Daniel 6:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 6:11-17

Here is 1. Proof made of Daniel's praying to his God, notwithstanding the late edict to the contrary (Dan. 6:11): These men assembled; the came tumultuously together, so the word is, the same that was used Dan. 6:6; borrowed from Ps. 2:1; Why do the heathen rage? They came together to visit Daniel, perhaps under pretence of business, at that time which they knew to be his usual hour of devotion; and, if they had not found him so engaged, they would have upbraided him with his faint-heartedness... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 6:16

Then the king commanded ,.... Being overawed by his princes and fearing they would conspire against him, and stir up the people to rebel; and consulting his own credit lest he should be thought fickle and inconstant; he ordered the decree to be put in execution against Daniel, and delivered his favourite into their hands: and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions ; not the princes but proper officers employed by them: according to the additions to this book of Daniel,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 6:16

Then the king commanded - With a heavy heart he was obliged to warrant this murderous conspiracy. But when passing sentence his last words were affecting: "Thy God, whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." He is thy God; thou servest him, not occasionally, but continually; therefore "he will deliver thee." Daniel had now the same kind of opportunity of showing his fidelity to God, as his three Hebrew companions before. The lions were not less terrible than the fiery furnace. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 6:16

Verse 16 The king, as we have said, frightened by the denunciation of the nobles, condemns Daniel to death. And hence we gather the reward which kings deserve in reference to their pride, when they are compelled to submit with servility to their flatterers. How was Darius deceived by the cunning of his nobles! For he thought his authority would be strengthened, by putting the obedience of all men to this test of refusing all prayer to any god or man for a whole month. He thought he should... 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

EXPOSITION DANIEL IN THE LIONS ' DEN . 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 6:14-18

One thoughtless act brings much sorrow. King Darius was free from many bad qualities which have stained the reputation of other monarchs. He had more gentleness and kindness—had more regard for the interests of others—than most Oriental kings. Yet he had grave faults also. He was too fond of ease. He was too ready to allow others to take the responsibility which of right belonged to him. To share the responsibilities of government with competent statesmen is an advantage to all; but his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 6:16

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. The Septuagint Version here is not so likely to represent the original text, as there are symptoms of displacement, "Then Darius the king called out and said to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually three times a day, he will deliver thee out of the power of the lions; till the morning be of good... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Daniel 6:16

Then the king commanded ... - See the note at Daniel 6:7. Some recent discoveries among the ruins of Babylon have shown that the mode of punishment by throwing offenders against the laws to lions was actually practiced there, and these discoveries may be classed among the numerous instances in which modern investigations have tended to confirm the statements in the Bible. Three interesting figures illustrating this fact may be seen in the Pictorial Bible, vol. iii. p. 232. The first of those... read more

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