Daniel 6

E. Darius’ pride and Daniel’s preservation ch. 6

Even though this chapter is one of the most popular in all the Bible, it has also been the target of strong critical attacks because of the problem of the identity of Darius. The chapter shares motifs with Psalms 2 and recalls Daniel 3. The structure of the chapter is basically chiastic, centering on God’s deliverance of Daniel. [Note: Goldingay, p. 124.]

A Introduction: Daniel’s success Daniel 6:1-3

B Darius signs an injunction and Daniel takes his stand Daniel 6:4-10

C Daniel’s colleagues plan his death Daniel 6:11-15

D Darius hopes for Daniel’s deliverance Daniel 6:16-18

D’ Darius witnesses Daniel’s deliverance Daniel 6:19-23

C’ Daniel’s colleagues meet their death Daniel 6:24

B’ Darius signs a decree and takes his stand Daniel 6:25-27

A’ Conclusion: Daniel’s success Daniel 6:28

Goldingay’s apt title for this chapter is, "God Vindicates His Power When Daniel Chooses the Lion Pit rather than Apostasy." [Note: Ibid., p. 119.]

"The iniquity of world rulers during the ’times of the Gentiles’ has not yet been examined to the last detail. These monarchs have sponsored idolatry in the past, and they will again in the prophetic future. They became deranged by their senseless, overbearing pride in the past, and they will again in the predicted future. They were blatantly impious in their desecration of holy things in the past, and they will be again in the foretold future.

". . . But that is not all; there is yet a final touch. Man will finally seek to displace God altogether." [Note: Feinberg, p. 73.]