What does Daniel 6:9 mean?

Darius fell for his officials' devious trick (Daniel 6:4–8). They approached him with an irrevocable law prohibiting all prayer unless directed to the king himself. Though the king had a high regard for Daniel (Daniel 6:1–3), he might not have understood what impact Daniel's faith would have on the situation. Perhaps his officials coming in a large group, claiming to have unanimous agreement on the plan, engendered Darius's trust in their advice and he failed to fully consider it. He must have been greatly flattered that his nobles honored him with such respect and loyalty. Perhaps pride made him neglect to think through all the consequences of the law, for Daniel or anyone else. Or maybe he wanted to please his officials and saw no immediate need to deny such a law. Clearly Darius did not intend to harm Daniel when he signed the law (Daniel 6:14–15).

Darius cast himself in the role of a god by demanding that he alone was to be the object of people's petitions. In this role he foreshadows another ruler—seen in the end times—who exalts himself above every god, including the only true God (Daniel 11:36–37; 2 Thessalonians 2:4).

Persian culture saw the king as an embodiment of the law, so certain kingly decrees could not be overturned. This becomes a problem for Darius once he realizes that his approval will condemn Daniel (Daniel 6:14–16).