What is the context?
Knowing the decree has been signed, Daniel continues his established practice. He kneels three times a day in his upper room, prays and gives thanks to God, with the windows open toward Jerusalem.
Praying toward Jerusalem recalls Solomon’s prayer for people taken into exile, especially 1 Kings 8:46–50. Even far from home, they could turn back to God and appeal for Him to hear them.
The officials find Daniel praying and report him to the king as a disloyal exile. Darius is distressed and works until sundown to save him. His advisers insist that the signed decree cannot be changed. Daniel’s continuing worship has brought the conflict between their law and his loyalty to God into the open.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley and Cambridge emphasize that Daniel continues his usual practice. His prayer is an established commitment, rather than a new display devised to provoke the king.
Henry notes how conduct faithful to God is misrepresented as contempt for civil authority. Darius’s attempt to rescue Daniel shows that he now recognizes the danger created by his decree.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The same question of greater loyalty appears in Acts 5:27–32. When ordered to stop teaching about Jesus, the apostles answer that they must obey God rather than men. They continue bearing witness to the Jesus whom God raised and exalted.
Daniel’s prayer and the apostles’ witness are different acts, but both show that human authority cannot take God’s place. In the New Testament, this loyalty serves the spread of the message of repentance and forgiveness through the risen Savior.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.