Daniel 6

Daniel 6:1

DArius] A wonderfull year; for Babels fall, lions humblenesse, the Angels oration, two Emperours Christian proclamations, and a generall subsidie over an hundred and twenty nations for Judahs return.

an hundred] Read Esther 1:1.

Daniel 6:2

have no damage] In his layings out or comings in; others, that the king might not be molested.

Daniel 6:3

was preferred] This heathen King preferred Daniel a stranger to all his Nobles and familiars, because the graces of God were more excellent in him, then in others.

Daniel 6:4

sought to finde occasion] Thus the wicked cannot abide the graces of God in others, but seek by all occasions to deface them; therefore against such assaults there is no better remedy then to walk uprightly in the fear of God, and to keepe a good conscience.

none occasion] Subject of accusation.

Daniel 6:5

except we finde] Wicked mens consciences tell them that good men are constant in their religion.

Daniel 6:6

these presidents] The power of innocent Princes is often abused by their officers.

assembled together] Or, came tumultuously. The Chaldee terme of Daniel is also Hebrew, and from Psal 2. 1. Wherefore did the heathen rage tumultuously, or keep a stirre? And doubtlesse Daniels spirit thought of David his fathers term.

Daniel 6:7

to establish] To present it, and to obtaine from the King the confirmation, that so it might receive the force of a law.

royall statute] In Chaldee, a statute for the king. The pretence of projectors is the honour or benefit of the King, but they aym at their own ends, though it be in the ruine of the subjects.

decree] Or, interdict.

Daniel 6:8

according to the law] Esther 1. 19. and 8. 8. These Barons, through flattery towards Darius (partner with Cyrus in the conquest of Babel) of the nation of Media, required of him, that he would make a Law after the manner of his own Countrey, being now King of Chaldea. Others say that all this fell out in the Citie of Susan, a Province of Persia, subject to the Chaldeans, where Daniel was Governour, Daniel 8:2. and that in this Citie and Countrey the lawes of Persia were observed.

altereth not] Chald. passeth not.

Daniel 6:9

signed the writing] Herein is condemned the wickednesse of the King, who would be set up as a god, and passed not what wicked lawes he approved for the maintenance of the same.

Daniel 6:10

his windows being open] Because he would not by his silence shew that he consented to this wicked decree, he set open his windows toward Jerusalem, when he prayed; both to stirre up himself with remembrance of Gods promises to his people, when they should pray toward the Temple, 1 Kings 8:48. and also that others might see, that he would neither consent in heart nor deed for these few dayes to any thing that was contrary to Gods glory.

three times a day] Morning, noon, and evening, which were the three hours of quotidian prayers of the Jews, Psalms 55:17. No danger can keepe good men from accustomed workes of pietie.

Daniel 6:15

may be changed] Thus the wicked maintain evill laws by constancy, and authority, which is oft times either lightnesse, or stubbornnesse, when a the innocents thereby perish; and therefore Governours neither ought to fear, nor be ashamed to break such.

Daniel 6:16

the King commanded] Well disposed Kings sometimes are forced by bad servants to do things they like not. 2 Samuel 3:39.

the purpose might not be changed] In the execution of the Edict. See Matthew 27:66.

Daniel 6:18

instruments] Or, table.

Daniel 6:21

Then said Daniel] With a voice not distressed, as that of the Kings.

live for ever] Chap. 2. 4.

Daniel 6:22

shut the lions mouthes] The glorious presence of the Angel might strike fear into the lions: so Balaams Asse was affraid of the Angel, Numbers 22:27. & 33.

innocency was sound] My just cause and uprightnesse in this thing, wherein I was charged, is approved of God, who standeth by them that stand to him; not for the merit of the godly, but for his mercy, doing them good; and moved thereto both for his promise and justice. 1 Timothy 4:8. 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:7.

no hurt] For he did disobey the Kings wicked commandment to obey God, and so did no injury to the king, who ought to command nothing whereby God should be dishonoured.

Daniel 6:23

beleeved in his God] Because he committed himself wholly unto God, whose cause he did defend, he was assured that nothing but good could come unto him: wherein we see the power of faith, as Hebrews 11:33.

Daniel 6:24

accused Daniel] See note Chap 3. 8.

cast them into the den of lions] This is a terrible example against all the wicked, which do against their conscience make cruell laws to destroy the children of God; and also admonisheth Princes how to punish such when their wickednesse is come to light; though not in every point or with like circumstances, yet to execute true justice upon them. See Psalm. 7. 16. and 9. 16.

brake all their bones] Persecutors oft times have bloody ends, as here, and Chap. 3. 22.

Daniel 6:25

wrote unto all people] Chap. 3. 29. and 4. 1.

Daniel 6:26

fear before the God of Daniel] God maketh heathen Princes sometime to acknowledge his power; see Chap. 3. 29.

the living God] Which hath not onely life in himself, but is the onely fountain of life, and quickeneth all things, so that without him there is no life. 1 Samuel 2:6. Acts 17:25.

which shall not be destroyed] Chap. 2. 44. and 4. 3. and 7. 14, 27. Luke 1:33.

Daniel 6:27

power] Heb. hand.

Daniel 6:28

Cyrus the Persian] Chap. 1. 21.