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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 6:1-9

The murderous plot of envy. As every climate and every condition of soil are favourable to the propagation of particular weeds, so every state of society offers facility for the growth of some sins. Prosperity has its dangers as well as adversity. If the refinements of civilization make grosser vices intolerable, the greater encouragement is given for the secret sins of envy, deceit, and uncharitableness. It is never safe for the conscience to fall asleep. I. ENVY CAN EXIST IN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 6:1-24

Strength of soul. "Now when Daniel knew," etc. (verse 10). Daniel stands here before us a magnificent instance of strength of soul ( Psalms 138:3 ). We have also the advantage of seeing him contrasted with a blameworthy and contemptible weakness, as well as with something worse—with weakness passing into wickedness. I. STRENGTH . As exhibited by the saint, statesman, and prophet. See it: 1 . Advancing to the throne in common life. The new organization included a hundred and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 6:1-28

The lions' den. The story of "the lions' den" may be regarded as an instance of persecution frustrated. I. HIGH STATION OFTEN OCCASIONS SEVERE TRIALS TO RELIGIOUS FIDELITY . If it had not been for his rank and office, Daniel would have been left unmolested. There is safety in obscurity. 1 . The customs of high places are often inimical to religious fidelity. Daniel must have been tempted by fashion before he was attacked by persecution. His religious habits were... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 6:1

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom - Evidently over the kingdom of Babylon, now united to that of Media and Persia. As this was now subject to him, and tributary to him, it would be natural to appoint persons over it in whom he could confide, for the administration of justice, for the collection of revenue, etc. Others however, suppose that this relates to the whole kingdom of Persia, but as the reference here is mainly to what was the kingdom of Babylon, it is rather to be presumed that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 6:2

And over these, three presidents - סרכין sârekı̂yn. This word is found only in the plural. The etymology is uncertain, but its meaning is not doubtful. The word president expresses it with sufficient accuracy, denoting a high officer that presided over others. It is not improbable that these presided over distinct departments, corresponding somewhat to what are now called “secretaries” - as Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, of Foreign Affairs, etc., though this is not particularly... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes - That is, he was at their head, or was placed in rank and office over them. “Because an excellent spirit was in him.” This may refer alike to his wisdom and his integrity - both of which would be necessary in such an office. It was an office of great difficulty and responsibility to manage the affairs of the empire in a proper manner, and required the talents of an accomplished statesman, and, at the same time, as it was an office... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 6:1

Daniel 6:1. It pleased Darius That this Darius was the Cyaxares of Xenophon, as has been observed in note on Daniel 5:31, St. Jerome not only asserts, but proves by the testimony of Josephus, Trogus Pompeius, and other historians; so that it appears to have been the generally received opinion in his time, as it probably was also in the time of Josephus, which was not more than five or six hundred years after Cyrus. He was the son of Astyages, or Ahasuerus, or Assuerus, as he is called... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Daniel 6:2-3

Daniel 6:2-3. And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first He had been appointed one of the principal officers of state by Belshazzar, Daniel 5:29. The office to which he was now advanced seems to have been of the same sort with that conferred on Joseph by Pharaoh, Genesis 41:41. Grotius thinks these eparchs were like the præfecti prætorio in the latter part of the Roman empire. That the princes might give accounts unto them Might lay before them the state of the public... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Daniel 6:1-28

Daniel in the lion’s den (6:1-28)There had been no opportunity for Daniel to enjoy his return to high office, because Babylon fell the night he was reinstated (see 5:29-30). But the new rulers would have known of his record under Nebuchadnezzar, so they made him one of the three presidents appointed to administer the nation (6:1-2).Daniel had such obvious ability that the other two presidents soon became jealous of him. They wanted to get rid of him, but were unable to find any accusation of... read more

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