Daniel in the Lions’ Den

6 ^[a]Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province.

^31 [a]And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

²¹ But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. ²² They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.

The King’s Banquet

1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes,^[a] who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia.^[b]

¹⁴ or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.