v 3. Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.
The story now moves on through two Kings: Nebuchadnezzar was followed by Belshazzar in chapter 5 (He of the great feast when the writing came on the wall and he was overthrown) and then in chapter 6, Darius, a Mede, or Persian. Daniel served all three of these rulers until Darius saw the value of Daniel and considered giving him administrative responsibility for the whole Empire. The idea did not go down well with the other administrators and hence this plot to destroy him. Envy drives people to great lengths, in this case to what was nothing less than murder. So Daniel’s promotion came at a high price, his determination to continue praying was both bold and courageous. Darius was horrified when he realised what was happening and did his level best to rescue Daniel. (v 14) (The saying about the law of the Medes and Persians comes from here!) Well, you know the rest of the story, the den of lions, Daniel being kept safe, and his accusers suffering the fate they thought awaited Daniel. But read the end of the story again – the same sort of ending that we found with Nebuchadnezzar – the King wrote an open letter (vv 25-27) for everyone in the Empire to read. Darius too came to the point of acknowledging the greatness of God and His sovereign power. It is amazing how Daniel’s forthright courage gave rise to this public acknowledgement of God’s power.
What might you say in your testimony that will bring such honour to Jesus?
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