Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Now DanielThe name "Daniel" means "God is my judge" in Hebrew. This name is significant as it reflects Daniel's life and character, consistently demonstrating faithfulness to God despite external pressures. Daniel's identity is rooted in his relationship with God, which is a central theme throughout the book. His life serves as an example of how one's identity in God can lead to divine favor and influence. so distinguished himself
The phrase "distinguished himself" indicates that Daniel set himself apart through his actions and character. The Hebrew root for "distinguished" can imply being bright or shining, suggesting that Daniel's qualities were evident and noticeable. This distinction was not merely due to human effort but was a result of God's wisdom and spirit within him, as seen in earlier chapters where Daniel interprets dreams and visions. among the administrators and satraps
Administrators and satraps were high-ranking officials in the Persian Empire, responsible for governance and maintaining order. Daniel's ability to stand out among such leaders highlights his exceptional capabilities and integrity. Historically, the Persian Empire was vast and required a complex administrative system, making Daniel's role and recognition even more significant. by his exceptional qualities
The term "exceptional qualities" refers to Daniel's extraordinary spirit, wisdom, and integrity. The Hebrew word for "qualities" can also be translated as "spirit," indicating that Daniel's inner character and divine wisdom were the sources of his distinction. His life exemplifies the biblical principle that true excellence comes from a heart aligned with God's will. that the king planned
The king's intention to promote Daniel reflects the recognition of his abilities and trustworthiness. In the context of the Persian Empire, where loyalty and competence were crucial for maintaining power, the king's plan signifies a high level of confidence in Daniel. This also illustrates how God can elevate His faithful servants to positions of influence for His purposes. to set him over the whole kingdom
This phrase indicates the extent of the authority and responsibility that the king intended to give Daniel. Being set over the entire kingdom would make Daniel second only to the king, similar to Joseph's position in Egypt. This mirrors the biblical theme of God raising His faithful followers to positions of influence, not for personal gain, but to fulfill His divine purposes and bring about His plans. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA Jewish exile in Babylon, known for his unwavering faith and integrity. He served under multiple kings and was recognized for his wisdom and exceptional qualities. 2. Administrators and SatrapsThese were officials in the Persian Empire responsible for governance and administration. Daniel was one of the administrators, and his excellence set him apart from the others. 3. The KingRefers to Darius the Mede, who ruled over the Babylonian kingdom after its conquest by the Medes and Persians. He recognized Daniel's exceptional qualities and planned to promote him. 4. The KingdomThe Medo-Persian Empire, which was vast and required a structured administration. Daniel's role was crucial in maintaining order and governance. 5. Distinguished HimselfDaniel's exceptional qualities, including his integrity and wisdom, made him stand out among his peers, leading to the king's favor. Teaching Points Excellence in WorkDaniel's account teaches us the importance of striving for excellence in our work and responsibilities. As Christians, our work ethic should reflect our faith and commitment to God. Integrity and FaithfulnessDaniel's integrity was unwavering, even in a foreign land. We are called to maintain our integrity and faithfulness to God, regardless of our circumstances. God's Favor and Human RecognitionWhile Daniel's qualities earned him human recognition, it was ultimately God's favor that elevated him. We should seek God's favor above all else. Influence through CharacterDaniel's influence came not from power or position but from his character. Our character can be a powerful testimony to those around us. Preparedness for PromotionDaniel was prepared for the promotion because of his consistent faithfulness. We should be ready for the opportunities God may bring our way by being faithful in our current roles. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we apply Daniel's example of distinguishing oneself in our own workplaces or communities today? 