Now it pleased DariusDarius is often identified with Darius the Mede, a ruler mentioned in the Book of Daniel. Historically, there is debate about his exact identity, with some scholars suggesting he could be a title for Cyrus the Great or another regional governor. The phrase indicates Darius's satisfaction or approval, suggesting a ruler who is actively involved in governance and decision-making. This reflects the administrative style of the Medo-Persian Empire, which valued order and structure.
to appoint 120 satraps
Satraps were provincial governors in the ancient Persian Empire, responsible for maintaining order and collecting taxes. The number 120 suggests a vast and organized empire, divided into manageable regions. This system of governance was advanced for its time and allowed for efficient control over a large territory. The appointment of satraps demonstrates the empire's emphasis on delegation and local governance, which is also seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the book of Esther.
to rule throughout the kingdom
The kingdom refers to the Medo-Persian Empire, which was expansive, covering parts of modern-day Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and beyond. The phrase underscores the vastness of the empire and the need for a structured administrative system. This system of governance ensured that the king's decrees and policies were implemented across diverse regions and cultures. The concept of ruling throughout the kingdom also parallels the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and ultimate rule over all nations, as seen in Psalms and the prophetic books.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Darius the MedeDarius is the ruler who takes over the kingdom after the fall of Babylon. He is known for organizing the kingdom and appointing satraps to govern it. His leadership style and decisions play a crucial role in the events of
Daniel 6.
2.
SatrapsThese are the 120 officials appointed by Darius to help govern the kingdom. Their role is to maintain order and collect taxes, and they are part of the administrative structure that Darius establishes.
3.
DanielA Jewish exile who has risen to a position of influence in the Babylonian and now the Medo-Persian empire. Known for his faithfulness to God, Daniel's integrity and wisdom make him stand out among the satraps and administrators.
4.
The KingdomRefers to the Medo-Persian Empire, which succeeded the Babylonian Empire. This setting is crucial as it represents a shift in power and the continuation of God's plan for His people in exile.
5.
The Event of ReorganizationDarius's decision to appoint 120 satraps and three administrators, including Daniel, marks a significant administrative reorganization of the kingdom, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in LeadershipRecognize that God is in control of all leadership and authority structures. He places people in positions of power for His purposes, even in secular governments.
Integrity in the WorkplaceLike Daniel, Christians are called to demonstrate integrity and excellence in their work, standing out as trustworthy and reliable in all circumstances.
Faithfulness Amidst ChangeDaniel's example shows the importance of remaining faithful to God even when political or personal circumstances change. Our commitment to God should remain steadfast.
The Role of PrayerAlthough not explicitly mentioned in verse 1, the context of
Daniel 6 highlights the importance of prayer in Daniel's life. Prayer is a vital practice for maintaining a strong relationship with God and seeking His guidance.
Influence Through Godly CharacterDaniel's influence in the kingdom was a result of his godly character. Christians are encouraged to let their light shine before others, influencing their surroundings positively.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 6:1?
2.How does Daniel 6:1 illustrate God's sovereignty in governmental appointments?
3.What qualities made Daniel "distinguished" and how can we emulate them today?
4.How does Daniel 6:1 connect with Romans 13:1 on authority?
5.In what ways can we trust God when facing political challenges?
6.How can Daniel's example in Daniel 6:1 inspire integrity in our workplaces?
7.Why did Darius appoint 120 satraps in Daniel 6:1?
8.What historical evidence supports the existence of King Darius in Daniel 6:1?
9.How does Daniel 6:1 reflect the political structure of ancient Persia?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 6?
11.What archaeological or historical proof supports the existence of Darius the Mede in Daniel 6, since he remains absent from most known records?
12.Could Daniel 6 be a later literary invention rather than a factual historical record, given the inconsistencies with established Persian rulership and customs?
13.What does the Bible say about Christians in government?
14.How does the account in Daniel 6 reconcile with other biblical or historical narratives about the transition of power from Babylon to Persia?What Does Daniel 6:1 Mean
Now it pleased Darius• Daniel has just recorded the fall of Babylon and the accession of “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 5:31). The word “Now” connects the new king’s first major act with that transition.
• “It pleased” shows personal initiative, yetProverbs 21:1 tells us, “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases”. God is quietly guiding events.
