What does Daniel 6:8 mean?
Ancient Persian attitudes towards their rulers implied that the king was the law, and the law could not contradict itself. This meant that edicts specifically authorized by the king were irrevocable: they could not be undone or repealed (Esther 8:8). The men seeking to trap Daniel (Daniel 6:4–5) want to ensure that he dies. If the law could be reversed, then the king would be able to save Daniel. By convincing Darius (Daniel 5:31) to make the law permanent, the scheming advisors are trapping him in the unintended consequences of his own pride (Daniel 6:6–7).Darius's reaction shows that he did not intend for Daniel to be caught up in the law (Daniel 6:14–15). The idea of a law forbidding anyone to pray, other than to the king, seemed like a good idea. For as much as Darius respected Daniel (Daniel 6:1–3), he did not seem to realize what his decree would mean for the captive Hebrew (Daniel 1:1–7).