The Plot against Daniel
Darius structures the kingdom under satraps and administrators, including Daniel, to protect royal interests and maintain order. Daniel distinguishes himself above the others by an extraordinary spirit, and the king intends to elevate him over the whole kingdom. The chapter therefore begins with Daniel's faithfulness producing public trust and prominence rather than withdrawal from political responsibility.
N1ow it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. 3Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Daniel's rivals scrutinize his administration hoping to find corruption, negligence, or grounds for accusation, but his character gives them nothing to use. Forced to admit his blamelessness in public office, they decide that only his commitment to the law of his God can become the basis of attack. Daniel's holiness therefore becomes both the source of his vulnerability and the proof of his integrity.
4Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. 5Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”
The administrators and satraps approach Darius with exaggerated unanimity and propose a royal ordinance that for thirty days no one may petition any god or man except the king. They appeal to the unchangeable law of the Medes and Persians, and Darius signs the decree, unaware that he is being manipulated into authorizing an attack on Daniel. Human law is thus set against divine loyalty through a mixture of vanity, conspiracy, and political calculation.
6So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! 7All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. 8Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed — in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.