September 15

Daniel 4-6 (biblegateway.com)

God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness in the Face of Pride

After seeing God’s protection over Daniel and his friends in exile and their faithfulness under trial in chapters 1–3, Daniel 4–6 highlights God’s sovereignty over kings and kingdoms, demonstrating that earthly power is subject to His authority and that humility and obedience bring blessing while pride and defiance bring judgment.

Daniel 4 records King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a towering tree that is cut down, representing his pride and coming humbling. God’s authority is demonstrated as the king is humbled until he acknowledges the Lord’s supreme sovereignty. Daniel 5 shifts to Belshazzar, whose arrogance and sacrilege during a royal feast provoke God’s judgment, culminating in the mysterious writing on the wall and the fall of Babylon. Daniel 6 recounts Daniel’s unwavering faithfulness when he is thrown into the lions’ den for praying to God despite a royal decree forbidding it. God miraculously preserves him, showcasing His power to protect those who honor and obey Him. Together, these chapters illustrate that God governs history, humbles the proud, and rewards steadfast obedience.

Daniel 4: The Second Dream of Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 4 records this incident late in his reign, likely around 570 B.C., after his great building projects were complete and at the height of his power. He endured seven years of madness before being restored, probably near the end of his 43-year rule. Extra-biblical texts, including Babylonian records about Nabonidus and the Dead Sea Scrolls’ “Prayer of Nabonidus,” bear similarities to Daniel’s account, though they describe a different king and a different kind of affliction. This event shows the Most High God’s sovereignty over the world’s most powerful ruler and fits chronologically about three decades after the fiery furnace, when Daniel was about 50 years old (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

The narrative begins at the end of the story, with the letter of praise to God that Nebuchadnezzar wrote after his recovery. In the letter, King Nebuchadnezzar addresses all the peoples, nations, and languages under heaven, this time not demanding idolatry, but offering a greeting of peace (v. 1). He then declares that he wishes to share the extraordinary works of the Most High God that he has personally experienced (v. 2). In praise of God, he acknowledges the greatness of His signs and wonders, and notes that God’s kingdom is eternal, with dominion that extends from generation to generation (v. 3).

This marks a turning point as the once-persecuting king becomes a witness to God’s power. However, his praise did not yet reflect full submission, reminding readers that outward profession is not the same as inward faith. Ultimately, Nebuchadnezzar affirms God’s sovereignty, proclaiming His kingdom to be eternal and His rule extending to every generation.

Nebuchadnezzar recounts that he was living in ease and prosperity, enjoying the security and comfort of his palace when a troubling dream came to him (v. 4). The dream alarmed him greatly, and the visions he saw while lying in bed filled him with fear (v. 5). Realizing he could not understand it on his own, he summoned all the wise men of Babylon, including magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, hoping they could reveal the meaning of his vision (v. 6).

However, none of these advisors could interpret the dream, showing the limits of human wisdom apart from God’s guidance (v. 7). Finally, Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, is brought before the king. Nebuchadnezzar recognizes that Daniel possesses the spirit of the holy gods and that no mystery is too difficult for him (v. 8-9). He recounts the dream to Daniel, describing a great and strong tree in the midst of the earth, whose height reached the heavens and was visible to all the earth, providing food and shelter to all living creatures (v. 10–12). This imagery represents the extent and power of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom, as well as his influence over the nations.

In his dream, Nebuchadnezzar saw a “watcher,” a holy messenger from heaven, descend with a decree of judgment (v. 13). The great tree was to be cut down, its branches stripped, and its fruit scattered so that the animals and birds would flee (v. 14). Yet in mercy, God commanded that the stump and roots remain in the ground, bound with iron and bronze, preserving life in a limited way (v. 15). This showed that while judgment was certain, God’s hand of restraint would leave a remnant and allow restoration.

The decree went further: Nebuchadnezzar’s mind would be changed from that of a man to that of a beast, a condition that would last for “seven periods times” (v.16). The purpose of this humbling judgment is stated plainly: “that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He will, and sets up over it the lowliest of men” (v. 17).

