King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:18 Mean?

Daniel 6:18 in the King James Version says “Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: a...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. instruments: or, table”

Daniel 6:18 · KJV

Context

16

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17

And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

18

Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. instruments: or, table

19

Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals Darius's genuine anguish over Daniel's condemnation. The king "passed the night fasting" demonstrates sorrow and possibly desperate hope that some divine intervention might save Daniel. Refusing "instruments of musick" (entertainment) and losing sleep all indicate deep distress. Unlike conspirators celebrating their apparent victory, Darius suffers torment, recognizing too late his foolish decree's consequences and his valued servant's imminent death.

The king's sleepless night contrasts with Daniel's peaceful rest in the lions' den (implied by his ability to answer the king's morning call, v. 20-21). While earthly power torments itself with worry, the faithful servant rests in divine protection. This demonstrates that peace comes not from controlling circumstances but from trusting God's sovereignty. Darius, with absolute earthly authority, cannot sleep; Daniel, condemned to death, presumably rests in God's care.

The king's fasting and sleeplessness also reveals his recognition of spiritual forces beyond his control. Having exhausted legal options (v. 14), he may have been appealing to Daniel's God for deliverance. This points toward his eventual proclamation (v. 26) recognizing the living God. Darius's misery prefigures how all earthly authority will ultimately acknowledge Christ's lordship, voluntarily or involuntarily (Philippians 2:10-11). Meanwhile, believers rest in divine care even in life's most threatening circumstances (Psalm 4:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern royal courts maintained elaborate entertainment including musicians, concubines, and festivities. Kings typically enjoyed luxurious evening meals with entertainment as demonstrations of power and pleasure. Darius's refusal of these normal indulgences indicates extraordinary distress—he abandoned the trappings of kingship in anguish over his condemned servant.

Royal fasting sometimes accompanied religious appeals or mourning. Darius's fasting suggests hope that divine intervention might accomplish what human law prohibited. His behavior throughout Daniel's ordeal (seeking deliverance all day, fasting, losing sleep, rushing to the den at dawn) reveals genuine affection for Daniel and recognition that this righteous man's death would result from the king's own manipulated foolishness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between Darius's sleepless anguish and Daniel's implied peaceful rest illustrate that peace comes from trusting God rather than controlling circumstances?
  2. What does the king's abandonment of royal pleasures in distress teach about earthly power's inability to provide peace when conscience is troubled?
  3. How should knowing that even persecutors often recognize the righteous's innocence encourage faithfulness despite opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֱ֠דַיִן1 of 13

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

אֲזַ֨ל2 of 13

“went”

H236

to depart

מַלְכָּ֤א3 of 13

“the king”

H4430

a king

לְהֵֽיכְלֵהּ֙4 of 13

“to his palace”

H1965

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וּבָ֣ת5 of 13

“and passed the night”

H956

to lodge over night

טְוָ֔ת6 of 13

“fasting”

H2908

hunger (as twisting)

וְדַחֲוָ֖ן7 of 13

“were instruments”

H1761

probably a musical instrument (as being struck)

לָא8 of 13

“neither”

H3809

no, not

הַנְעֵ֣ל9 of 13

“of musick brought”

H5954

to enter; causatively, to introduce

קָֽדָמ֑וֹהִי10 of 13

“before”

H6925

before

וְשִׁנְתֵּ֖הּ11 of 13

“him and his sleep”

H8139

sleep

נַדַּ֥ת12 of 13

“went”

H5075

to depart

עֲלֽוֹהִי׃13 of 13

“from him”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 6:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 6:1Daniel 2:12 Samuel 12:16-17Psalms 77:4Amos 6:4-6Ecclesiastes 2:8

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