A new Empire has been formed, the Medo-Persian with Darius as head, but Cyrus as king (Dan. 1:21).
V.1-9 Daniel receives a high position, which causes jealousy among the native leaders. They can only find fault with him in “the law of his God” (v. 5). So they ask the king to sign a law which would forbid anyone to pray to anyone except Darius for 30 days. If anyone did, he was to be thrown into a lion’s den.
V.10-17 When Daniel knew that the law was signed, this is what he immediately did. These men find him in the act, and figuring that they have won a victory, report it to Darius. The laws of this Empire could never be changed (v. 15). Darius is very upset because he respects Daniel, but cannot do anything. Daniel is cast into the lion’s den.
V.16 Darius had respect for Daniel and confidence in God. Read verse 4 again.
V.18-20 The king’s feelings, could he sleep? Did he sleep in that morning? Notice the wording of his question to Daniel.
V.21-22 Daniel answers with confidence toward God and toward the king.
V.23 What about his wounds?
V.24-25 Awful retribution. The first section of the book ends here.