Nebuchadnezzar, aware that this dream must carry great significance, then requests Daniel to interpret it for him, acknowledging that the king’s other wise men were unable to do so. Daniel is recognized for having a spirit from the holy gods and the wisdom to explain mysteries (v. 18). This sets the stage for a humbling message for the king.

When Daniel understood Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he was deeply stunned and troubled, unsure how to share its meaning with the king (v. 19). Unlike the first dream, which exalted Nebuchadnezzar as the head of gold (Dan. 2:38), this second dream would bring the king low. Observing Daniel’s hesitation, Nebuchadnezzar encouraged him not to be alarmed and to explain the dream. Daniel respectfully expressed that he wished the events foreshadowed by the dream would happen to the king’s enemies rather than to him, showing Daniel’s forgiveness and concern for the king despite the harm Nebuchadnezzar had caused to Daniel and his people.

Daniel then repeated the description of the great tree, its height, strength, and abundant provision for all creatures (v. 20–21). He explained clearly that the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar himself (v. 22). Tactfully, Daniel began with the good news: like the tree, Nebuchadnezzar had become great and strong, and his kingdom had been expanded and consolidated under his rule, surpassing any kingdom before it.

Then Daniel delivered the sobering part of the message. The cutting down of the tree, decreed by the Most High, meant that Nebuchadnezzar would be removed from his position of authority and driven away from human society. He would live among the wild animals and eat grass, in a condition described in the dream, until seven “periods of times” had passed (v. 23–25). While the exact length is not stated, the term “times” or "periods" is generally understood as years, indicating a period of seven years. Shorter periods could not account for the drastic changes described (v. 33). The number seven also carries the biblical idea of completeness, showing that this would be a full and sufficient time of divine discipline.

Daniel emphasized the purpose of this period: it would lead Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men and gives them to whomever He wills (v. 25). The stump of the tree, left in the field bound with iron and bronze, signified that Nebuchadnezzar’s life and kingdom would ultimately be preserved despite the coming judgment (v. 26). His restoration would occur only after he recognized that God rules over all kingdoms—“heaven rules” (v. 26).

God wanted Nebuchadnezzar, and all who read this account, to learn that no ruler, however great, is beyond His control. Earthly power is temporary, but God’s rule is ultimate. This remains one of the hardest lessons for mankind to accept: that God is sovereign over nations, leaders, and even our own plans. While He allows people the freedom to make choices, He sets the limits and works through them to accomplish His will.

Daniel then urged the king to repent by turning from pride and sin, practicing righteousness, and showing mercy to the oppressed (v. 27).

This appeal demonstrates that even a pagan ruler is accountable to God and that the consequences of sin can be mitigated through genuine humility and obedience. The dream served as both a warning and an opportunity: if Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself, the severe judgment foretold could have been avoided or delayed. The passage emphasizes God’s sovereign authority, His patience in allowing time for repentance, and the certainty of restoration for those who submit to His rule.

Despite Daniel’s warning and exhortation to repent, Nebuchadnezzar continued in his pride and did not humble himself. For twelve months, God showed patience, perhaps allowing time for repentance, yet the king persisted in seeing Babylon and its accomplishments as reflections of his personal power and glory (v. 28–30). From the roof of his royal palace, he admired the city, boasting of his might and achievements (v. 29–30). Immediately, the judgment foretold in the dream came to pass: a voice from heaven announced that his authority would be taken from him (v. 31).

Nebuchadnezzar was driven from the palace, and he lived in the field like a wild animal, eating grass and dwelling with the beasts, his body drenched with dew, his hair growing long like an eagle’s feathers, and his nails like a bird’s claws, neglecting his appearance entirely (v. 32–33).

