The Word for Today with Ray

Sunday, January 25, 2026

A Royal Statute Established with a Lion Penalty - Daniel 6:7

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how he “was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever”, and in chapter six and verse seven of his book Daniel shared how the leaders, “consulted together to establish a royal statute” where we read,

All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

The verse reads, “All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, …” Daniel began with the words, “all the presidents” or “each, every, the whole and everyone of the overseers” “of the kingdom” which means “belonging to the royal realm”, “the governors” or “the administrators, prefects or satraps”, “and the princes” which means “and the nobles or lords”, “the counselors” or “the ministers or advisers”, “and the captains” which means “and the chiefs ”, “have consulted together” or “have taken counsel with one another” “to establish a royal statute” which means “to fix and set in place a kingly decree”. Daniel shared how the overseers and lords took counsel with one another that Darius should set in place a kingly decree.

The verse continues, “… and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.” Daniel added the words, “and to make a firm decree” or “and to form a harden, strong and stringent interdictor or command”, “that whosoever” which means “that whatever person” “shall ask a petition” or “will pray, request, seek and desire” “of any God or man” which means “pertaining to a deity or person” “for thirty days” or “for thirty days length of time”, “save of you, O king” which means “except for you, Darius, O royal ruler and leader”, “he shall be cast” or “he, the person, will be thrown” “into the den” which means “in the cut out pit for wild animals” “of lions” or “belonging to lions”. Daniel shared how the overseers and lords desired that King Darius make a stringent order that whatever person prayed for anything to a deity or person for the length of “thirty days” was to be thrown into a cut out pit for “lions”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel the request the overseers and lords made to King Darius. They wanted him to order that no one pray or ask anything from any god or person other than him for the length of “thirty days”, and if anyone was discovered to be defiant, they would be thrown into a pit cut out for “lions”. This was a ploy to rid themselves of Daniel, and we shall see how it works out for them in our next verses. God was overseeing all these events because He is always in control. God wants to be the “Lord and Savior” of our lives as well, and when we submit to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth so we will be equipped to make our requests of Him regardless of the orders people make.

Next time Daniel shares how the leaders say, “O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Assembled Before the King - Daniel 6:6

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how he “was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God”, and in chapter six and verse six of his book, Daniel shared how, “these presidents and princes assembled together to the king” where we read,

Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king,

and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

The verse reads, “Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, …” Daniel began with the words, “then these presidents” or “at that time the overseers spoken of” “and princes” which means “and the nobles and lords spoken of‘ “assembled together” or “collected and gathered themselves with one another” “to the king” which means “toward the royal ruler and leader Darius”. Daniel shared how the overseers and lords gathered themselves with one another toward the royal ruler Darius.

The verse goes on to say, “… and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.” Daniel continued with the words, “and said thus unto him” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed the following words to him, Darius”, “King Darius” which means “royal ruler and leader Darius whose name means lord and was known as Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC)”, “live for ever” or “remain alive eternally and to everlasting”. Daniel shared how the overseers and lords began to tell “King Darius” their desires which would affect Daniel by telling him to remain alive eternally.

When we meditate upon Daniel’s words in this verse, we discover how the overseers and lords within the Medo-Persian empire began to act on their desire to bring him down. They went before King Darius in a deceitful manner to bring an occasion against Daniel, and they started their conversation by wishing the king to live forever. We shall see more about their deceptive plan in our later verses, but for now, let us be mindful of their jealous ambition to destroy Daniel. God was aware of this, and He was in control. Satan also desires to take us down, and because we have sins in our lives that lead to death, he brings accusations against us as well. (See Revelation 12:10) For this reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to convict us when we alter from His ways in any manner. (See John 16:8-13)

Next time Daniel shares how the leaders, “consulted together to establish a royal statute”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

No Occasion Against Daniel - Daniel 6:5

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how he “was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.”, and in chapter six and verse five of his book Daniel shared how his accusers said, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” where we read,

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,

except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

The verse reads, “Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,

…” Daniel began with the words, “then said these men” or “at that time the male human beings who were the overseers and nobles uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “we shall not find any occasion” which means “we, the overseers and nobles, will in no way or manner discover a single matter or affair“ “against Daniel” or “in opposition to Daniel whose name means God is my judge” except for the following. Daniel shared shared how the overseers and lords within the kingdom declared that they would not discover a single matter in opposition to “Daniel” unless it was within the following exception.

