Daniel 6:14
Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
DANIEL 6:14
In verse 14, the king is distressed with himself, seeking to deliver Daniel, and “labouring till the going down of the sun to deliver him.” The king’s regret shows the moral weight of his own complicity in the decree. Yet his hands are bound by law. This moment exposes the human cost of political decision-making and the tragedy of dignity constrained by caprice of power.
Theologically, this depicts God’s sovereignty even over a king’s remorse and the power of human institutions to cause moral conflict. It also demonstrates God’s people’s trust that He can deliver even when human efforts fail; Daniel’s eventual deliverance (not covered here) confirms God’s faithfulness in the face of unjust human systems.
Practical wisdom: (1) When authorities fail to protect, trust in God’s ultimate deliverance while honoring lawful processes; (2) learn from leadership humility—recognizing mistakes and seeking mercy; (3) cultivate resilience in faith communities that can endure political pressure. Daniel’s example urges believers to hold fast to prayer and integrity even when leaders falter under pressure or misjudge outcomes.
Cross-References: Job 12:23-24; Esther 4:14; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:6-7