Daniel 6:10

10. Through the latticed windows of “his upper room” his enemies see Daniel offer his prayers and thanksgivings as heretofore three times a day (Psalms 55:17) with his face toward the ruined temple. (Compare 1 Kings 8:33; 1Ki 8:35 ; 1 Kings 8:38; 1 Kings 8:44.) This fixed order of prayer at 9 A.M., 12 M., and 3 P.M., is generally acknowledged to date back among the Jews at least to the captivity. It was probably the omission of sacrifice during the exile which led to this. It is interesting to note that even as early as the fourteenth century B.C. recesses probably for prayer corresponding to the modern Mohammedan kibla, which originally faced Jerusalem, not Mecca are found in ancient Egyptian houses. “The orientation of many Christian churches and the eastward position frequently observed during certain parts of the service are survivals of this early Jewish custom.” Prince. Daniel is not necessarily represented here as overvaluing the ritual of prayer, as the Jews did, for example, in Maccabean time. He simply shows himself too brave to hide himself away during his devotions because his religion had become unpopular. This picture of courage and calm trust has inspired many a persecuted band of Christians in the stormy centuries of the past, who have rejoiced in the steadfastness of this hero who, at any risk, “three tymes in the day bowide his knees and wirshepide and knawelichide byfore his God” (Wyclif’s Bible). In the catacombs the fresco of Daniel in the lions’ den is common, and at least one of these probably dates back to the first part of the second century ( American Journal of Archaeology, July-September, 1894).