Clarke's Bible Commentary - Daniel 6:10
Verse 10. 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 thrice each day, giving thanks to God as usual." When the Jews were in distant countries, in prayer they turned their faces towards Jerusalem; and when in Jerusalem, they turned their faces towards the temple. Solomon, in his prayer at the dedication of the temple, 1 Kings viii. 48, had entreated God to hear the prayers of those who might be in strange lands, or in captivity, when they should turn their faces towards their own land, which God gave unto their fathers; and towards the city which he had chosen, and the house which was dedicated to his name. It was in reference to this that Daniel turned his face towards Jerusalem when he prayed.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 10. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed , etc.] This he knew, either by the relation of others, or by the public proclamation of it through the city; however, he did not know of it till it was signed, or otherwise he might have prevented it by applying to the king, in whom he had great interest; but, now the thing was done, he did not solicit the abrogation of it, knowing it was in vain; nor did he go to the king with complaints against his enemies, showing the design they had in it; but let things take their own course, he being determined to be found in his duty, be it as it would: he went into his house : he left the court at the proper time of prayer, and went to his own house to perform it; he did not, in defiance of this law, go to prayer in the court, or in the streets, but retired home, as he was used to do: and his windows being opened ; not to be seen of men, but that he might have a clear view of the heavens, where his God dwelt, to whom he prayed, and be the more affected with the consideration of his greatness and glory: in his chamber toward Jerusalem ; it was not in the lower part of the house, nor on the top of the house, in either of which he might be more easily seen; but in his chamber, where he was wont to retire, the windows of which were opened “towards Jerusalem”; not towards the king’s palace, as if he prayed to him, and so eluded the decree; nor towards the east, as the Heathens did; but towards Jerusalem, which lay to the south of Babylon; and that, either because of his remembrance of that city, his affection to it, and concern for its re-edification; or having some respect to the words of Solomon, ( 1 Kings 8:33), etc.; and so, according to the Jewish writers, it was the custom of their people. Ben Gersom, on the above place, says, that though they did not pray within the temple, yet they prayed, turning themselves towards it, as much as possibly they could; and even when it was destroyed, as now, yet they in praying turned to the place where it had stood, as Saadiah, Aben Ezra, and Jarchi observe: and chiefly Daniel did this, because the temple was a type of Christ, through whom the persons and prayers of the saints are acceptable unto God: he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed ; kneeling is a prayer gesture, a token of reverence and humility; this was done three times a day, morning, noon, and evening; (see Psalm 55:17), in the morning, before he went out about the king’s business; at noon, when he returned home to dinner; and at evening, when all his work was done, and he was about to retire to bed; the hours of prayer with the Jews seem to have been the third, sixth, and ninth; that is, at nine in the morning, twelve at noon, and three in the afternoon; (see Acts 2:1,15 3:1 10:9): and gave thanks before his God ; for the benefits he daily received from him; or he “confessed before him” f244 ; the sins he had been guilty of, and owned the favours he partook of: as he aforetime did ; as it had been his custom from his youth upward, and therefore would not omit it now, on account of this edict.
Matthew Henry Commentary
The malice of Daniel's enemies. (Dan. 6:1-5) His constancy in prayer (Dan. 6:6-10) He is cast into the lion's den. (Dan. 6:11-17) Hi miraculous preservation. (Dan. 6:18-24) The decree of Darius. (Dan 6:25-28)
Dan. 6:1-5 We notice to the glory of God, that though Daniel was no very old, yet he was able for business, and had continued faithful to his religion. It is for the glory of God, when those who profes religion, conduct themselves so that their most watchful enemies ma find no occasion for blaming them, save only in the matters of their God, in which they walk according to their consciences.
Dan. 6:6-10 To forbid prayer for thirty days, is, for so long, to ro God of all the tribute he has from man, and to rob man of all the comfort he has in God. Does not every man's heart direct him, when in want or distress, to call upon God? We could not live a day withou God; and can men live thirty days without prayer? Yet it is to be feared that those who, without any decree forbidding them, present n hearty, serious petitions to God for more than thirty days together are far more numerous than those who serve him continually, with humble, thankful hearts. Persecuting laws are always made on fals pretences; but it does not become Christians to make bitter complaints or to indulge in revilings. It is good to have hours for prayer. Danie prayed openly and avowedly; and though a man of vast business, he di not think that would excuse him from daily exercises of devotion. Ho inexcusable are those who have but little to do in the world, yet wil not do thus much for their souls! In trying times we must take heed lest, under pretence of discretion, we are guilty of cowardice in the cause of God. All who throw away their souls, as those certainly d that live without prayer, even if it be to save their lives, at the en will be found to be fools. Nor did Daniel only pray, and not giv thanks, cutting off some part of the service to make the time of dange shorter; but he performed the whole. In a word, the duty of prayer is founded upon the sufficiency of God as an almighty Creator an Redeemer, and upon our wants as sinful creatures. To Christ we mus turn our eyes. Thither let the Christian look, thither let him pray, in this land of his captivity.
Dan. 6:11-17 It is no new thing for what is done faithfully, i conscience toward God, to be misrepresented as done obstinately, and i contempt of the civil powers. Through want of due thought, we often d that which afterwards, like Darius, we see cause a thousand times to wish undone again. Daniel, that venerable man, is brought as the viles of malefactors, and is thrown into the den of lions, to be devoured only for worshipping his God. No doubt the placing the stone wa ordered by the providence of God, that the miracle of Daniel' deliverance might appear more plain; and the king sealed it with his own signet, probably lest Daniel's enemies should kill him. Let u commit our lives and souls unto God, in well-doing. We cannot plac full confidence even in men whom we faithfully serve; but believer may, in all cases, be sure of the Divine favour and consolation.
Dan. 6:18-24 The best way to have a good night, is to keep a goo conscience. We are sure of what the king doubted, that the servants of the living God have a Master well able to protect them. See the powe of God over the fiercest creatures, and believe his power to restrai the roaring lion that goeth about continually seeking to devour. Danie was kept perfectly safe, because he believed in his God. Those wh boldly and cheerfully trust in God to protect them in the way of duty shall always find him a present help. Thus the righteous is delivere out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. The short triump of the wicked will end in their ruin.
Dan. 6:25-28 If we live in the fear of God, and walk according to tha rule, peace shall be upon us. The kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever, are the Lord's; but many are employed in making known his wonderful works to others, who themselves remain strangers to his saving grace. May we be doers, as well as believers of his word, leas at the last we should be found to have deceived ourselves __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
ודניאל 1841 כדי 1768 ידע 3046 די 1768 רשׁים 7560 כתבא 3792 על 5954 לביתה 1005 וכוין 3551 פתיחן 6606 לה בעליתה 5952 נגד 5049 ירושׁלם 3390 וזמנין 2166 תלתה 8532 ביומא 3118 הוא 1932 ברך 1289 על 5922 ברכוהי 1291 ומצלא 6739 ומודא 3029 קדם 6925 אלהה 426 כל 3606 קבל 6903 די 1768 הוא 1934 עבד 5648 מן 4481 קדמת 6928 דנה׃ 1836
