Conclusion of RESCUED FROM THE JAWS OF LIONS!

It would have been startling enough if Darius had appointed the Jewish exile to be a satrap.  But just imagine the commotion when Darius announced his decision to make Daniel one of the three high officials who would oversee the satraps!   Not only that but Daniel was "steadily distinguishing himself," proving himself superior to his fellow high officials.  Indeed, "an extraordinary spirit" was found in him.  Darius was even intent upon giving him the position of prime minister. -Daniel 6:2, 3.

The other high officials and the satraps must have been seething with anger.  Why, they could not stand the thought of having Daniel-who was neither Mede nor Persian nor a member of the royal family -in a position of authority over them!  How could Darius elevate a foreigner  to such prominence, bypassing his own countrymen, even his own family?  Such a maneuver must have seemed unfair.  Moreover, the satraps evidently viewed Daniel's integrity  as an unwelcome restraint against their own  practices of graft and corruption.  Yet, the high officials and satraps did not dare to approach Darius about the matter. After all, Darius held Daniel in high esteem. 

So these jealous politicians conspired among themselves.  They tried "to find some pretext against Daniel respecting the kingdom."  Could anything be amiss about the way he handled his responsibilities?  Was he dishonest?  The high officials and satraps could find no negligence or corruption whatsoever in the way that Daniel handled his duties.  "We shall find in this Daniel no pretext at all,"  They reasoned," except  we have to find it against him in the law of his God." And so it was that these devious men hatched a plot.  They thought  it would finish Daniel off once and for all. -Daniel 6:4, 5. 

Next time: A MURDEROUS PLOT SET IN MOTION

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999