Chapter 9: The Trap

Under Darius, Daniel rose again.

The new king appointed one hundred twenty officials to govern the kingdom, with three administrators over them. Daniel was one of the three. But his wisdom and faithfulness set him apart, and Darius planned to place him over the entire realm.

The other officials watched with envy. They searched for something to use against Daniel — any failure, any hint of corruption. They found nothing. His record was spotless.

So they changed their approach.

OFFICIAL“We will never find grounds against this man unless it concerns the law of his God.”— Daniel 6:5

They devised a plan and brought it to the king together, making it seem as though every official had agreed.

"O King Darius, live forever! All the administrators have agreed that you should issue a decree: for the next thirty days, anyone who prays to any god or man except you shall be thrown into the den of lions. Sign the decree, O king, so that it cannot be changed — according to the law of the Medes and Persians."

Darius was flattered. He did not see the trap. He signed the decree.

The law could not be revoked.

Daniel heard what the king had done. He knew exactly what it meant.

But he did not waver.