The Trap: Daniel 6:1-9

We are called to be in relationship with God.  He created us.  He gives us identity.  He calls us into purpose.  Relationship with Him is the greatest relationship we’ll ever know.

Darius, the new king in town underneath the rule of Cyrus, immediately recognizes Daniel’s value.  He may have heard what Daniel said to Belshazzar and how Daniel’s – or rather, God’s – prophecy came true.  Perhaps he valued Daniel’s ability to know a higher power who could clue him in to truth.  Perhaps Darius valued Daniel’s willingness to tell the truth in hard circumstances.  Perhaps Darius thought he might have an easier time befriending Daniel because Daniel spoke out against Belshazzar.

Unfortunately, Daniel didn’t have the favor of the ruling nobles.  The satraps were jealous of Daniel.  Perhaps they were offended Daniel was neither Persian nor Babylonian and thus didn’t have a right to rule.  Perhaps they were tired of Daniel accomplishing tasks they were unable to do.

The satraps attempt to entrap Daniel.  They need a way to make Daniel’s value go down.  They’d love to pit Daniel against Darius.

Examine their tactics.  They realize that Daniel is close to his God.  They plan to use that against Daniel.  They use Daniel’s relationship with God to pit Darius against Daniel.

This is truly high praise for Daniel.  They know Daniel can be counted on to express his faithfulness in God.  Daniel’s faith is so transparent and predictable that the satraps relied on his faithfulness.

In a strange way, this is quite satisfying.  Daniel is so reliable in his relationship with God it becomes the one tool others use to topple him.  Daniel had an incredible faith and an incredible relationship with God.

Additionally, the satraps know Daniel’s character.  They know they’ll never be able to get Daniel to do anything illegal.  They know they cannot find an area of Daniel’s life where Darius the Mede will find fault.  Daniel is not only close to God, but the relationship he has with God makes his character impeccable.

This is the basis for their plan.  Since they can’t find a flaw in Daniel’s character, they make his faith illegal.  They make it so Daniel’s worship of God is illegal in the land.  They cannot attack his character; they attack his relationship with God.

There are many lessons here.  People in positions of power should always watch their back because someone else probably wants to take the power from them.  Furthermore, human beings can go to any extremes to get the power they want.  Those of us who are in relationship with God must realize that our relationship with God might become the fuel for the fire the world lights against us. 

This brings us back to Daniel.  We must not fear what the world will do to us.  Our character derives from our relationship with God.  We are called to be in relationship with God.