The verse continues, “… except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” Daniel added the words, “except we find it against him” or “unless we, the overseers and nobles, discover it, the occasion against Daniel, in opposition to him, Daniel” “concerning the law” which means “about and in keeping with the decree” “of his God” or “belonging to his, Daniel’s, Supreme Deity”. Daniel said the overseers and lords knew the only exception to which they could discover an occasion of opposition in Daniel would be regarding the decree of his Supreme Deity.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how desperate these overseers and lords were to discover something wrong with him. They knew there was no other flaw within Daniel other than his loyalty to God’s “law”. What a reputation. God alone is able to help us to be like Daniel, and His offer is to provide salvation and cleansing from sin for everyone who will submit themselves to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. Paul the apostle wrote, “For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (See 2 Corinthians 5:21), and for this reason, let all who read these words yield to Him.

Next time Daniel shares how, “these presidents and princes assembled together to the king”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Finding Occasion Against Daniel - Daniel 6:4

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how, “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom. And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm”, and in chapter six and verse four of his book Daniel shared how, “the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel” where we read,

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

The verse reads, “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault;” Daniel began with the words, “then the presidents” or “at that time the overseers and chiefs” “and princes” which means “and nobles and lords‘ “sought to find occasion” or “looked to discover a matter or affair” “against Daniel” which means “in opposition to Daniel whose name means God is my judge” “concerning the kingdom” or “about the royal rule and reign”; “but they could find none occasion” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover they, the presidents and princes, were unable to discover not one matter or affair” “nor fault” or “no and not in any way a corruption or error”. Daniel shared how the other overseers and lords in the kingdom looked for a matter or affair in opposition to the royal reign in Daniel, but they were unsuccessful.

The verse goes on to say, “forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.” Daniel continued with the words, “forasmuch as he was faithful” or “in view and by reason of the fact that he, Daniel, existed as trustworthy, honest and filled with integrity”, “neither was there any error” which means “no and not in any way did there exist a single wrong or something amiss” “or fault found in him” or “or corruption discovered within him, Daniel”. Daniel shared how he was trustworthy and not a single wrong was discovered within him.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how the other overseers and nobles within the kingdom looked for some matter that they might discover within Daniel that was in opposition to the royal realm, however, they were unable to do so. Daniel was found to be trustworthy and without any wrong within him. Only God is able to produce this type of righteousness within a person, and He is willing to forgive and cleanse the sins, errors and wrongs of anyone who will surrender themselves to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. God loves us, and when we believe and trust in Jesus, His righteousness becomes ours and we are able to live in a manner that people are unable to discover errors and wrongs within us. (See Philippians 2:15;1 Peter 3:16; 4:14-16)

Next time Daniel shares how his accusers say, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Daniel Preferred - Daniel 6:3

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how, “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom. And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage”, and in chapter six and verse three of his book Daniel shared how he “was preferred above the presidents and princes” where we read,

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

The verse reads, “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; …” Daniel began with the words, “then this Daniel” or “at this time that particular Daniel whose name means God is my judge” “was preferred” which means “existed as chief, excellent and distinguished” “above all the presidents” or “overseeing each, every, the whole and everyone of the chiefs and overseers” “and princes” which means “and nobles and lords”, “because an excellent spirit” or “since and on account that a pre-eminent, surpassing and extraordinary mind” “was in him” which means “existed within him, Daniel”. Daniel shared how he was the chief who was the supervisor the overseers and nobles because a pre-eminent mind existed within him.

The verse continues, “… and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” Daniel added the words, “and the king” or “and the royal ruler and leader” “thought to set him” which means “had an idea and plan to place and establish him, Daniel” “over the whole realm” or “above and overseeing the entire royalty, kingdom and dominion”. Daniel shared how the royal ruler Darius had an idea to establish Daniel as the overseer of the entire kingdom.

