Daniel-The Epic Plot Against My Life

By Mary Vee
Daniel 6

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel. I am a prophet of God and a prisoner in the land of Babylon with many other Jews.

Darius the Mede is the new king. He took the throne the same night his troops killed King Belshazzar. 

He set up his kingdom in this way: Three men were appointed as administrators serving under the king. I was one of the three.

Under us, 125 men served. They had the title of satrap and reported to the three administrators.

King Darius seemed very pleased with my work. He went so far as to say he would appoint me over the whole kingdom. The only person I would have to report to was him.

Everywhere I went the administrators and satraps watched me. Looking for any and every mistake I could make. I didn't feel pressure though. I did my best all the time, dedicating my service to God first and desiring to please the Almighty God by doing the work required by the king.

The one thing I really missed was friendship. All the people who worked near me kept their distance, yet watched my every move. I could see their eyes behind bushes, their feet sticking out from behind corners, their ears tuned to my every word. They grunted and groaned when they failed t catch me doing something wrong, hungry to get rid of me in some way.

My goal was not to please them but to live as a worker who was trustworthy, not corrupt or negligent.

Their goal seemed crystal clear. They didn't hide their desires. They said loud enough for me to hear, "We will never find any reason to bring a charge against Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."

"Daniel," a servant came to me. He seemed very upset. "The administrators and satraps have gone before the king. They said, 'O King Darius, live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue a law and enforce it. The law should say this: Anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be town into the lions' den. 

"Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.'"

"The king thought for a moment. He seemed really pleased with the idea. He said, "Good idea." He called to his scribe and put the words into writing.

"What are you going to do? If you are caught praying as you do everyday, you will be thrown into the lions' den."

I had several choices, actually. I could pray in secret. I could simply pray inside my head where no one would hear me. Or I could continue to pray, kneeling by my window as I always have in the past. But praying at the window meant anyone would see me.

Come back next time to see what happens.

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1. Who did the new king, Darius place in the top three men over the kingdom.
2. What did the king think of Daniel's work?
3. Why were the satraps and other administrators jealous of Daniel?
4. How did they plan to get Daniel in trouble?

5. Did the king agree to the idea?

6. What do you think Daniel will do?