Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Daniel Ch.6 / 12 Ch.s
DA:6
* The malice of Daniel's enemies. (1-5) His constancy in prayer.
(6-10) He is cast into the lion's den. (11-17) His miraculous
preservation. (18-24) The decree of Darius. (25-28)
#1-5 We notice to the glory of God, that though Daniel was now
very old, yet he was able for business, and had continued
faithful to his religion. It is for the glory of God, when those
who profess religion, conduct themselves so that their most
watchful enemies may find no occasion for blaming them, save
only in the matters of their God, in which they walk according
to their consciences.
#6-10 To forbid prayer for thirty days, is, for so long, to rob
God of all the tribute he has from man, and to rob man of all
the comfort he has in God. Does not every man's heart direct
him, when in want or distress, to call upon God? We could not
live a day without God; and can men live thirty days without
prayer? Yet it is to be feared that those who, without any
decree forbidding them, present no hearty, serious petitions to
God for more than thirty days together, are far more numerous
than those who serve him continually, with humble, thankful
hearts. Persecuting laws are always made on false pretences; but
it does not become Christians to make bitter complaints, or to
indulge in revilings. It is good to have hours for prayer.
Daniel prayed openly and avowedly; and though a man of vast
business, he did not think that would excuse him from daily
exercises of devotion. How inexcusable are those who have but
little to do in the world, yet will not do thus much for their
souls! In trying times we must take heed, lest, under pretence
of discretion, we are guilty of cowardice in the cause of God.
All who throw away their souls, as those certainly do that live
without prayer, even if it be to save their lives, at the end
will be found to be fools. Nor did Daniel only pray, and not
give thanks, cutting off some part of the service to make the
time of danger shorter; but he performed the whole. In a word,
the duty of prayer is founded upon the sufficiency of God as an
almighty Creator and Redeemer, and upon our wants as sinful
creatures. To Christ we must turn our eyes. Thither let the
Christian look, thither let him pray, in this land of his
captivity.
#11-17 It is no new thing for what is done faithfully, in
conscience toward God, to be misrepresented as done obstinately,
and in contempt of the civil powers. Through want of due
thought, we often do that which afterwards, like Darius, we see
cause a thousand times to wish undone again. Daniel, that
venerable man, is brought as the vilest of malefactors, and is
thrown into the den of lions, to be devoured, only for
worshipping his God. No doubt the placing the stone was ordered
by the providence of God, that the miracle of Daniel's
deliverance might appear more plain; and the king sealed it with
his own signet, probably lest Daniel's enemies should kill him.
Let us commit our lives and souls unto God, in well-doing. We
cannot place full confidence even in men whom we faithfully
serve; but believers may, in all cases, be sure of the Divine
favour and consolation.
#18-24 The best way to have a good night, is to keep a good
conscience. We are sure of what the king doubted, that the
servants of the living God have a Master well able to protect
them. See the power of God over the fiercest creatures, and
believe his power to restrain the roaring lion that goeth about
continually seeking to devour. Daniel was kept perfectly safe,
because he believed in his God. Those who boldly and cheerfully
trust in God to protect them in the way of duty, shall always
find him a present help. Thus the righteous is delivered out of
trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. The short triumph
of the wicked will end in their ruin.
#25-28 If we live in the fear of God, and walk according to that
rule, peace shall be upon us. The kingdom, the power, and the
glory, for ever, are the Lord's; but many are employed in making
known his wonderful works to others, who themselves remain
strangers to his saving grace. May we be doers, as well as
believers of his word, least at the last we should be found to
have deceived ourselves.