2. In what ways does Daniel's integrity challenge us to live out our faith in environments that may not share our beliefs? 3. How does the account of Daniel encourage us to trust in God's timing and favor, even when we face opposition? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our character reflects Christ in all areas of our life? 5. How can we prepare ourselves for the opportunities and promotions that God may have in store for us, as Daniel did? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 22:29This verse speaks about the diligence of a person leading to their standing before kings, which parallels Daniel's rise due to his exceptional qualities. 1 Peter 2:12Encourages believers to live such good lives among the pagans that they may see their good deeds, similar to how Daniel's life was a testimony to those around him. Genesis 39:2-4Joseph's account, where he found favor in the eyes of his master due to his integrity and God's presence with him, mirrors Daniel's experience. | A Man of Excellent Spirit | G. Campbell Morgan, D.D. | Daniel 6:3 | | An Excellent Spirit | J. T. Davidson, D.D. | Daniel 6:3 | | Christian Character -- Daniel | S. Macnaughton, M.A. | Daniel 6:3 | | The Man of an Excellent Spirit, or of a Good Conscience | Homilist | Daniel 6:3 | | The Uncompromising Young Man | C. H. Payne, D.D., LL.D. | Daniel 6:3 | | The Murderous Plot of Envy | J.D. Davies | Daniel 6:1-9 | | Daniel and His Enemies | W. H. Rule, D.D. | Daniel 6:1-10 | | The Power of Christian Principle | John Cumming, D.D. | Daniel 6:1-10 | | The Promotion of Daniel | Joseph Parker, D.D. | Daniel 6:1-10 | | The Second Throne; or Character Honoured | Robert Tuck, B.A. | Daniel 6:1-10 | | The Supremacy of Character | A. E. Hutchinson. | Daniel 6:1-10 | | Strength of Soul | H.T. Robjohns | Daniel 6:1-24 |
People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Administrators, Appoint, Better, Captains, Chief, Commissioners, Daniel, Distinguished, Distinguishing, Entire, Establish, Excellent, Exceptional, Extraordinary, Kingdom, King's, Overseer, Planned, Possessed, Preferred, Presidents, Princes, Purpose, Qualities, Realm, Rulers, Satraps, Special, Spirit, Surpassed, SurpassingDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:1-3 5556 stewardship Daniel 6:1-4 5327 governors Daniel 6:1-5 8796 persecution, forms of Daniel 6:1-16 6126 condemnation, human Daniel 6:2-7 4065 orderliness Daniel 6:3-5 8332 reputation Daniel 6:3-9 8800 prejudice Daniel 6:3-14 7515 anti-semitism Library A Tribute from Enemies
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.'--DANIEL vi. 5. Daniel was somewhere about ninety years old when he was cast to the lions. He had been for many years the real governor of the whole empire; and, of course, in such a position had incurred much hatred and jealousy. He was a foreigner and a worshipper of another God, and therefore was all the more unpopular, as a Brahmin would be in England if he were …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFaith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
'Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee. 17. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Story of the Fiery Furnace
There was in the land of Judah a wicked king-named Jehoiakim, son of the good Josiah. While Jehoiakim was ruling over the land of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, a great conqueror of the nations, came from Babylon with his army of Chaldean soldiers. He took the city of Jerusalem, and made Jehoiakim promise to submit to him as his master. And when he went back to his own land he took with him all the gold and silver that he could find in the Temple; and he carried away as captives very many of the princes …
Logan Marshall—The Wonder Book of Bible Stories The Jordan: the Decisive Start. Matthew 3:13-17. Mark 1:9-1Luke
3:21-22. The Anvil of Experience: knowledge only through experience--the Fourth, Daniel 3:25.--three Hebrews, Daniel 3.--Babylonian premier, Daniel 6:16-23.--George Mueller--Jesus made perfect through experience, Hebrews 2:10. 5:8, 9. 7:28, l.c.--all our experiences, Hebrews 2:14-18. Philippians 2:7. Hebrews 4:15, except through sin, Hebrews 4:15, l.c. 7:26. 2 Corinthians 5:21, f.c. 1 Peter 2:22. 1 John 3:5, l.c.--Jesus' suffering, Philippians 2:6-8. Hebrews 2:9, 17, 18. 4:15. His obedience, Luke …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 6:3 NIVDaniel 6:3 NLTDaniel 6:3 ESVDaniel 6:3 NASBDaniel 6:3 KJV
Daniel 6:3 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