Some interpreters have tried to identify Nebuchadnezzar’s madness with known illnesses, such as lycanthropy, a disorder in which a person imagines himself to be an animal. Others note that the description also resembles how ancient literature portrayed “primitive man,” lacking reason, hygiene, and civilized habits. Similar portrayals appear in myths like the Gilgamesh Epic (Enkidu), in stories of people driven from destroyed cities, and in other Mesopotamian texts where individuals cut off from society take on animal-like characteristics. For this reason, Nebuchadnezzar’s condition may not point to a specific medical diagnosis, but rather to his isolation and loss of kingly responsibility, living like an outcast. One fragmentary Babylonian text even hints that during such a period, Nebuchadnezzar’s son Amel-Marduk may have assumed some authority, though the evidence is too uncertain to be conclusive (IVP Bible Background Commentary).

Regardless of the exact condition, God’s actions demonstrated that despite his earthly power, Nebuchadnezzar was still subject to the Most High. This period of humbling illustrated that human pride can blind one to God’s sovereignty and that no amount of worldly achievement can replace submission to Him. Daniel’s plea, along with God’s patient delay, underscores both divine justice and mercy, but the king’s failure to repent resulted in the fulfillment of the dream.

At the end of the appointed period of seven “times” (v. 34), Nebuchadnezzar’s reason and sanity were fully restored, and he lifted his eyes to heaven, praising and honoring the Most High God (v. 34–35). The king who had once exalted himself and taken pride in his accomplishments now recognized that God’s dominion is eternal and that He rules over all peoples and nations according to His will (v. 34–35). Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that all are accountable to God and that His authority cannot be challenged (v. 35).

Because of this newfound humility, the king was restored to his throne and his kingdom, demonstrating that God is able both to humble the proud and to exalt those who submit to Him (v. 36–37). Nebuchadnezzar consistently praised, honored, and glorified the King of heaven, suggesting a permanent change in his attitude toward God and a life of reverent acknowledgment of His sovereignty (v. 37). Though he confessed God’s greatness and justice, he did not yet fully recognize the God of Israel as the only true God, but he accepted that the Most High reigns over all the earth.

Daniel 4 concludes with the dramatic restoration of Nebuchadnezzar, who, after seven years of living as a beast, finally acknowledges the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter opens a window into the profound truth that no human authority or achievement can stand apart from God’s will. Even a king as powerful as Nebuchadnezzar, whose reign was marked by wealth, conquest, and monumental building projects, is subject to God’s correction when pride blinds him to the One who reigns above all.

While scholars sometimes debate the historical details of Nebuchadnezzar’s period of insanity, whether it was a literal condition like lycanthropy or a symbolic illustration of divine discipline, the lesson is unmistakable: human pride provokes divine intervention, and humility is essential before God. Daniel’s interpretation reminds us that the measures of success in this world are fleeting, but the acknowledgment of God’s authority is enduring and life-transforming.

Nebuchadnezzar’s experience also shows how God’s correction is both purposeful and merciful. He allowed the king to experience the consequences of pride, yet He did not abandon him entirely. The stump of the tree left in place symbolizes restoration for those who repent and submit. In our own lives, we often face circumstances that humble us, whether through personal failure, relational conflict, or unexpected trials. These moments are opportunities to turn back to God, to realign our hearts with His purposes, and to recognize that all we have and all we are rests in His hand. It is a sober reminder that ignoring God’s warnings, as Nebuchadnezzar initially did, prolongs suffering, while a humble response brings restoration and blessing.

The story naturally invites self-examination. It asks us whether we are building our lives on God’s provision or on our own pride and accomplishments. Are we quick to acknowledge His authority and give Him glory, or do we take credit for what is ultimately His work?

Nebuchadnezzar’s proclamation at the end of the chapter offers a model of transformed perspective: having been humbled, he praises, exalts, and glorifies the Most High continually, recognizing that God’s dominion is eternal and that human beings are accountable to Him.

This final testimony is both inspiring and challenging, showing that even those who have long resisted God’s authority can be brought to genuine acknowledgment and worship. It encourages all who read this story to cultivate humility, trust in God’s guidance, and respond to His correction with obedience and faith, knowing that He is both just in His discipline and gracious in His restoration.

