Daniel 6:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 6:20
20 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?
Chapter Context
Daniel 6 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, covenant, truth. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 6:20
20 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?
Analysis
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.
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?
Cross-References
- References God: Jeremiah 32:17, Hebrews 7:25
- Kingdom: Daniel 3:17, 6:16
- Parallel theme: Daniel 6:27, Genesis 18:14, 1 Chronicles 16:11, Psalms 73:23, 2 Corinthians 1:10, James 1:25