“O KING, LIVE FOREVER!”

October 29 

…fear God, honor the king. 1Peter 2:17b

An absurd situation (Daniel 6)… 

A forceful assembly of scheming courtiers successfully manipulate a sincere but inexperienced sovereign into drafting an ill-advised law that cannot be repealed—thereby ensnaring the octogenarian Daniel, the king’s most trusted official.  

Following the execution of the sentence, King Darius unseals the entrance to the lions’ den and cries out, hoping to hear the voice of his beloved Daniel—but dreading that the only response will be the lions’ roar! But it is Daniel that responds (6:21): “O king, live forever!” 

This salutation customarily offered unto Babylonian monarchs is employed multiple times within Daniel by various court dignitaries (2:4; 3:9; 5:10; 6:6). This is the only time in the book, however, that we see Daniel (or any Hebrew) address a Gentile ruler in this fashion. Some commentators have connected this usage with v. 20, in which the king refers to Daniel’s God as “the Living God.” If such a connection be made, it would thus reflect Daniel’s heartfelt desire that the Great Author of Life would grant life in its fullest meaning unto his friend, King Darius. Note John Calvin’s paraphrase of 6:21: “…that is, may God protect thy life and bless thee perpetually.” Observe that while Daniel had been condemned for refusing to pray unto Darius, he did not cease from praying for him! 

MARK the respect which Daniel offers unto dignitaries (Rom. 13:7, Prov. 24:21), even in the aftermath of a situation in which he was appallingly ill-used by the regime—and thus perhaps entitled to some degree of frustration!  

MARK Daniel’s benevolent and sincere concern for the welfare of the king! 

MARK that Daniel’s pre-eminent thought is to rejoice and bring glory unto God for his deliverance (6:22). 

Terry L. Reese