• Darius’s satisfaction highlights the stability he hopes to bring after Babylon’s collapse, echoingJeremiah 29:7, where God’s people are urged to seek the welfare of the city in which they live.
to appoint 120 satraps• A “satrap” was a provincial governor. Setting up 120 of them reveals the empire’s vast reach and Darius’s determination to manage it well.
–Esther 1:1 speaks of 127 provinces under Xerxes, showing a similar Persian administrative structure.
– Solomon once appointed twelve district governors for Israel (1 Kings 4:7), demonstrating that orderly delegation is a time-honored biblical principle.
• The specific number is literal. Scripture does not use it symbolically here; it is a straightforward historical detail that underscores the breadth of the realm.
• By filling these posts, Darius establishes a chain of accountability that will soon elevate Daniel (Daniel 6:2-3).
to rule throughout the kingdom• The phrase clarifies the satraps’ jurisdiction—“throughout the kingdom,” not in a corner of it. Their tasks likely included:
– Maintaining law and order (Romans 13:1-4).
– Collecting taxes and tribute, ensuring the king “might suffer no loss” (Daniel 6:2).
– Reporting local concerns to higher officials, a forerunner of the three supervisors over them (including Daniel).
• This structure makes sense politically, yet spiritually it becomes the backdrop for Daniel’s impending trial. God is positioning His servant within the very system that will test, and ultimately vindicate, his faith (Psalm 75:6-7).
summaryDaniel 6:1 records Darius’s deliberate choice to reorganize his new empire with 120 satraps, showing prudent governance and fulfilling God’s sovereign design. The verse demonstrates how the Lord directs earthly rulers to establish order, sets the stage for Daniel’s promotion, and prepares the setting for the famous lions’-den narrative. It reminds believers that administrative details in Scripture are never incidental; they reveal both historical fact and divine providence at work.
VI.
(1)Princes.--SeeExcursus A. The LXX. make the number 127, so as to agree withEsther 1:1.
Verses 1-28. - DANIEL IN THE LIONS' DEN.
Verses 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 verses before us, very considerable. It assumes the last verse of the preceding chapter, and begins, "And he set up a hundred and twenty and seven satraps over all his kingdom. And over them he set three men as presidents (
ἡγουμένους), and Daniel was one of the three men [and had authority over all men in the kingdom. And Daniel was clothed in purple, and was great and honourable (
ἔνδοξος) before Darius the king, because he was honourable (
ἔνδοξος) and understanding and prudent, and there was an holy spirit in him, and he prospered in the affairs of the kingdom which he did]. Then the king thought (
ἐβουλεύσατο) to place Daniel over all his kingdom [(and the two men who stood with him and the hundred and twenty-seven satraps) when the king thought to place Daniel over his whole kingdom]." The passages within brackets, we think, are additions to amplify the description, and to connect it with the honor given Daniel by Belshazzar. The bracketed parts are easily separable from the rest, and then what remains forms a continuous narrative. Theodotion differs, though slightly, from the Massoretic text, Darius "set (
κατεστήσεν) Daniel over the kingdom" - did not merely take counsel to do it. The Peshitta agrees also very closely with the Massoretic, only the word for "princes" is not, as in the Massoretic text,
ahashdarpnayya, but
rabu heel. This is the common rendering in the Peshitta of this word, and points to the Massoretic term being an adaptation. the use of the word "satrap" here has led to the idea that this is derived from the hundred and twenty-seven provinces (
Esther 1:1). This identification is supported certainly by the LXX., which gives a hundred and twenty-seven as the number of the satraps set up by Darius. Josephus, it may be noted ('Ant.,' 10:11.4), mentions the satrapies as three hundred and sixty - a reading that seems scarcely to be drawn by any conceivable mistake from the Massoretie text, nor any tradition of the actual number of satrapis under the Persian rule. The probability is that there has been some early corruption of the number. On the supposition that Darius is Gobryas, these satraps would really be governors of cities and small districts in the populous province of Babylon. We have in the inscriptions of the
Assyrian monarchs who intervened in the affairs of Babylon and Chaldea, notices of a large number of small kingships: each of these would require a special governor. In harmony with this, we are informed by Mr. Pinches that Gobryas appointed subordinate governors in the territory of
Babylon. The phrase which states this occurs in the Annals of Nabunahid (col. 3. line 20), "And Gobryas his governor appointed governors in Babylon." Delitzsch ('Beitrage zur Assyriologie,' 2. p. 256) points out that the sign of the plural after the second occurrence of the word "governor" proves that we cannot translate as if "Cyrus" were the nominative to the sentence, and "Gobryas," who was governor of
Gutium or
Guti, was object. From the fact that the text of Daniel was not protected by being regularly read in the synagogues, as was the Law, the Prophets, the Megilloth, the Psalms, and some other books, it was more at the mercy of scribes. The change of "Gobryas" into "Darius" led easily to other modifications. Probably
medeena, "province," was the word in the original text, but it was modified to
malcoutha, "kingdom," and "governors" of cities became "satraps" over provinces. After having appointed these subordinate governors, that a board of three should be set over them was a necessary arrangement. The name given to them,
sarekeen, is asserted by some to be of Persian origin. On the other hand, the fact that the first syllable is
sar, the Assyrian for "king," one is tempted to think of a Semitic etymology. The Authorized is wrong in making Daniel "first" of these presidents; all that is asserted is that Daniel was one of these presidents.
