Verse 2

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

Daniel was first — Belshazzar's promise to Daniel was, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom, chap5:7,16,29. The first was general of the army, the second president of the palace, the third of the land and provinces.

Verse 4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Concerning the kingdom — And so to have made him guilty of treason, or other high misdemeanors, in the king's business.

Verse 10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Toward Jerusalem — The temple was the place where the Lord placed his name, and promised to appear, and accept his people, all being a type of Christ, through whom only sinners are accepted.

As he did aforetime — He did not abate his prayers for the king's command, nor did he break the law purposely, because he did no more than he was wont to do in serving his God.

Verse 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.

Displeased with himself — For having made that foolish decree.

To deliver him — To find out some way of delivering him.

Verse 20

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

Able to deliver — What he doubted of, we are sure of, that the servants of the living God, have a master who is able to deliver them and bear them out in his service.

Verse 22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

His angel — The same that was with the three children in the fiery furnace, whose presence made even the lion's den a strong-hold, his palace, his paradise. See the power of God over the fiercest creatures! See the care God takes of his faithful servants, especially when they are called to suffer for him! See how ready the angels are to minister to the heirs of salvation!

Verse 25

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

In all the earth — In all that great empire. It is usual with the Turk, Tartar, Chinese, to arrogate the same universality.