Dan 6:24-28 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 24 They brought those men - It was perfectly just that they should suffer that death to which they had endeavored to subject the innocent; but it was savage cruelty to destroy the women and children who had no part in the transgression.

‏ Daniel 6:24-28

Verse 24

They brought those men - It was perfectly just that they should suffer that death to which they had endeavored to subject the innocent; but it was savage cruelty to destroy the women and children who had no part in the transgression. Verse 25

Then king Darius wrote - And the substance of this decree, which was made by a heathen king, was to point out the perfections of the true God, and the fidelity of his devoted servant. Verse 26

I make a decree that - men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel - As in the case of the three Hebrews, Dan 3:29. The true God was known by his servants, and by the deliverances he wrought for them. See his characters in this decree.

1. He is the living God, the Author and Giver of life; all others are dead gods.

2. He is steadfast for ever. All things change; but he is unchangeable.

3. He has a kingdom; for as he made all things, so he governs all things.

4. His kingdom shall not be destroyed. No human power can prevail against it, because it is upheld by his omnipotence.

5. His dominion is without end. It is an everlasting dominion, under an everlasting rule, by an everlasting God.

6. He delivereth them that are in danger and bondage.

7. He rescueth those who have fallen into the hands of their enemies, and implore his succor.

8. He worketh signs in the heavens.

9. And wonders upon earth; showing that both are under his sway, and are parts of his dominion.

10. And to complete all, He hath delivered Daniel. Before our own eyes he has given the fullest proof of his power and goodness, in rescuing his faithful servant from the teeth of the lions. What a fine eulogium on the great God and his faithful servant! Verse 28

So this Daniel prospered - He had served fine kings: Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-merodach, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. Few courtiers have had so long a reign, served so many masters without flattering any, been more successful in their management of public affairs, been so useful to the states where they were in office, or have been more owned of God, or have left such an example to posterity.

Where shall we find ministers like Samuel and Daniel? None so wise, so holy, so disinterested, so useful, have ever since appeared in the nations of the earth.