And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
The king's sleepless night and early return demonstrate his anxiety: 'Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.' The phrase 'very early' and 'in haste' show he couldn't wait—he spent the night in anguish wondering if Daniel survived. This pagan king's concern for God's servant demonstrates how faithful living creates genuine relationships even with unbelievers. Darius's anxiety parallels the women hurrying to Jesus's tomb (Mark 16:2)—both situations involve sealed places where death seemed certain but divine deliverance occurred.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings typically began days with elaborate morning rituals and audiences. Darius's immediate trip to the lion's den, abandoning normal protocol, shows extraordinary concern. The king's sleepless night (v. 18—no music, no food) demonstrates genuine distress over Daniel's fate. This contrasts with typical royal indifference to subjects' suffering. Darius's emotional investment in Daniel reflects decades of faithful service that transcended mere professional relationship to create genuine regard.
Questions for Reflection
How does faithful service create genuine relationships that transcend professional or cultural boundaries?
What does Darius's anxiety teach about how our faithfulness under trial affects those who watch, creating concern and investment in the outcome?
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Analysis & Commentary
The king's sleepless night and early return demonstrate his anxiety: 'Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.' The phrase 'very early' and 'in haste' show he couldn't wait—he spent the night in anguish wondering if Daniel survived. This pagan king's concern for God's servant demonstrates how faithful living creates genuine relationships even with unbelievers. Darius's anxiety parallels the women hurrying to Jesus's tomb (Mark 16:2)—both situations involve sealed places where death seemed certain but divine deliverance occurred.