That the king should have no damage applies most probably to the revenue. The country, in the East, is divided off into small districts for the purpose of tax-collecting, and in the division of the Persian Empire into twenty satrapies, this was greatly the object. The repetition of the word "king" here might imply that Darius was not the king whose loss of revenue was to be guarded against; but we weald not be held as pressing this. Although Daniel was not, on the creation of this board, made chief of it, he soon acquired an influence over Darius which gave him, in effect, such a position. We arc to understand that these officials were mainly Babylonians. We learn now that the capture of Babylonia by Cyrus was not accomplished by a skilful diverting of the waters of the Euphrates, so that the Persian troops were enabled to wade in by the bed of the stream, nor to the fact that in the revelry of a feast the river-gates were left open, and the sentinels were careless; but to the fact that the whole official class were at enmity with the court, and so treachery opened the gates to Gobryas, the governor of Gutium, the name given to Mesopotamia as a Persian province, and when morning broke one day, the sixteenth of Tammuz, the inhabitants of Babylon saw the shields of Gutium guarding the citadel and the temple Esakkil. This being the case. naturally the official class of the former monarchy would be largely drawn upon to supply the needs of the new government; naturally the native Babylonians would think that the preference in all matters of office ought to be given to them; that, above all, the principal place should not be given to a Jew by Cyrus, or by any one under him, since Cyrus professed to be moved by reverence for the national gods of Babylon in his war against Nabunahid.
And the king thought to set him over the whole realm. This really means over the province of Babylon,
malcoutha being written instead of
medeena. His object was not to make Daniel satrap instead of himself, but to make him his "vizier." His knowledge of the
business of the province would of necessity be very thorough, dating, as it did, from the days of Nebuchadnezzar. He, as no other, would be acquainted with the various religious beliefs of the different captive communities in Babylonia. Himself belonging to one of these communities, his interest would be excited by all in similar circumstances. His age, the dignity he had enjoyed in the courts of Nebuchadnezzar and Nabunahid, along with his zeal and ability, naturally explain the desire of Darius (Gobryas) to make him his vizier.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Now itשְׁפַר֙(šə·p̄ar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8232:To be fair or seemlypleasedקֳדָ֣ם(qo·ḏām)Preposition
Strong's 6925:BeforeDariusדָּרְיָ֔וֶשׁ(dā·rə·yā·weš)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1868:Darius -- two person kingsto appointוַהֲקִים֙(wa·hă·qîm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6966:To arise, stand120מְאָ֣ה(mə·’āh)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 3969:A hundredsatrapsלַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֖א(la·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nay·yā)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 324:A satrap, governor, of a, main provinceto ruleלֶהֱוֺ֖ן(le·hĕ·wōn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1934:To become, come to pass, bethroughoutבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606:The whole, all, any, everythe kingdom,מַלְכוּתָֽא׃(mal·ḵū·ṯā)Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 4437:Royalty, reign, kingdom
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OT Prophets: Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over (Dan. Da Dn) 
