. After the decree had been signed, “he went into his house; and his windows being open… he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (6:10). What courage! Many excuses could have relieved his conscience from urging him to serve his God. Instead, with deep-seated trust, he did according to his custom and humbly prayed to Almighty God three times daily. What is your custom? Is it one of service to God (Luke 4:16)?
Daniel’s dependability was not only noticed by the king, but it was also noticed by his enemies. They found him just where they expected, on bended knee in prayer to his God (6:11). Where would the world expect to find you?
Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, but the God he continually served delivered him unscathed (6:16, 26-27; Hebrews 11:33). Daniel’s reputation, character, courage and dependability serve to challenge God’s people today to maintain faithful lives before Him.