Daniel 5: Belshazzar’s Feast and God’s Judgment

The opening chapters of Daniel (1–4) focus on the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful monarch who expanded and united the Babylonian Empire. After ruling for forty-three years, he died in 562 B.C., leaving behind a kingdom that quickly descended into turmoil. His son, Evil-Merodach, reigned only two years (562–560 B.C.) before being murdered by his brother-in-law, Neriglissar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son-in-law.

Neriglissar ruled for four years (560–556 B.C.) and is identified with Nergal-Sharezer in Jeremiah 39:3, 13. At his death, the throne passed to his young son Labashi-Marduk, whose reign lasted barely two months before he was assassinated. The crown then went to Nabonidus, who ruled for seventeen years (556–539 B.C.). Influenced by his mother, a high priestess of the moon god at Haran, Nabonidus devoted himself to restoring Babylonian religion and rebuilding temples, including the shrine of the moon god Sin.

He was absent from Babylon for nearly ten of his seventeen years, spending much of that time in Arabia. In his absence, he appointed his eldest son, Belshazzar, as co-regent. This explains why Belshazzar is called “king” in Daniel 5 and why he exercised royal authority even though Nabonidus remained the official ruler (Bible Knowledge Commentary).

Chapter 5 opens with Babylon being besieged by the Persian army, led by Ugbaru, governor of Gutium, while Belshazzar, inside the city, was giving a great banquet for 1,000 of his nobles. The feast included drinking wine and honoring the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone with sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem (v. 1–4). This act of irreverence displayed both contempt for God and a reliance on human strength and Babylonian idolatry, even as the Persian army was approaching. Historically, Belshazzar was the son and co-regent of Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon, and his “father,” Nebuchadnezzar, is referred to in an ancestral sense, emphasizing his connection to a line of powerful rulers (IVP Bible Background Commentary).

During Belshazzar’s feast, a mysterious human hand appeared and wrote a message on the plaster wall opposite the lampstand (v. 5). The king was immediately terrified; his face turned pale, his knees knocked, and he lost strength in his legs (v. 6). In desperation, he called for his wise men, enchanters, astrologers, and Chaldeans to interpret the writing, offering lavish rewards, including purple robes, gold chains, and the third-highest position in the kingdom (v. 7). Despite the incentives, they could neither read nor interpret the message, leaving the king and his nobles in confusion and heightened fear (v. 8).

Their failure produced even greater fear in King Belshazzar, and all the guests who had witnessed the writing shared in his confusion (v. 9). The sound of this disturbance reached the queen, who evidently was not one of the king’s wives present at the feast, but most likely his mother or grandmother (v. 10). She had prior knowledge of both Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel, and she remembered Daniel’s exceptional wisdom and insight. She described him as a man with the spirit of the holy gods, endowed with intelligence, understanding, knowledge, and the ability to interpret dreams and solve difficult problems (v. 11–12).

The queen counseled Belshazzar to summon Daniel to interpret the writing on the plaster, recalling that he had successfully served Nebuchadnezzar and held the position of chief of the wise men, a role confirmed by the extraordinary abilities granted him by God. The queen’s recommendation emphasizes Daniel’s long-standing reputation and the divine enabling he had received to provide insight and guidance to the Babylonian rulers.

Following the queen’s advice, Belshazzar immediately summoned Daniel and offered him gifts and honors if he could interpret the writing on the wall (v. 13–16). The king addressed Daniel somewhat dismissively, calling him one of the exiles from Judah rather than acknowledging the high position Daniel had held under Nebuchadnezzar (v. 13). Despite this, Belshazzar recognized that Daniel possessed remarkable insight and intelligence, having heard of his ability to solve problems that the wise men, enchanters, and astrologers could not (v. 14). He promised Daniel the same rewards he had previously offered to his court magicians, demonstrating that he understood the importance of Daniel’s abilities even if he showed little respect for his heritage (v. 16).

