| | |
| RF DAN 6:1 | (538 B.C.) A Medo-Persian Republic Established in place of the Despotism Babel.
It was decided for Dariush to be President: |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:2 | But there were appointed a hundred and twenty-seven Viceroys over the Empire, who were to join in all the Government.1 |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:3 | But over them were three Premiers of whom Daniel was the Chief, to whom the Viceroys were to give accounts, so that the King might not suffer loss. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:4 | The Plot Against Daniel.
Daniel, however, himself was appointed the Premier over the Senators, because he had an enlightened mind, and the King set him over the whole Empire. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:5 | The superintendents and Viceroys consequently looked out to find something against Daniel in reference to his administration. But they were unable to find an error or fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault could be found about him. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:6 | These men consequently said; "We shall not find anything wrong against Daniel, unless it is found in regard to the law of his GOD." These Superintendents and Viceroys therefore approached the King and said thus to him,—"King Dariush, may you live for ever! |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:7 | All the Superintendents, Governors, and Viceroys, Counsellors, and Deputies, of the Empire have consulted together to pass a Royal Decree, and to proclaim an edict, that any one who may seek a request' from any God or Man for thirty days,—except from yourself, King,—shall be flung into the Den of Lions! |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:8 | Therefore, King, confirm the Interdict, and sign the record, so that it cannot be altered, according to the law of the Medes and Persians which cannot be abolished." |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:9 | The King Dariush accordingly confirmed the Interdict. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:10 | But although Daniel knew the Record was signed, he went to his house, and opened the window of his chamber towards Jerusalem, and kneeling thrice a day on his knees, he prayed and gave thanks, as he had done formerly to GOD. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:11 | These men then visited him and found Daniel asking and entreating of GOD as formerly. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:12 | They consequently approached and asked the King, about the Interdict. "Did you not sign an Interdict against any person who should ask anything from any God or Man, for thirty days?—except, King, from you,—that they should be thrown into the Den of Lions?"
The King replied and said;—"I did establish that, according to the law of the Medes and Persians that alters not." |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:13 | Then they responded and said to the King, "That Daniel, who is one of the sons of the Captives, does not regard you, King, or the Interdict that you signed, but prays three times a day, making his requests!" |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:14 | When, however, the King heard this statement he was exceedingly disturbed over it, and set his heart to deliver Daniel, and exerted himself till the departure of the sun, to rescue him. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:15 | Those men however pressed on to the King, and said to the King, "You know, King, the Law of the Medes and Persians, that any Interdict or Decree confirmed by the King cannot be altered." |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:16 | Daniel Flung into the Den of Lions.
The King consequently said, "Let it be done to Daniel!" So they flung him into the Den of Lions. The King, however, addressed Daniel and said, "Your GOD, Whom you constantly serve, will deliver you." |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:17 | They then placed a large stone at the mouth of the Den, and the King sealed it with his seal, and his Nobles also sealed it, so that the trap might not be opened for Daniel. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:18 | Then the King returned to his palace, and sat down fasting, and did not permit food to be brought before him, and sleep fled from him. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:19 | The King consequently rose at early dawn, and went in anxiety to the Lions' Den; |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:20 | and when he approached to the Den, he called in an agonized voice to Daniel. The King addressed him and said, "Daniel! Daniel! servant of the LIVING GOD Has the GOD Whom you serve continually been able to deliver you from the Lions?" |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:21 | When Daniel replied and said, "Yes, King, yes! May you live for ever, King! |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:22 | GOD sent His Messenger and closed the mouths of the lions, who could not devour me! Because I was innocent before Him. And also against you, King, I have done no wrong." |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:23 | Daniel Released From the Den.
The King consequently was exceedingly glad about it, and commanded to release Daniel from the Den. So they released Daniel from the Den, and no injury was found upon him, for he had trusted in GOD. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:24 | The Conspirators Flung to the Lions.
Then the King commanded and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and flung them into the Den of Lions, they, their children, and wives; and they had not arrived at the floor of the Den before the lions seized them, and broke all their bones. |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:25 | Conversion of Dariush and the worship of God Ordained.
Dariush the King afterwards wrote;—
"To All Nations, Peoples, and Languages, who dwell on all the Earth,—much Peace to you:— |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:26 | From Myself I issue a Decree, that in all the Governments of my Empire they must tremble and do reverence before the GOD of DANIEL; for He is a LIVING GOD, and exists, and His Dominion cannot be destroyed; and His Government is to eternity! |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:27 | He delivers and rescues; and produces signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth;—for he delivered Daniel from the power of the Lions:" |
| | |
| RF DAN 6:28 | Thus Daniel prospered in the empire of Dariush, and the empire of Kuresh the Persian.
—————
1. NOTE. Dan 6. v 2 This shows that the Medo-Persian rule was, at least originally, a Federal, or Constitutional Commonwealth, with Darius as Imperial President, Cyrus as Vice-President, and an Oligarchic, or probably an Elected Parliament of 127 leading men as Legislators, for by the subsequent history of Daniel it is quite clear that Darius or Cyrus, as individuals, had no legislative, but only administrative functions in the New Empire. These facts should be borne in mind, for the ignorance of them by the Old Translators, and all commentators, has introduced wild confusion and error into the study of the Historical Scriptures—error that has been seized greedily by the assailants of revelation to attack our faith.—F.F. |
