Daniel 6:18 - Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting. No musical instruments were brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.

Generated Verse: Daniel 6:18

What does "Daniel 6:18" mean?


This verse from Daniel 6:18 describes King Darius's deep distress and remorse after being tricked into condemning Daniel to the lions' den. Let's break down each part:

"Then the king went to his palace..." This simply states that Darius returned to his residence.

"...and passed the night fasting." Fasting is typically a sign of mourning, repentance, or deep concern. Darius's decision to fast indicates that he was genuinely upset about what had happened to Daniel. He likely felt guilt and anxiety over the situation. He abstained from food, showing his lack of appetite and inability to find enjoyment in anything.

"No musical instruments were brought before him..." Music was often used to entertain and soothe royalty. The absence of music highlights Darius's somber mood and unwillingness to be distracted from his worry. He wanted nothing that would provide pleasure or divert his attention from Daniel's plight.

"...and his sleep fled from him." This emphasizes the king's profound anxiety and inability to find peace. He was so worried about Daniel that he couldn't sleep. His mind was likely racing with thoughts of Daniel's fate and the consequences of his decree.

In summary, the verse paints a picture of a king deeply troubled by his role in Daniel's predicament. He expresses his sorrow and concern through fasting, abstaining from entertainment, and losing sleep. It demonstrates that Darius valued Daniel and regretted being manipulated into condemning him. It also suggests that he had some hope that God would intervene and save Daniel.

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