Understanding Daniel 6:13

This verse reads:

"Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day."

Context and Background

Daniel 6 recounts the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. It illustrates the conflict between faithfulness to God and obedience to earthly authorities. Specifically, this verse highlights the jealousy of Daniel's rivals and their plot to undermine him.

Verse Meaning

According to public domain commentaries:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that Daniel's public devotion to God is evident in his continued prayers, despite the king’s decree. The verse showcases Daniel's unwavering faith and the community’s jealousy towards his favor with the king.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the character and integrity of Daniel. He notes that Daniel's commitment to God holds precedence over earthly rules, aligning with the theme of divine loyalty against human opposition.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke points out the significance of the wording, particularly the term "regardeth not." This phrase highlights the determination to comply with God’s commandments despite facing serious consequences, illustrating a profound trust in divine protection.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

There are several compelling connections between this verse and other biblical passages that illustrate similar themes of faith, disobedience to wrongful authority, and divine protection:

• Exodus 20:3-5:

  This passage discusses the first commandment, which emphasizes exclusive devotion to God, akin to Daniel's refusal to stop praying.

• Luke 18:1:

  Teaches the importance of persistent prayer, resonating with Daniel’s daily petitioning.

• Acts 5:29:

  Peter and the apostles assert the necessity of obeying God rather than humans—echoing Daniel’s situation.

• Psalm 55:17:

  This verse refers to praying three times a day, revealing a parallel with Daniel’s dedicated prayer routine.

• James 5:16:

  Highlights the power of fervent prayer, reflecting Daniel’s potent intercessions.

• Philippians 4:6:

  Encourages believers to make their requests known to God, similar to Daniel's open prayers.

• Romans 12:2:

  Advises believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, aligning with Daniel's resistance to the king's decree.

Cross-Referencing Biblical Texts

To better understand Daniel 6:13, cross-reference tools such as a Bible concordance or a Bible cross-reference guide can provide deeper insights into these connections. Here are suggestions for how to utilize cross-references in your study:

• Identify keywords in the verse, such as "petition," "Daniel," and "king."
• Use a Bible reference resource to find verses that share similar themes or keywords.
• Explore thematic Bible verse connections between the Old and New Testaments.

Comparative Bible Verse Analysis

When studying Daniel 6:13, analyzing its parallels with other scriptures deepens our understanding:

• Daniel 3:16-18:

  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to bow to the golden image is comparable to Daniel’s stance on prayer.

• Hebrews 11:33-34:

  Celebrates those who remained steadfast in faith, paralleling Daniel's commitment.

• Matthew 5:10-12:

  Speaks on the blessedness of those who are persecuted for righteousness, reflecting Daniel's fate.

Conclusion

Daniel 6:13 serves as a profound example of faith against opposition. With tools for Bible cross-referencing and thematic analysis, one can see the woven narratives of faith across scriptures. The themes of prayer, defiance against ungodly decree, and divine protection resonate throughout the Bible, culminating in the principles found in Daniel’s story.