Daniel respectfully declined the gifts and honors offered by Belshazzar, explaining that the ability to interpret mysteries belongs to God alone, who reveals deep and hidden things (v. 17). Unlike the customary practice of addressing Babylonian kings with flattery, Daniel spoke with holy boldness. He wanted it clear that his message came from God, not from any desire for wealth or promotion. Earlier in his life, he had accepted positions of authority (2:48; 5:29), but this time was different. Daniel was older now, and he already knew what the writing meant: that the kingdom would fall that very night.

What good would gifts or titles be in a kingdom under God’s judgment? By refusing the reward, Daniel also removed any suspicion that he might soften the interpretation to please the king. His loyalty was to God alone. For us, the lesson is clear: doing right and speaking truth must always take priority over personal gain. Faithfulness sometimes requires turning down opportunities that would benefit us outwardly but compromise our witness.

He then reminded the king of the story of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar’s predecessor, emphasizing how God had exalted him with authority and power over all nations and peoples but humbled him when pride led him to forget God’s sovereignty (v. 18–19). Nebuchadnezzar had been given kingship, greatness, glory, and majesty, along with the power to raise up or humble whomever he pleased, yet he failed to acknowledge that his authority came from God (v. 18). Because of this arrogance, God disciplined Nebuchadnezzar by stripping him of his throne and causing him to live like a wild animal for a time, until he recognized the supremacy of the Most High (v. 20–21).

Belshazzar had witnessed the lessons from Nebuchadnezzar’s life and should have learned from them, yet he continued in arrogance and pride, openly defying God by using sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple and praising man-made gods, which are lifeless, unlike the living God who held his life in His hand (v. 22–24). As a direct response to this defiance, God sent a mysterious hand to write on the wall a message that the king and his wise men could neither read nor interpret.

The words written were “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN,” which Daniel then explained. MENE signified that God had numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end; TEKEL indicated that the king had been weighed on the scales and found deficient, failing to meet God’s standard of righteousness; and UPHARSIN (or PERES) foretold that the kingdom would be broken and given to the Medes and Persians (v. 25–28).

Each of these words was an Aramaic term that could also be read as units of weight, forming a sequence that subtly reinforced the message: the kingdom had been numbered, weighed, and divided. By giving this interpretation, Daniel revealed that God’s judgment was imminent because Belshazzar had learned nothing from history and had further provoked God’s authority. The fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians was the fulfillment of God’s decree, showing that wealth, power, and pride cannot shield a ruler from God’s judgment.

Belshazzar, despite the ominous message from Daniel, initially honored the prophet, giving him the promised gifts and high position in the kingdom (v. 29). However, that very night the prophecy was fulfilled exactly as Daniel had declared: Belshazzar was killed, and Darius the Mede took control of the kingdom, fulfilling God’s decree (v. 30–31). Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over nations

Daniel 5 powerfully demonstrates God’s sovereignty over nations and human rulers, while also highlighting the significance of personal responsibility and choice. The dramatic appearance of the hand writing on the wall was a tangible, unmistakable act of divine judgment, showing that God is neither distant nor silent in the face of human arrogance and irreverence. Belshazzar’s feast, his misuse of the sacred vessels from Jerusalem, and his failure to honor God illustrate the consequences of pride and disobedience.

Though some scholars debate the nature of the hand, the interpretation of the writing, or historical details of Belshazzar’s reign, the clear truth remains: God’s authority is supreme, and human decisions matter. Daniel’s faithful response, relying on prayer and the Spirit of God for wisdom, models obedience, discernment, and reverent service.

For believers today, Daniel 5 challenges us to trust God in times of uncertainty, to honor Him in every aspect of life, and to remember that our choices, whether in worship, work, or witness, carry eternal significance. This chapter underscores the balance of divine providence and human responsibility, calling all to faithfulness, humility, and reverence before the King of kings.

