Daniel 6:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: "Peace be multiplied to you.

NIV: Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: "May you prosper greatly!

NASB: Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations, and populations of all languages who were living in all the land: 'May your peace be great!

CSB: Then King Darius wrote to those of every people, nation, and language who live on the whole earth: "May your prosperity abound.

NLT: Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: 'Peace and prosperity to you!

KJV: Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

NKJV: Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

Following Daniel's deliverance (Daniel 6:19–23) and his accusers' execution (Daniel 6:24), Darius (Daniel 5:31) wrote to all his subjects. While Daniel was in the lions' den, Darius had suffered from an extreme lack of peace (Daniel 6:14–18). Here, he wishes the opposite for his people. What follows is a glowing endorsement of Daniel's faith and an appeal to the entire world to honor Daniel's God (Daniel 6:26–27).

The book of Daniel includes overt and indirect references to the events of the end times. When righteous Jews emerge triumphant over the persecution they experience in the end times tribulation, the King of kings and Lord of lords will cause peace to sweep over planet earth. Isaiah describes Jesus as "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) and promises that His power will never end (Isaiah 9:7). Isaiah 54:10 promises God's redeemed people that that the mountains and hills may fall flat but his steadfast love will not depart from them, nor will his covenant of peace be removed. While Darius could only wish for peace, Jesus will establish and sustain peace in His kingdom.

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.

At the end of chapter 5, Belshazzar has died and control over Babylon has come to someone identified as "Darius the Mede." Darius organizes his territory under 120 satraps and three governor-level officials. Daniel is identified as one of the three high administrators. After jealous rivals fail to kill Daniel, he continues to prosper in his role. The following chapter begins an extensive record of prophetic visions. The first is a flashback to something Daniel saw during the rule of Belshazzar.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.