Daniel 6:2
And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The Persian Empire (539-331 BC) under Darius (likely Darius I, 522-486 BC, or possibly Darius the Mede mentioned in Daniel 5:31) implemented sophisticated administrative systems to govern vast territories from India to Greece. The three-tier structure (king, presidents/satraps, provincial governors) enabled efficient governance while preventing any single administrator from accumulating dangerous power.
Accountability mechanisms were crucial in ancient empires where distance from the capital enabled corruption. Regular reports and oversight by chief administrators like Daniel protected royal revenue and maintained imperial control. Daniel's position at approximately 85 years old demonstrates that age and foreign origin did not disqualify him when competence and integrity were proven.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's excellence in serving earthly authority while maintaining faithfulness to God model proper Christian engagement with secular employment?
- What does Daniel's prominence at 85+ years teach about God's use of His servants across entire lifetimes regardless of age or changing circumstances?
- How should knowing that excellence often provokes envious opposition prepare you for workplace conflict rooted in others' resentment of your integrity?
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Analysis & Commentary
The administrative structure—"three presidents" (Hebrew sarekin, סָרְכִין) overseeing provincial governors—demonstrates sophisticated imperial organization. Daniel held the preeminent position ("first") among these three chief administrators, indicating his exceptional trustworthiness and competence. The purpose clause "that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage" reveals the system's design: accountability preventing corruption and financial loss to the crown.
Daniel's elevation to first president under Persian rule (after serving Babylonian kings) demonstrates both his administrative brilliance and God's sovereign preservation of His servant across regime changes. His prominence inevitably provoked envy among subordinates, setting up the conspiracy that follows. Excellence in service to earthly masters, rooted in faithfulness to God, often generates opposition from those whose compromised character can't compete.
The phrase "the king should have no damage" emphasizes that Daniel's role served the king's interests, not merely bureaucratic administration. This points to believers' proper relationship with earthly authority: genuine service to governing authorities as unto the Lord (Romans 13:1-7), while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God. Christ demonstrated this balance perfectly, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's while giving to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21), and believers follow this pattern when their excellence serves earthly masters without compromising heavenly citizenship.