Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Daniel 6:1-5

We are told concerning Daniel, I. What a great man he was. When Darius, upon his accession to the crown of Babylon by conquest, new-modelled the government, he made Daniel prime-minister of state, set him at the helm, and made him first commissioner both of the treasury and of the great seal. Darius's dominion was very large; all he got by his conquests and acquests was that he had so many more countries to take care of; no more can be expected from himself than what one man can do, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Daniel 6:2

And over these three presidents ,.... To whom the hundred and twenty princes were accountable for their conduct, and to whom the people might apply for redress of grievances, if oppressed; perhaps the whole empire was divided into three greater parts, and each part had forty provinces in it, and over it a president or deputy of the king; to whom the princes of each province gave in the account of what they received for the king, and what use they made of it: (of whom Daniel was the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Daniel 6:2

Three presidents - Each having forty of these presidents accountable to him for their administration. Daniel was first - As being established over that part where was the seat of government. He was confirmed in his offices by Darius. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Daniel 6:1-3

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes. which should be over the whole kingdom; and over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. The variations from the Massoretic text in the Septuagint are, in regard to the... read more

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 6:2

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

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

Group of Brands