Daniel 6:12
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
DANIEL 6:12
Verse 12 records the conspirators’ re-ask to the king: “Did you not sign a decree?” They leverage the king’s own legal commitments to trap Daniel in his act of worship. The repetition aims to expose the king’s own sense of obligation to the decree, revealing the tension between a ruler’s conscience and political expediency. The king’s response—affirming the law’s binding nature—heightens Daniel’s peril and heightens moral drama.
This verse emphasizes the interplay between human law and divine law. It raises questions about the limits of royal authority and the integrity of those who advise the king. It shows how legalistic systems can be weaponized to punish the innocent, prompting reflection on godly courage and the reliability of political structures under pressure.
Practical takeaways: (1) When laws threaten conscience, seek wise, principled counsel and explore lawful avenues for remedy; (2) maintain truthfulness in dialogue with authorities, even when they are entangled in tricky legal traps; (3) support institutions and leaders who defend religious liberty while upholding justice. Daniel’s example invites believers to navigate civil pressures with a posture of humility, wisdom, and faithfulness.
Cross-References: Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-2; Psalm 94:20; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23