Daniel 6:6-10 - Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed

6:6-9

The jealous ones played on the king’s pride to devise their plan. So when they approached the king they said “May King Darius live forever!”, buttering him up!  Their plan was that for thirty days no one should pray to “any god or human being”, and if someone did then they were to be thrown into the lion’s den. Emperors have a habit of being treated like gods, pride is a great danger for anyone with power. It was quite common for rulers to have “pet” lions. They were very handy for using to get rid of miscreants. The plotters then urged the king to put the edict in writing so it could not be changed. King Darius went along with their wishes.

6:10

Daniel learnt of the decree. He responded very calmly, and continued with his daily practice of praying to God three times a day. He prayed and thanked God just as he had always done. He did not intend to change his ways because of a mere edict of the king. Worshipping God came before the laws of men. Daniel also did this in public, and at a window that faced Jerusalem. This was a literal interpretation of 1 Ki 8:41-43 speaking or praying towards the temple. Now the temple was in ruins so this was an act of faith on Daniel’s part, that he believed God would one day restore the temple. Now some might criticise Daniel for being overly literalistic, or asking why he didn’t pray in private instead of so visibly. When anyone takes a stand for God in the face of opposition one can always find a reason to criticise. We are better off supporting those who out of faith stand up for Christ.