Excellent Spirit
Dan 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom
Dan 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.
One hundred twenty princes of the land who were accountable to three presidents, and Daniel was given the authority as the first president. He was recognized by each king as a man of an excellent spirit. Now it seems that we elect people who make promises they do not intend to keep. If they do not keep their word, they are not of an excellent spirit. What was this excellent spirit? It was the holy spirit of God. Daniel had wisdom and people knew he was different, as Joseph was different as he served in Egypt.
Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
Gen 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
Prov 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Dan 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Daniel, who now was in his eighties, was known for his excellent spirit and wisdom. The king knew that he was to be trusted. Will others say this of our character? Can we be trusted, even by the leaders of the world? We are to be like our Lord Jesus, who was of an excellent spirit.
John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
John 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Decree
Dan 6:4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Why would the remaining two presidents and the princes seek to find wrong doing in Daniel? Because he was good and had the most honor, they feared him and wanted to unseat him because he made them angry and jealous. They could not be the first in power, so they sought to tear down the one so favored. I can imagine that each of us have been attacked or perhaps in our old nature have attacked another, to bring them down. The devil hates the righteous and actively seeks to bring them down.
Dan 6:5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
How current this thinking is. The laws of God are not allowed in public, but there is guaranteed "freedom" to engage in all manner of evil pursuits. Read the news and you will agree.
Dan 6:6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
They came in unity, there is power in unity for good or for evil. The king was approached with flattering words; another thing to avoid are those who come with flattering lips, they are subtle with their words, with hearts filled with guile.
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Watch out for the subtle words placed in your thoughts by the devil. To think them is poison to your soul. If you have received discouraging words, cast them down. God only seeks to bless you. If you are in sin, repent for it may be you are receiving the conviction of God's spirit. If others sin against you, it is not your sin, you are God's child. Walk in his spirit of love;
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
1 Pet 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Dan 6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Dan 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
Dan 6:9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
The king, thinking the decree was to honor him, is quick to sign the decree. Laws, hastily made, give a place for men of evil intentions. This was not about giving glory to the king, it was about destroying God's anointed servant, Daniel. Be slow to make covenants and promises that cannot be broken. God requires us to keep our word. If we know we cannot keep our word it is best to not speak. The only exception is to speak through faith regarding the promises of God. For if we make our promises based on God's word, He is responsible to fulfill his word through our faith and obedience to him. All other oaths we should not make, as Jesus taught in Matthew.
Mat 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
Mat 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Mat 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Mat 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
Mat 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
To believe in God's word is a requirement.
2 Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Wicked Law
Dan 6:10 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.
Daniel had a regular schedule of prayer, how could anyone fault his personal quiet time with the LORD?
2 Sam 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
1 Chr 16:8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
1 Chr 16:9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
1 Chr 16:10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
1 Chr 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
1 Chr 16:12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
Dan 6:11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
The two presidents and the princes, who wrote the decree.
Dan 6:5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
Popular opinion polls should not be the basis for laws or for truth. God is true, He is the lawgiver. All must answer to him, and yet sinful men remove his words from public life and make it against the law to do the right thing. The devil twists the things of God. Rebellious people write their own shame as laws.
Dan 6:12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
They enforce their law by reminding the king of his absolute law. His word could not be broken, nor can God's word. God is greater.
Isa 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
Isa 5:19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isa 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe unto our wicked laws that favor what the LORD hates.
Dan 6:13 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.
They had trapped the noble Daniel, making that which is holy unto God a sin.
Psa 94:20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
Psa 94:21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
Psa 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
Psa 94:23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.
We must continue in prayer, for God is our strength. He will show us the way and deliver us from evil.
Unalterable Law
Dan 6:14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
Dan 6:15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
The king regretted the law he had made, because it was aimed at his favored president, Daniel. The laws of the Medo-Persians could not be altered or changed. No matter of concern or works could alter the law. This is a picture of God's law, it too is not altered or changed. No amount of work or good deeds can save you from sin's punishment. The punishment requires death. God provided his own son, Jesus to meet the requirements of His unalterable law. Jesus kept all the laws and was the one who took our death sentence. He took our death upon himself. He shed his blood as the perfect and righteous sacrifice for sin.
Dan 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
David's Psalm expresses the need
Psa 71:2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
Psa 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Psa 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
Psa 71:5 For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
Dan 6:17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
The kings seal and the signets of his lords were laid upon the mouth of the lions den. Daniel was inside and no one was allowed to open the seals until the time of daybreak. Only God would deliver his chosen one. The wrath of man and the hungry lions were facing Daniel. He trusted in the LORD GOD for his salvation. Daniel's salvation and life was in the hand of the LORD. Man will have his time but God will open the seals of God's judgment on the children of disobedience. Daniel put his trust in the LORD. Daniel was always speaking with his God in prayer and our God listened and responded. Let us be as faithful as Daniel was in prayer.
1 Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Daniel Delivered
Dan 6:18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
He had caused Daniel to be thrown into the lion's den by subtle envious men, seeking more personal power. They had pretended to honor the king, but in truth they were seeking to destroy Daniel. The king was unable to sleep from concern for his friend. Was he fasting to hear from God?
Fasting is often to really hear and to find God's favor in a crisis. As in the book of Esther.
Est 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Dan 6:19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
Dan 6:20 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?
Perhaps the king remembered the story of the three young men who were thrown into the fiery furnace?
Dan 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan 6:21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
Daniel was alive! He spoke a blessing to the king; O king live for ever. See the glory of my God, trust in him and the Messiah and live forever.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Dan 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
One angel was with Daniel, enough to calm or bring fear to all the hungry lions in the pit. Daniel was not hurt because the LORD saw he was innocent. His prayers were answered. We do not wait until we are in danger to call out to God. We should always be speaking and listening. The LORD protects his own.
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Dan 6:23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
The king was filled with joy when Daniel was brought out of the pit unhurt. When Jesus delivers a person from satans pit, the king of kings is exceeding glad for them.
Isa 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Psa 40:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Psa 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
Psa 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psa 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Dan 6:24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
All who plotted against Daniel were destroyed and their families. Their bones were broken by the fierce lions before they reached the bottom of the pit.
Psa 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Psa 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
Psa 7:13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
Psa 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
Psa 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
Psa 7:16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Fear God
Dan 6:25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
The king in his gratitude and excitement, with joy spilling over speaks peace to all the world. Many are seeking for world peace, yet it can only come through God and his son, Jesus. There is no other true peace. The glory of God received brings peace, as with the angelic host who announced the birth of baby Jesus.
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Dan 6:26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
This decree followed the decree honoring the king. There is a greater king to honor than the king of Babylon, let men everywhere, fear and tremble before the God of Daniel. The king was a believer in this God of wonders and miracles, he commanded that he was to be worshipped as the God of all. Was he also the personal God of the king? To know what is the right way should be followed by personal acceptance and obedience. Do you know the truth and walk in truth?
Dan 6:27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Daniel, delivers and rescues, he works signs and miracles in heaven, and in earth. He is the creator of all, the deliverer, and merciful loving king. An angel from heaven stopped the lions from harming Daniel as he rested in the pit of the earth.
Psa 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Psa 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Psa 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Deu 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
Dan 6:28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
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