Indictments: Daniel, on the Charge of Defiance Against Authority
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The biblical account of Daniel presents a profound narrative of faithfulness and integrity in the face of political and spiritual adversity. Daniel, a young Hebrew of noble lineage, was taken into Babylonian captivity during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. His life, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, exemplifies unwavering devotion to God amidst the pressures of a foreign culture and government.

Context and Background

Daniel's account unfolds during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Israelites were subjugated by foreign powers. Daniel, along with his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, was selected for his wisdom and potential to serve in the king's court (Daniel 1:3-4). Despite the pressures to conform to Babylonian customs, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to the laws and traditions of his faith.

The Charge of Defiance

The most notable indictment against Daniel arises in Daniel 6, during the reign of Darius the Mede. Daniel's exceptional service and integrity earned him a high position in the kingdom, provoking jealousy among other officials. Seeking to undermine him, they manipulated King Darius into issuing a decree that for thirty days, no one could petition any god or man except the king. The penalty for defiance was to be cast into a den of lions (Daniel 6:6-9).

Daniel's response to this decree was one of quiet defiance. "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10). Daniel's actions were not a public display of rebellion but a continuation of his habitual devotion to God.

Legal Proceedings and Divine Intervention

The conspirators seized upon Daniel's faithfulness as evidence of his defiance. They approached the king, reminding him of the irrevocable nature of Medo-Persian law, and accused Daniel of disregarding the royal edict (Daniel 6:11-13). Despite his personal regard for Daniel, King Darius was bound by the law and reluctantly ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lions' den.

The narrative highlights the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty. As Daniel faced the lions, King Darius expressed a glimmer of hope, saying, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!" (Daniel 6:16). The following morning, the king found Daniel unharmed, testifying to God's protection: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight" (Daniel 6:22).

Implications and Legacy

Daniel's indictment and subsequent deliverance underscore the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to those who honor Him above all earthly powers. His account serves as an enduring testament to the power of prayer, the importance of maintaining one's convictions, and the ultimate authority of God over human decrees. Daniel's life and actions continue to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the consequences imposed by worldly authorities.
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Daniel 6:13
Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regards not you, O king, nor the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.
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Daniel 6:1-24
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
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Library

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... bitter censures of others, but indictments and condemnatory ... meet with the fate of
Daniel's accusers, see ... receiving anything into our Charge, insensibly begets ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm

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Indictment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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