The reign of Darius the Mede, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, provides a significant biblical account of political corruption. Darius, who ruled over the kingdom following the fall of Babylon, is depicted as a ruler who, despite his intentions, becomes entangled in the deceit and manipulation of his officials. This narrative is primarily found in Daniel 6, where the prophet Daniel's unwavering faithfulness to God is contrasted with the corrupt practices of the political leaders of the time.

The Plot Against Daniel

The political corruption during Darius's reign is most evident in the conspiracy against Daniel. Daniel, known for his exceptional qualities and integrity, was appointed as one of the three administrators over the kingdom, and he distinguished himself so much that Darius planned to set him over the entire realm (Daniel 6:3). This favoritism incited jealousy among the other officials, who sought to find grounds for charges against Daniel. However, they could find no corruption in him, as he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent (Daniel 6:4).

Manipulation of the Law

Unable to find any fault in Daniel's conduct, the officials resorted to manipulating the law to entrap him. They approached King Darius with a proposal to establish a royal decree that for thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6:7). The officials cunningly appealed to the king's vanity and desire for absolute loyalty, leading him to sign the decree, which, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, could not be altered (Daniel 6:8).

The Integrity of Daniel

Despite the decree, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times a day to God, as was his custom (Daniel 6:10). His unwavering commitment to his faith and principles stood in stark contrast to the corrupt actions of the officials. When Daniel was discovered praying, the conspirators seized the opportunity to accuse him before the king, reminding Darius of the irrevocable nature of the decree (Daniel 6:13).

Darius's Dilemma and Daniel's Deliverance

King Darius, realizing he had been manipulated, was greatly distressed and sought to rescue Daniel. However, bound by the unchangeable law, he reluctantly ordered Daniel to be cast into the lions' den, expressing hope that Daniel's God would deliver him (Daniel 6:16). The next morning, Darius found Daniel unharmed, as God had sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths (Daniel 6:22).

Judgment on the Corrupt Officials

In a turn of divine justice, Darius ordered the conspirators and their families to be thrown into the lions' den, where they met the fate they had intended for Daniel (Daniel 6:24). This act served as a stark reminder of the consequences of political corruption and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

Darius's Decree and Acknowledgment of God

Following Daniel's miraculous deliverance, Darius issued a decree acknowledging the power and sovereignty of Daniel's God, declaring Him the living God whose kingdom will never be destroyed (Daniel 6:26). This acknowledgment highlights the impact of Daniel's integrity and faithfulness in the face of political corruption.

The account of Darius and the corrupt officials serves as a timeless lesson on the dangers of political manipulation and the importance of maintaining integrity and faithfulness to God, even in the face of adversity.Daniel 6:4-15
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; for as much as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Nave's Topical Index

Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... I believe that in Society and Politics, when a ... through that same vicious circle of
corruption to which ... What motives prompted Cyrus, and Darius after him, to do ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/cyrus the servant of-the lord.htm

The Servant of the Lord.
... I believe that in Society and Politics, when a ... through that same vicious circle of
corruption to which ... What motives prompted Cyrus, and Darius after him, to do ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iv the servant of.htm

The Book of Enoch
... with all manner of trees; no corruption, or crime ... Bible Society and the sinister
actions of Russian politics. ... consists of Persian monarchs, from Darius and Cyrus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... the scene had been Babylon under Darius, the river ... that the change was altogether
a corruption; for it ... to touch questions of ethnology and politics which might ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... could they only find generals to command their troops and guide their politics. ... The
members of the families who had placed Darius on the throne, possessed by ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I ... in the year 1794, in company
with Darius Dunham and ... too without entering into the arena of politics at all ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Darius styles Ahura-mazda, mathishta baganam, the greatest of the gods, and Xerxes ...
the world and ransom it from old age and death, from corruption and decay ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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