Daniel 6:5
ESV
Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God."
NIV
Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."
NASB
Then these men said, 'We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him regarding the law of his God.'
CSB
Then these men said, "We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God."
NLT
So they concluded, 'Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.'
KJV
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
NKJV
Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
What does Daniel 6:5 mean?
During Daniel's life, he demonstrated invincible trust and loyalty towards the Lord God (Daniel 1:8, 17, 20). Apparently, he was also very public and open about his faith. When a new ruler took over Babylon, Daniel's reputation remained untarnished. Daniel distinguished himself by his skill as well as his moral integrity (Daniel 6:1–3). Jealous rivals searched for some flaw they could use to bring Daniel down but found nothing (Daniel 6:4). Their plan is as simple as it is evil: making it illegal to honor God.The high officials and satraps realized the only way to create conflict between Daniel and Babylon was to make him choose between the laws of the land and his faith (Acts 5:29). Persian religion venerated Ormazd, Ahriman, and fire, earth, wind, and water. However, Daniel worshiped only the one true God. The question here does not seem to be whether Daniel would compromise his faith. Rather, these men are absolutely convinced Daniel will worship his God, no matter the cost.
The New Testament exhorts believers to resist the temptation to be squeezed into the mold of the worldly system (Romans 12:2). Instead, believers ought to "be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation," shining as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).