From a Free Will Baptist viewpoint, Daniel 5 vividly illustrates the interplay between God’s sovereign authority and human free will. While God orchestrates the rise and fall of kingdoms, individuals remain responsible for their choices. Belshazzar’s prideful decisions, to defile sacred vessels, honor idols, and ignore God’s past acts of judgment, demonstrate the peril of willful disobedience. Likewise, Daniel’s faithful obedience models how humans can respond rightly to God’s guidance, relying on His Spirit to act with integrity and discernment. This chapter calls all believers to recognize that God’s providence does not override our choices; rather, He holds us accountable, urging us to exercise our free will in ways that honor Him, reflect holiness, and embrace reverence, even amidst worldly pressures.

Daniel 6 – Daniel in the Lions’ Den

After the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian empire, Darius the Mede assumed authority over the kingdom. This Darius is not to be confused with Darius I, mentioned in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, or Darius II (the Persian), mentioned in Nehemiah. Darius the Mede is named only in the book of Daniel.

While scholars debate his historical identity, several possibilities have been suggested. Some believe “Darius” was another title for Cyrus the Persian, since ancient rulers often carried more than one name. Others suggest that Darius was a governor appointed by Cyrus to oversee Babylon, possibly Ugbaru (or Gubaru), the general who helped conquer the city, or even Cambyses, Cyrus’s son. Regardless of the exact identification, the text emphasizes that Darius was sixty-two years old when he was given rule over Babylon, and his first act was to establish order in the newly conquered realm (Dan. 5:31–6:1).

Darius appointed 120 satraps to govern the various provinces of the empire, ensuring careful oversight and the collection of tributes and taxes. Over these satraps, he placed three administrators, one of whom was Daniel. Because of his many decades of faithful service, Daniel quickly distinguished himself by his exceptional character, integrity, and wisdom. His reputation was such that the king considered giving him authority over the entire kingdom (v. 1–3). This extraordinary favor, however, provoked jealousy among the other administrators and satraps, who resented Daniel’s position and perhaps his heritage as an exile from Judah.

They searched for grounds of accusation against him, but they could not find corruption, negligence, or dishonesty in his work. Realizing that his only vulnerability was his devotion to God, they decided to attack him through his faith (v. 4–5).

The jealous officials devised a scheme and approached King Darius with a proposal. Pretending to have the unanimous support of all administrators and governors, including Daniel, which was false, they suggested that the king issue an irrevocable decree: for thirty days, no one was permitted to petition any god or man except the king himself. Anyone who disobeyed would be cast into a den of lions (v. 6–7).

Though such a law was unusual, Darius likely interpreted it more politically than religiously, viewing it as a way to unify his newly conquered territories by establishing himself as the mediator of divine favor. The officials flattered the king’s pride and persuaded him to sign the decree, which, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, could not be revoked (v. 8–9). Once sealed, the law became a trap designed specifically to ensnare Daniel, whose unwavering devotion to God they knew could not be shaken.

Despite the royal decree and the threat of death, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. Knowing full well the law that had been signed, he continued his regular practice of praying three times each day, kneeling in his upstairs room with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He gave thanks and sought God’s help, demonstrating that loyalty to the Lord was more important than fear of earthly rulers or mortal consequences (v. 10).

His prayer was not an act of sudden defiance but the continuation of a lifelong habit. Even in exile, he oriented his prayers toward Jerusalem, in keeping with Solomon’s prayer at the temple dedication, which asked that when God’s people were taken captive, He would hear their prayers when they prayed toward His chosen city (1 Kgs. 8:46–50; 2 Chron. 6:21, 34, 38). Daniel’s actions revealed a heart fully surrendered to God. He would not and could not look to Darius for guidance, but only to the Lord, who alone could provide the wisdom and strength needed for such a time.

His enemies, well aware of his devotion, took advantage of his faithfulness. They came to his house at the expected hour and found him praying and making supplication to his God (v. 11). In their eyes, this was the evidence they needed to accuse him, but in reality, their scheme only revealed the consistency and integrity of Daniel’s walk with God. He had lived such a blameless life that the only “fault” they could find was in his devotion to the Lord.

