Daniel 6:1-11

International Standard Version

Daniel’s Service to Darius

6 ^[a]It pleased Darius to appoint 120 regional authorities^[b] over the kingdom throughout the realm, ² along with three chief administrators from them, one of which was Daniel. The regional authorities^[c] reported to these three administrators,^[d] so that the king would experience no losses. ³ Daniel distinguished himself among all the administrators and regional authorities,^[e] because he was of an extraordinary spirit. Therefore the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom.

A Plot to Destroy Daniel

⁴ Because of this, the administrators and regional authorities^[f] tried to bring allegations of dereliction of duty in government affairs against Daniel, but they were unable to find any charges of corruption. Daniel^[g] was trustworthy, and no evidence of^[h] negligence or corruption could be found against him. ⁵ So these men said, “We’ll never find any basis for complaint against Daniel unless we build it on the requirements of his God.”

⁶ Then these administrators and regional authorities^[i] went as a group to the king and said this, “Your majesty, live forever! ⁷ All of the royal administrators, prefects, regional authorities,^[j] scribes, and governors have concluded that the king should establish and enforce an edict that anyone who prays to any god or man for the next 30 days (except to you, your majesty) is to be thrown into the lions’ pit. ⁸ Therefore, your majesty, establish the decree and sign the written document so it can’t be changed, in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians that can’t be repealed.” ⁹ So King Darius signed the edict contained in the written document.

Daniel is Accused

¹⁰ When Daniel learned that the written document had been signed, he went to an upstairs room in his house that had windows opened facing Jerusalem. Three times a day he would kneel down, pray, and give thanks to his God, just as he had previously done.

¹¹ The conspirators^[k] then went as a group and found Daniel praying and seeking help before his God.