What is the meaning of Daniel 6:14? As soon as the king heard this • The words drop like a hammer on King Darius. Moments earlier he had confidently signed an irrevocable law (Daniel 6:8–9). Now he realizes the snare he has walked into. • His instant recognition shows he understands exactly who “this” affects—Daniel, his most trusted servant (Daniel 6:2–3). • Scripture often highlights pivotal moments that turn on a single report: Joseph’s brothers telling Jacob a lie (Genesis 37:32–33), or the messengers informing David of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:13–14). In each case, decisive choices follow swiftly. • Here, the speed of Darius’ awareness foreshadows both the danger for Daniel and the rescue God will provide, echoing Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all”. He was deeply distressed • “Deeply distressed” paints a vivid picture of a ruler’s anguish. This is no small annoyance; it is a gut-level grief. • Think of King Herod’s similar agitation when he realized his rash oath endangered John the Baptist (Mark 6:26). Leaders often discover too late that their own decrees can entrap the innocent. • Darius’ distress also exposes the conflict between worldly power and genuine righteousness. Daniel’s faithful life has pierced the king’s conscience (compare Acts 24:25, where Felix becomes afraid when confronted with truth). • The king’s sadness underscores God’s promise in Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him”. Daniel’s integrity moves the heart of a pagan monarch. And set his mind on delivering Daniel • Distress quickly turns to determination. The phrase shows resolve, not wishful thinking. • In the face of an unalterable law (Daniel 6:15; Esther 1:19), Darius still searches for any loophole. His commitment mirrors Pontius Pilate’s repeated attempts to release Jesus (Luke 23:13–16). • The king’s intent also illustrates Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases”. God is steering Darius toward protecting His servant, even before the miracle in the lions’ den. • Daniel’s earlier resolve “not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8) now inspires a king to set his own heart to save him—a testimony to the contagious power of steadfast faith. And he labored until sundown to rescue him • The day’s light becomes a ticking clock. Persian protocol typically executed sentences the same day, so Darius has only until sunset. • His “labor” suggests exhaustive legal consultation, frantic searching of statutes, and perhaps personal pleas with the scheming officials. Compare Esther 4:16, where urgency drives decisive action before a critical deadline. • Despite the king’s tireless efforts, the law stands. This failure highlights humanity’s limitations and sets the stage for God’s direct intervention, echoing Psalm 146:3–6, which warns against trusting princes but celebrates the LORD who keeps faith forever. • Darius’ perseverance until nightfall foreshadows the greater darkness of the sealed den—and the coming dawn when God will vindicate Daniel (Daniel 6:19–22). summary Daniel 6:14 reveals a king’s immediate shock, heartfelt grief, resolute purpose, and exhaustive effort to save a righteous man he admires. Yet even a monarch’s best intentions cannot overturn human law—only God can. The verse spotlights the tension between earthly authority and divine sovereignty, preparing us to witness the Lord’s deliverance that no decree can prevent. |
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