What does Daniel 6:21 mean?
Darius was intensely nervous as he approached the lions' den (Daniel 6:18–19). Though Daniel was condemned to be locked into a pen with lions (Daniel 6:15–17), Darius held out hope that perhaps Daniel's God would provide rescue. As he approached, he called out with that very question (Daniel 6:20). To the king's great relief, Daniel confirmed that he had been spared. The conspiracy against Daniel had failed (Daniel 6:4–7). Those who plotted would face the gruesome death they'd tried to bring Daniel (Daniel 6:24).Daniel's respectful response emphasizes his unblemished character. Instead of wishing Darius ill-will, he wished him long life. His response prefigures Jesus' response to those who nailed Him to the cross. Luke 23:34 reports that Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." The apostle Peter observes that Jesus left us an example so that we might follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). He writes that "when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). Romans 12:17 commands, "Repay no one evil for evil."
Daniel 6:19–28 concludes Daniel's encounter in the lions' den. This passage includes Daniel's fate and Darius's reaction. The story comes to a joyful conclusion, rather than the messy end intended for Daniel by his conspiring enemies. They, instead, suffer the fate they planned for an innocent man. The last verses include an endorsement of Daniel's faith, coming directly from Darius.
Babylon's new ruler organizes his territory under 120 satraps and three governors. He intends to make Daniel the most powerful of these, but jealous rivals develop a plot. Knowing Daniel's only "weakness" is loyalty to God, they trick the king into passing an irrevocable law banning prayer. Daniel knows about the law but chooses obedience to God rather than to men. Darius is anguished yet he dutifully follows the law. When Daniel miraculously survives a night in a den full of lions, Darius is elated. He condemns the conspirators to death, and the same lions tear them apart. Darius then proclaims honor on behalf of Daniel's God.
