What does Daniel 6:13 teach about obeying God over human authority? “Then they told the king, ‘Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no heed to you, O king, or to the injunction you signed, but he still prays three times a day.’” Historical Snapshot • A royal decree barred prayer to anyone but the king for thirty days. • Daniel, a respected government leader, knew the edict yet continued his daily prayer routine. • The informers highlighted Daniel’s disobedience to human law in order to trap him. Daniel’s Choice Versus the Decree • Daniel was loyal to the king—until that loyalty conflicted with God’s clear command to pray (1 Kings 8:46–48; Psalm 55:17). • He did not hide his obedience to God; the windows remained open toward Jerusalem. • His constant practice (“three times a day”) shows deliberate, habitual allegiance to God, not a spur-of-the-moment protest. • Daniel accepted the earthly consequences—lions’ den—without complaint, entrusting himself to God’s intervention (Daniel 6:16). Core Lesson: Allegiance to God First • When human authority demands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, the believer must choose God (Acts 5:29). • Obedience is not optional or situational; it flows from knowing God’s character and commands (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 6:5). • Daniel 6:13 illustrates that civil disobedience, properly motivated, is rooted in unwavering faith rather than rebellion or disrespect. Supporting Scriptures • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” • Psalm 118:8 — “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” • Exodus 1:17 — Hebrew midwives feared God and disobeyed Pharaoh’s murderous order. • Galatians 1:10 — “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” • Revelation 2:10 — “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Takeaway Points for Today • God’s commands hold absolute authority, surpassing every human edict. • Consistent private devotion prepares us for public tests of faith. • Respectful disobedience may invite earthly penalties, yet it honors God and often becomes a testimony to rulers and observers. • Confidence in God’s sovereignty enables courage when obedience is costly. |
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