When we meditate upon Daniel’s words in this verse, we discover the favor King Darius had upon Daniel over the other overseers and lords on account of the surpassing mind that was within him. His thinking was so preeminent that Darius considered making him the overseer of the entire kingdom. Daniel was given his position and gifts by Jehovah God, and He used Daniel in completing His purposes among mankind. God wants to bless every person with His salvation from sins, and when we submit to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and was raised Him from the dead after three days, He provided the way for all who surrender to Him to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and given gifts by His Holy Spirit to use in His Kingdom throughout the world.

Next time Daniel shares how, “the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Three Presidents - Daniel 6:2

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom”, and in chapter six and verse two of his book Daniel shared how Darius set, “over these three presidents” where we read,

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first:

that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

The verse reads, “And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first:” Daniel began with the words, “and over these three presidents” or “and above and ruling the one hundred and twenty governors were three chiefs and overseers”; “of whom Daniel” which means “which among the three presidents Daniel whose name means God is my judge‘ “was first” or “existed as number one”. Daniel shared how “Darius” established “three overseers” above the one hundred and twenty governors, and “Daniel” was number one among them.

The verse goes on to say, “that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.” Daniel continued with the words, “that the princes” or “so the satraps and governors” “might give accounts unto them” which means “could deliver and provide judgments, discretions and reports to them, the three presidents”, “and the king” or “and the royal ruler and leader” “should have no damage” which means “would protect the king against loss”. Daniel shared how the governors were to report to the three overseers so the royal ruler and leader “Darius” would not suffer any loss.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how “Darius”, who was the ruler of the Medo-Persian empire, appointed three overseers to whom the one hundred and twenty governors were to give reports. Their responsibility was to keep the “king” from suffering loss even as this form of governance was according to Darius’ idea. God puts people in positions of authority, and they give an account to one who is their superior. All people shall give an account to God when they die, (See Hebrews 9:27) and because we need a Savior from the penalty of death for our sins, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and cleanse us from all unrighteousness so we may stand justified before Him after we depart from this life. (See Romans 3:20-28)

Next time Daniel shares how he, “was preferred above the presidents and princes”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Darius and One Hundred and Twenty Princes - Daniel 6:1

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how he interpreted a dream for Belshazzar the king of Babylon, and “in that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old”, and in chapter six and verse one of his book Daniel said, “it pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes” where we read,

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes,

which should be over the whole kingdom;

The verse reads, “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, …” Daniel began with the words, “it pleased Darius” or “the following event seemed fair, good and acceptable to Darius whose name means lord and was a Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, king of the Chaldeans, who succeeded to the Babylonian kingdom on the death of Belshazzar; probably the same as "Astyages" the last king of the Medes (538 BC)” “to set over the kingdom” which means “to place, establish and assign above and ruling within the royal realm and rule” “an hundred and twenty princes” or “one hundred and twenty satraps or governors”. Daniel shared how “Darius the Mede” established one hundred and twenty governors over the royal realm of the Medes and Persians.

The verse continues, “which should be over the whole kingdom;” Daniel added the words, “which should be over” or “that were to be above and ruling” “the whole kingdom” which means “the entire royal realm and reign”. Daniel shared how the appointed governors were to rule over the entire realm of the Medes and Persians.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how “Darius” set up a government with people in charge of various regions. Rather than just one superior ruler like Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, Darius added one hundred and twenty governors to be leaders over the land. This, to a certain extent, became the reason why this empire was represented by the “silver metal” in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream which is less valuable than gold. (See Daniel 2:31-35) We shall see more about this in our next few verses, but for now let us consider that God is fulfilling His prophecy as interpreted through Daniel. God knows what is best for mankind because He is omniscient, and when He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of everyone and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for us to have access to Him by believing in Jesus who will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and guide us into all truth and governance by His Holy Spirit for all our lives.

Next time Daniel shares how Darius set, “over these three presidents”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…