Daniel's Humility in the Face of Reward and Promotion
Daniel consistently demonstrated humility and integrity, even when offered significant rewards and promotions within the Babylonian and Persian empires. His character was evident from his youth, when he "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's food" [5]. This decision, made with wisdom and courtesy towards the chief official, set a precedent for his future conduct [1, 6].
After interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel was made a "great man" and received "many great gifts" from the king [8]. However, Daniel did not forget his companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and "requested" that they be appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon [9]. This act highlights his concern for others even in his own elevation. John Gill suggests that Daniel accepted these gifts not merely for personal use, but to benefit his "poor brethren" [8].
Later, under King Darius, Daniel distinguished himself above other administrators and satraps due to "an exceptional spirit" within him, leading the king to plan his appointment over the entire kingdom [2, 7]. This consistent excellence and integrity were recognized by the rulers he served.
Even in the chaotic final days of Belshazzar's reign, Daniel maintained his composure. When Belshazzar offered him scarlet robes, a gold chain, and the position of third ruler in the kingdom for interpreting the writing on the wall, Daniel accepted the honors [3]. This reward, though given by a king whose kingdom was about to fall, restored Daniel to a rank similar to what he had held under Nebuchadnezzar [3]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary notes that such a presentation of dress from a prince was a great honor in the East, and that Daniel's "godly fidelity" was rewarded even in this life [3].
Nebuchadnezzar himself, after a period of divine judgment, offered a profound reflection on God's justice, stating, "all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase" [4]. This statement, which the king applied to himself, underscores the divine principle that humility is honored while pride is brought low [4]. Daniel's life exemplified this principle, as he consistently glorified God rather than seeking personal aggrandizement [4].
Sources
- Daniel “Daniel 1:9 (BSB) — Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,”
- Daniel “Daniel 6:3 (LEB) — Then Daniel ⌞began distinguishing himself⌟ above the administrators and the satraps ⌞because⌟ an exceptional spirit was in him, and so the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom.”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 5:29: Belshazzar . . . clothed Daniel with scarlet--To come from the presence of a prince in a dress presented to the wearer as a distinction is still held a great honor in the East. Daniel was thus restored to a similar rank to what he had held under Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:48). Godly fidelity which might be expected to bring down vengeance, as in this case, is often rewarded even in this life. The king, having promised, was ashamed before his courtiers to break his word. He perhaps also affected to despise the prophecy of his doom, as an idle threat. As to D”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 4:37: praise . . . extol . . . honour--He heaps word on word, as if he cannot say enough in praise of God. all whose works . . . truth . . . judgment--that is, are true and just (Rev 15:3; Rev 16:7). God has not dealt unjustly or too severely with me; whatever I have suffered, I deserved it all. It is a mark of true contrition to condemn one's self, and justify God (Psa 51:4). those that walk in pride . . . abase--exemplified in me. He condemns himself before the whole world, in order to glorify God. Next: Daniel Chapter 5”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 1:8: Daniel . . . would not defile himself with . . . king's meat--Daniel is specified as being the leader in the "purpose" (the word implies a decided resolution) to abstain from defilement, thus manifesting a character already formed for prophetical functions. The other three youths, no doubt, shared in his purpose. It was the custom to throw a small part of the viands and wine upon the earth, as an initiatory offering to the gods, so as to consecrate to them the whole entertainment (compare Deu 32:38). To have partaken of such a feast would have been to s”
- Daniel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Daniel 1:13: 1:13-14 make your decision: Daniel’s exemplary wisdom, prudence, and courtesy are seen in his respectful stance toward his attendant, who responded favorably.”
- Daniel (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Daniel 6:1: We are told concerning Daniel, I. What a great man he was. When Darius, upon his accession to the crown of Babylon by conquest, new-modelled the government, he made Daniel prime-minister of state, set him at the helm, and made him first commissioner both of the treasury and of the great seal. Darius's dominion was very large; all he got by his conquests and acquests was that he had so many more countries to take care of; no more can be expected from himself than what one man can do, and therefore others must be employed under him. He set over the kingdom 120 prince”
- Daniel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Daniel 2:48: Then the king made Daniel a great man,.... Advanced him to posts of great honour and dignity he was a great man before in spiritual things, in which he was made great by the Lord; and now he was made a great man in worldly things, through the providence of God; those that honour him he will honour: and gave him many great gifts: gifts great in value, and many in number; rich garments, gold, silver, precious stones, and large estates to support his honour and grandeur; and which Daniel accepted of, not merely for his own use, but to do good with to his poor brethren ”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 2:49: Daniel requested--Contrast this honorable remembrance of his humble friends in his elevation with the spirit of the children of the world in the chief butler's case (Gen 40:23; Ecc 9:15-16; Amo 6:6). in the gate--the place of holding courts of justice and levees in the East (Est 2:19; Job 29:7). So "the Sublime Porte," or "Gate," denotes the sultan's government, his counsels being formerly held in the entrance of his palace. Daniel was a chief counsellor of the king, and president over the governors of the different orders into which the Magi were di”