Our Daily Dose
Day 141 of 365 · Week 21 · The Prayer of Jabez
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Daniel’s Response to the Decree
Daniel 6:10-13
Scripture · Daniel 6:10-13
10Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God. 12So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.” 13Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
When Daniel learns that the decree has been signed, his response is immediate and resolute. He goes to his room, where the windows open toward Jerusalem, and prays three times a day, just as he had always done. Daniel’s prayer is an act of defiance against the decree but also an expression of his unwavering faith and trust in God. The conspirators, as expected, find Daniel praying and immediately report him to the king. They remind the king of the decree’s irrevocability and accuse Daniel of defying the king’s orders.
Exegetical Viewpoints
- Daniel’s Faithfulness in Prayer: Daniel’s decision to continue praying despite the decree demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God. His actions show that his relationship with God takes precedence over any human law, and he is willing to face the consequences for his obedience.
- Consistency in Spiritual Discipline: Daniel’s practice of praying three times a day reflects a consistent spiritual discipline that sustains him in times of crisis. His prayer life was not a reaction to the decree but a regular part
of his relationship with God, which gave him the strength to stand firm in the face of danger.
Practical Applications
- Maintain Consistency in Your Spiritual Practices: Develop consistent spiritual practices, such as prayer and Bible study, that strengthen your relationship with God and prepare you to face challenges with faith and courage. Like Daniel, let your spiritual disciplines be a source of strength in difficult times.
- Respond to Challenges with Faith: When confronted with situations that test your faith, respond with prayer and trust in God. Don’t allow fear or external pressures to dictate your actions; instead, rely on your relationship with God to guide you through difficult decisions.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
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Read the full book in the KOS Library →
Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.