Daniel 6:10
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)
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Daniel doesn't just pray; he deliberately turns his face towards Jerusalem while praying, a practice rooted in Solomon's dedication prayer, signifying his longing for and faithfulness to God's chosen city and temple, even from afar. This specific gesture, rather than simply praying in private, reveals his conscious identification with his exiled people and a public, though not ostentatious, testament to his unwavering hope in God's promises.
As soon as Daniel learns that a decree has been signed prohibiting prayer to any god or man for thirty days, he doesn't hide or change his routine. Instead, he goes to his house and continues to pray three times a day, facing Jerusalem, just as he always had. This act of devotion, carried out openly with his windows open, directly defies the king's new law and sets the stage for his confrontation with the envious officials.
When a new law threatened his life, Daniel didn't hide or change his routine. What drove this remarkable commitment?
Daniel's action wasn't about rebellion; it was about continuing his established practice of devotion to God.
A Habit of Worship
Daniel's prayer life was not new; the text states he prayed and gave thanks 'as he had done previously.' This wasn't a sudden act of defiance but the continuation of a lifelong commitment.
Intentional Visibility
His windows were open toward Jerusalem. This wasn't for show, but because it was his customary practice. For Jews in exile, praying towards Jerusalem was a way to connect with God's presence and remember their covenant with Him. Daniel's open windows signaled his unwavering loyalty to God, even when it carried great risk.
In a moment of extreme danger, Daniel didn't just pray for himself. What did his prayer encompass?
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Daniel's prayer was more than a personal plea; it was an act of public worship and a testament to his faith.
Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
The decree forbade praying to any god or man. Daniel's continued prayer was a bold declaration that God's authority superseded any earthly king's decree. He prioritized his relationship with God above his own safety.
Rooted in Thanksgiving
The verse specifically mentions Daniel 'prayed and gave thanks.' This shows that his devotion included gratitude for God's past faithfulness, even in the face of impending doom. It highlights a holistic approach to worship – acknowledging God's power and provision in all circumstances.
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 unwavering prayer life, turning toward Jerusalem even under threat, highlights the deep spiritual connection exiled Jews maintained with their homeland and God's presence, even after the Temple's destruction.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins deporting Jewish nobility, including Daniel and his friends, to Babylon after his victory over Egypt at Carchemish.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, intensifying the Jewish exile in Babylon.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians
Babylon is conquered by Cyrus the Great, leading to the establishment of the Medo-Persian Empire. This sets the stage for the return of the exiles.
c. 539 BC— this verse
Darius the Mede Takes Rule
The Medes and Persians take control of Babylon. Darius the Mede, often identified with Cyrus the Great or a viceroy, is placed in charge of the Babylonian kingdom.
Solomon's prayer at the temple dedication established the precedent of praying towards Jerusalem, especially for those in exile, directly informing Daniel's practice.
Psalm 55:17This psalm expresses a similar pattern of regular, thrice-daily prayer, highlighting that Daniel's devotion was part of a recognized and ancient practice among God's people.
Matthew 6:6Jesus' teaching on private prayer contrasts with Daniel's open window, but the core principle of faithful devotion in the face of opposition remains the same.
Acts 10:9Peter's experience of prayer at the sixth hour shows that mid-day prayer was a common practice, further contextualizing Daniel's schedule.
Romans 8:31The question 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' echoes Daniel's unwavering faith and reliance on God, even when facing seemingly insurmountable opposition.
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 doesn't just pray; he deliberately turns his face towards Jerusalem while praying, a practice rooted in Solomon's dedication prayer, signifying his longing for and faithfulness to God's chosen city and temple, even from afar. This specific gesture, rather than simply praying in private, reveals his conscious identification with his exiled people and a public, though not ostentatious, testament to his unwavering hope in God's promises.
As soon as Daniel learns that a decree has been signed prohibiting prayer to any god or man for thirty days, he doesn't hide or change his routine. Instead, he goes to his house and continues to pray three times a day, facing Jerusalem, just as he always had. This act of devotion, carried out openly with his windows open, directly defies the king's new law and sets the stage for his confrontation with the envious officials.
As soon as Daniel learns that a decree has been signed prohibiting prayer to any god or man for thirty days, he doesn't hide or change his routine. Instead, he goes to his house and continues to pray three times a day, facing Jerusalem, just as he always had. This act of devotion, carried out openly with his windows open, directly defies the king's new law and sets the stage for his confrontation with the envious officials.
"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 doesn't just pray; he deliberately turns his face towards Jerusalem while praying, a practice rooted in Solomon's dedication prayer, signifying his longing for and faithfulness to God's chosen…
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