Daniel's act wasn't about defiance for defiance's sake; it was about maintaining his deep-seated spiritual rhythm as usual, turning his heart toward Jerusalem as a conscious reminder of his covenant, even when doing so was incredibly risky. He simply continued his established pattern of prayer and thanksgiving, a steadfast devotion that predated and would outlast this king's decree.
When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Daniel learns that a new, irrevocable law forbids prayer to any god or man other than King Darius, he doesn't hide or change his habits. Instead, he intentionally continues his regular devotion, opening his chamber windows toward Jerusalem to pray and give thanks to God three times a day, just as he had always done. This act of defiance, a deliberate continuation of his normal worship despite the law, sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
When a decree threatened his life, Daniel didn't hide his devotion. He opened his windows. Why was this seemingly simple act so profound?
Daniel's decision to pray with his windows open, especially after the decree was signed, wasn't about being reckless or seeking attention. It was a deliberate act of public testimony.
A Deliberate Witness
This wasn't about a 'look at me' attitude, but a courageous affirmation that his relationship with God was more important than political pressure or personal safety.
Daniel turned his face toward Jerusalem when he prayed. Why this specific direction? What did Jerusalem represent to him in exile?
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Daniel's prayer 'toward Jerusalem' wasn't just a directional preference; it was deeply symbolic. In exile, Jerusalem represented several crucial things:
The Heart of Faith
This practice, rooted in Solomon's prayer (1 Kings 8:48), connected Daniel to his heritage and reinforced his hope in God's ultimate faithfulness.
Daniel prayed 'as he had done previously.' Why emphasize his established routine rather than a new, defiant act?
The phrase 'as he did aforetime' is key. It highlights that Daniel's prayer life wasn't a last-minute, spur-of-the-moment reaction to danger, but a deeply ingrained habit—a rhythm of steadfastness.
The Power of Routine Faith
This wasn't just about praying three times a day; it was about living a life where prayer was a natural, vital outflow of his relationship with God, regardless of external pressures.
Understand the original words
tsela' · Aramaic Verb
To call upon God in adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving; a central practice of spiritual devotion and relational dependence on the Creator.
yeda' · Aramaic Verb
An expression of gratitude or acknowledgment of God’s goodness and His works, frequently offered in the context of worship and sacrifice.
Daniel's prayer life, directed towards Jerusalem, was a continuation of a long-standing Jewish custom deeply rooted in their connection to the Temple and God's presence, even during exile. His unwavering devotion, even in the face of a death decree, highlights the deep spiritual significance of prayer and remembrance of their homeland during the Babylonian and Persian periods.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria besieged Jerusalem, an event that deeply affected Jewish faith and national identity, intensifying prayers directed towards the holy city.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquered Jerusalem, deporting King Jehoiachin and many citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Judean exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, escalating the Babylonian exile and scattering the remaining Jewish population, intensifying the practice of praying towards Jerusalem.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon to the Persians
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, establishing the Persian Empire and creating a new political landscape for the exiled Jews.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Edict Allowing Return
Cyrus issued an edict permitting exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, though many remained in Persia.
c. 500-450 BC— this verse
Daniel's Ministry in Persia
Daniel, likely in his advanced age, continued to serve in high positions under the Persian rulers, including Darius the Mede (often identified with Cyrus or a viceroy).
This passage describes Solomon's prayer at the temple's dedication, where he specifically asks God to hear the prayers of those who turn towards Jerusalem when in exile or foreign lands, providing the theological basis for Daniel's actions.
Psalm 55:17This verse speaks of praying 'three times a day,' mirroring Daniel's established practice and highlighting that consistent, regular prayer is a desire of the faithful.
Matthew 6:6Jesus instructs His followers to pray in their inner room and shut the door, which, while different from Daniel's open window, emphasizes the personal and devoted nature of prayer that is not meant for show.
Acts 10:9-16Peter's vision on the rooftop, occurring at the 'sixth hour' (noon), illustrates a specific time of prayer and spiritual encounter, similar to Daniel's adherence to set prayer times and his reliance on God during a critical moment.
Philippians 4:6-7Paul urges believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, echoing Daniel's action of praying and giving thanks, showing that gratitude is an integral part of consistent devotion.
clarkeDaniel 6:10: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed - He saw what was designed, and he knew whom he served. His windows being open - He would not shut them to conceal himself, but "kneeled down with his face turned toward Jerusalem, and prayed…
barnesDaniel 6:10: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed - Probably there was some proclamation made in regard to that decree. He went into his house - That is, he went in in his usual manner. He made no change in his habits on account of the decre…
Daniel's act wasn't about defiance for defiance's sake; it was about maintaining his deep-seated spiritual rhythm as usual, turning his heart toward Jerusalem as a conscious reminder of his covenant, even when doing so was incredibly risky. He simply continued his established pattern of prayer and thanksgiving, a steadfast devotion that predated and would outlast this king's decree.
As Daniel learns that a new, irrevocable law forbids prayer to any god or man other than King Darius, he doesn't hide or change his habits. Instead, he intentionally continues his regular devotion, opening his chamber windows toward Jerusalem to pray and give thanks to God three times a day, just as he had always done. This act of defiance, a deliberate continuation of his normal worship despite the law, sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
As Daniel learns that a new, irrevocable law forbids prayer to any god or man other than King Darius, he doesn't hide or change his habits. Instead, he intentionally continues his regular devotion, opening his chamber windows toward Jerusalem to pray and give thanks to God three times a day, just as he had always done. This act of defiance, a deliberate continuation of his normal worship despite the law, sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
"When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done…" — Daniel's act wasn't about defiance for defiance's sake; it was about maintaining his deep-seated spiritual rhythm as usual, turning his heart toward Jerusalem as a conscious reminder of his covenan…
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Last reviewed October 2026
