How does Daniel 6:6 connect to Romans 13:1 on authority and obedience? Setting the Scene “ So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, ‘May King Darius live forever!’ ” (Daniel 6:6) God-Ordained Authority “ Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) Where the Two Verses Meet • Shared assumption: earthly rulers hold real, God-assigned power • Daniel 6:6 shows officials honoring the king’s status; Romans 13:1 explains why that status exists—God put him there • Daniel serves within that system (6:2–3), mirroring Paul’s call to serve under civil order Respectful Obedience Exemplified • Daniel never insults Darius, undermines the monarchy, or incites revolt • He continues faithful administrative work even after the unjust decree is signed (6:4) • This models Romans 13:1–2—submission in attitude and conduct When Obedience to God Overrides Obedience to Men • Daniel 6:10: “When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house… and three times a day he knelt and prayed.” • Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Principle: submit until commanded to sin; then obey God while still respecting the ruler’s right to enforce consequences Submission Includes Accepting Consequences • Daniel does not flee or resist arrest (6:11–16) • He entrusts vindication to God, paralleling 1 Peter 2:19–23 • Romans 13:4 calls rulers “God’s servant, an agent of wrath to the wrongdoer”; Daniel accepts the lion’s den as that very sword, trusting God’s higher court God Vindicates Faithful Submission • God shuts the lions’ mouths (6:22) • Darius publicly glorifies God (6:25–27) • Lesson: God often works through, and sometimes in spite of, human authority to honor those who honor Him (Proverbs 16:7) Takeaways for Believers • View every ruler—good or bad—as sitting in a chair God permits • Offer genuine respect and cooperative service (Titus 3:1) • Draw the line only at commands that violate clear scriptural mandates • When forced to choose, obey God, yet remain peaceable and ready to suffer rather than rebel • Trust God to defend His servants and to bring ultimate justice (Psalm 75:6-7) |
    |