Daniel’s example reminds believers of the importance of a disciplined prayer life. For him, prayer was not interrupted by threats of death; for us, it is often neglected because of busyness or distraction. His unwavering consistency shows that prayer is the lifeline of faith, a practice not to be hidden or compromised even under pressure. When human laws contradict God’s commands, faithfulness to the Lord must take precedence, no matter the cost.

The officials who had conspired against Daniel wasted no time in reporting his prayers to King Darius. Their scheme had worked: Daniel was guilty of violating the royal decree. When Darius heard their accusation, he was greatly distressed (v. 12–13). Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who often acted impulsively in anger, Darius respected Daniel and valued him as a trusted administrator. The text emphasizes that he set his mind on finding a way to deliver Daniel. Yet the irrevocable law of the Medes and Persians left him no way out.

This highlights the difference between Babylonian and Persian kingship. Nebuchadnezzar stood above the law and could alter decrees at will (Dan. 3). By contrast, Darius was bound by his own legislation. This distinction reflects the imagery of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (2:32, 39): Babylon was represented by gold, the symbol of unchallenged rule, while Medo-Persia was represented by silver, reflecting a kingdom of divided and limited authority.

The conspirators pressed their case, reminding Darius that Daniel, “one of the exiles from Judah,” had disregarded the king’s edict (v. 13). Their wording was meant to belittle Daniel’s heritage and faith. Even though Daniel was a high-ranking official, they emphasized his foreign status, stirring prejudice against him and framing him as an outsider who undermined Persian law.

Darius was trapped by the very law he had signed. Despite his personal loyalty to Daniel, he could not repeal the decree. At last, he gave the order that Daniel be cast into the lions’ den (v. 14–16). Yet before Daniel was lowered into the pit, the king spoke words that revealed both his respect for Daniel’s faith and his own hope in divine intervention: “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you.” Whether Darius knew of God’s prior deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace is not certain, but his words suggest he had been impressed by Daniel’s steady trust in the Lord.

To secure the sentence, a stone was rolled over the mouth of the den, and it was sealed with the signet rings of the king and his nobles (v. 17). Seals were an ancient means of authentication, pressed into clay with a cylinder or signet ring. Breaking such a seal was forbidden by law, ensuring that no one could tamper with the stone to aid Daniel’s escape. Archaeological evidence shows Persian seals often bore heroic images of the king under the protection of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity of Zoroastrianism. Here, the sealing symbolized human finality, yet God would soon overturn it (IVP Bible Background Commentary).

That night, the king returned to his palace deeply troubled (v. 18). He refused entertainment, food, and rest, spending the night fasting and sleepless. His anguish recalls other moments in Scripture where God stirred rulers’ hearts through restlessness, such as Nebuchadnezzar’s troubled dreams (Dan. 2:1) and Ahasuerus’ sleepless night in Esther 6:1. Darius, though bound by law, longed for Daniel’s deliverance and clung to hope that Daniel’s God would intervene where he could not.

Despite being the most powerful man in his empire, he spent the night in deep distress, anxiously awaiting dawn so he could rush to the lions’ den. His anguish showed his genuine concern for Daniel, whom he highly respected and valued. Finally, at the break of day, King Darius hurried to the lions’ den (v. 19), where he cried out to Daniel, calling him the “servant of the living God” and asking if Daniel’s God, whom he continually served, had been able to rescue him from the lions (v. 20).

To the king’s astonishment, Daniel answered respectfully from the den, testifying that God had sent His angel to shut the mouths of the lions so that they had not harmed him (v. 21–22). Daniel explained that his deliverance was because he had been found blameless before God, and he had committed no offense against the king. His very name, “God is my Judge,” was proven true as the divine Judge vindicated him when human judgment had condemned him. The lions’ den became an ordeal in which God Himself proclaimed Daniel’s innocence.

Overjoyed at Daniel’s survival, the king ordered him to be lifted out of the den. Just as the three Hebrews had emerged from the fiery furnace without injury, so Daniel was found unharmed because he trusted in his God (v. 23). This demonstrated that faith in the living God offers protection beyond the decrees of earthly rulers and beyond the threats of death itself.

