Daniel 6:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 6:13
13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Chapter Context
Daniel 6 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, worship, wisdom. Written during the Babylonian and Persian periods (c. 605-530 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Demonstrates faithful living under foreign rule during the Babylonian and Persian empires.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Daniel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Daniel 6:13
13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Analysis
Now they spring the trap: 'Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.' The accusation combines ethnic prejudice ('children of the captivity of Judah'), alleged disrespect ('regardeth not thee'), and specific charge (violating the decree). The phrase 'regardeth not thee' frames religious conviction as political disloyalty. The detail 'three times a day' shows they monitored his practice. The trap is perfect—the king must either violate his own law or execute his most valuable administrator.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern court politics often exploited ethnic tensions. Identifying Daniel as captive from Judah stokes resentment—why should exiled foreigner refuse law that native officials obey? The timing matters—Daniel had served since Nebuchadnezzar (605 BC), now circa 538 BC, nearly 70 years. He'd survived multiple regimes while maintaining faith. The accusation's framing shows how religious persecution often disguises itself as enforcing neutral laws or protecting political stability. Throughout history, believers' faithfulness has been misrepresented as political subversion.
Reflection
- How does framing Daniel's faithfulness as 'regarding not thee' demonstrate how religious conviction gets misrepresented as political disloyalty?
- What does the ethnic dimension of the accusation teach about how persecution often combines religious and ethnic prejudices?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Daniel 2:25, 3:12, 5:13, Esther 3:8
- Parallel theme: Acts 5:29