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."