In a swift reversal of justice, Darius commanded that the conspirators who had plotted against Daniel, along with their wives and children, be thrown into the same lions’ den (v. 24). In accordance with ancient Near Eastern law, false accusers were to suffer the very fate they had sought for others (Deut. 19:16–21). The lions overpowered them instantly, devouring them before they reached the bottom of the pit. Unlike Daniel, who was delivered through divine intervention, the schemers and their families perished under both Persian law and God’s justice. The outcome underscored the truth that the wicked are often caught in their own trap, while those who trust the Lord are preserved.

In response to Daniel’s miraculous deliverance, King Darius issued a proclamation to all peoples, nations, and languages within his realm, declaring reverence for the God of Daniel (v. 25). In his edict, Darius affirmed that Daniel’s God is eternal, that His kingdom cannot be destroyed, and that His dominion will endure forever (v. 26). Unlike the powerless idols of the Medo-Persians, this God acts with authority in the affairs of humanity, intervening to rescue and deliver His servants. The king’s decree recognized that God works through signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, and the preservation of Daniel in the lions’ den stood as visible proof of this divine power (v. 27). This was more than a personal confession; it was a public testimony issued across the empire, ensuring that the greatness of Israel’s God would be proclaimed throughout the nations.

The chapter concludes by noting that Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and continued to hold influence under Cyrus the Persian (v. 28). His entire life had been spent in exile, surrounded by political hostility and shifting empires, yet God sustained him through it all. Just as he had been preserved in the lions’ den, he was preserved through decades of service under successive kings. Daniel’s faithfulness, integrity, and trust in God brought him protection, blessing, and lasting influence. His life stands as a reminder that those who remain steadfast in devotion to God can experience His sustaining hand even in the midst of opposition, and that divine justice will ultimately outlast and overturn the schemes of human rulers.

Conclusion

The narratives of Daniel 4 through 6 collectively reveal God’s sovereign authority over kings, nations, and the course of human history, highlighting His ability to humble the proud and exalt the faithful. In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar’s experience with the tree vision and his period of insanity illustrate the consequences of pride and the necessity of recognizing God’s supremacy. Though a mighty ruler, Nebuchadnezzar was powerless before the decree of the Most High, and only through humility and acknowledgment of God’s eternal dominion was he restored. This story challenges readers to examine their own hearts, to consider how pride may blind them to God’s rule, and to remember that repentance and righteous action are pathways to restoration and blessing.

The lesson of Daniel 5 echoes this theme in the account of Belshazzar, whose disregard for God’s authority and contempt for what was holy brought sudden judgment. The writing on the wall serves as a stark reminder that knowledge of God and His past dealings is not enough; obedience and reverence are required, and failure to honor Him, especially in positions of influence, invites swift correction.

In contrast, Daniel 6 offers a picture of faithful perseverance under pressure. Daniel’s unwavering devotion to prayer, despite the lethal decree against him, exemplifies courage, integrity, and absolute dependence on God. His miraculous preservation demonstrates that God upholds those who faithfully trust Him and that divine power surpasses human schemes. The public recognition by Darius that Daniel’s God is living and sovereign shows that even rulers, when confronted with undeniable evidence, are called to honor God, reinforcing the accountability of all authority to the Creator.

Across these chapters, a clear pattern emerges: human pride and self-exaltation lead to judgment, while humility, obedience, and faithfulness result in vindication and honor. These stories urge readers to live with consistent devotion, to trust God even when circumstances seem threatening, and to recognize His eternal kingdom as the ultimate source of stability and justice.

The narrative also invites reflection on the broader scope of God’s purposes, reminding believers that He orchestrates history and nations according to His will, and that His glory is often revealed through the faithful lives of His people. Taken together, Daniel 4–6 challenges complacency, rebukes pride, encourages steadfast faith, and calls for a life that honors God in thought, word, and action, offering assurance that His power, wisdom, and justice are unwavering and that those who trust Him will be both protected and blessed.