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.
The phrase "when Daniel knew" indicates Daniel was fully aware of the decree making prayer to anyone except King Darius a capital offense, yet he deliberately continued his prayer practice. The words "went into his house" emphasize that this was his habitual practice, not a public display—Daniel prayed privately as he always had. "His windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem" reflects Solomon's prayer: when in exile, Israelites should pray toward Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:48).
"He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God" describes Daniel's disciplined prayer life. The threefold pattern may reflect morning, afternoon, and evening prayers (Psalm 55:17). Significantly, Daniel not only prayed but "gave thanks." Even facing death, Daniel's prayers included thanksgiving, demonstrating faith that trusts God's goodness regardless of circumstances.
The phrase "as he did aforetime" is crucial—Daniel didn't begin praying when crisis came but maintained lifelong habits that sustained him in testing. This passage teaches:
genuine faithfulness is rooted in daily spiritual disciplines
believers must obey God rather than human authorities when they conflict
thanksgiving should characterize prayer even in dire circumstances.
Historical Context
This event occurred circa 539-538 BC, shortly after the Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon under Darius the Mede. Daniel was approximately 80-85 years old, having served in high government positions for over 65 years through regime changes. His exceptional ability prompted jealous rivals to seek his destruction, knowing they could "find no occasion nor fault" in his administrative duties (Daniel 6:4).
The decree forbidding prayer to anyone except the king for thirty days was designed specifically to trap Daniel. Ancient Near Eastern rulers often claimed divine or semi-divine status, making refusal to worship them tantamount to treason.
Questions for Reflection
What daily spiritual disciplines sustain your faith during crisis—and are you practicing them consistently now, before testing comes?
How do you balance submission to governing authorities with obedience to God when they conflict?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase "when Daniel knew" indicates Daniel was fully aware of the decree making prayer to anyone except King Darius a capital offense, yet he deliberately continued his prayer practice. The words "went into his house" emphasize that this was his habitual practice, not a public display—Daniel prayed privately as he always had. "His windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem" reflects Solomon's prayer: when in exile, Israelites should pray toward Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:48).
"He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God" describes Daniel's disciplined prayer life. The threefold pattern may reflect morning, afternoon, and evening prayers (Psalm 55:17). Significantly, Daniel not only prayed but "gave thanks." Even facing death, Daniel's prayers included thanksgiving, demonstrating faith that trusts God's goodness regardless of circumstances.
The phrase "as he did aforetime" is crucial—Daniel didn't begin praying when crisis came but maintained lifelong habits that sustained him in testing. This passage teaches: