I have reached my conclusion. We can find no fault with Daniel.
On this scroll I will record the attempts which Mishalazzer, second of the presidents under Darius the Mede, and I have made to find some fault in Daniel. Since I was appointed to this elevated position some months past, we have spared nothing in our efforts to find some error concerning His administration of the kingdom. My concern has been great that Daniel may be appointed above me, yet we have found no error.
A watch was made near the gate of his house. Though we carefully investigated each person who entered there, we found that he took no counsel of any man save those men whom the King regarded with honor.
One man highly skilled in monetary matters was secretly hired to examine the accounts over which Daniel had control. It is well-known there are many ways one in authority can arrange figures to provide an extra source of income for his own household. But the expert could find no place where this was done. On the contrary, all of the monetary affairs were handled with such skill and precision as to bring much financial gain to the kingdom.
An attempt was made to involve Daniel in a land survey of the kingdom. All the princes were aware that this survey could be of no practical value, but it was to be a lavish affair which would bring great honor to those invited. Daniel rejected the offer, stating firmly that he felt such a survey would be non-productive and an unwarranted waste of time. In addition, he reported the complete details of the trip to King Darius in such a clear fashion that an end was put to the whole plan.
Some among the princes were persuaded to go before the king with reports that Daniel was speaking ill of the king and was seeking to take his authority. It was immediately apparent that the king had much confidence in Daniel, for he rejected the report without giving it any consideration. He did, in fact, sharply rebuke the princes who brought the report, saying that in the years he had known Daniel he had always found him to be totally loyal, obedient, and respectful in all ways.
In a final attempt, one of the chief aides in the palace sought to gain Daniel’s confidence by conferring with him often and asking his advice about many matters. He sought to find an opening to discuss Daniel’s feelings toward King Darius, hoping he could trap him into saying something which would incriminate him. It is a well-known fact that Daniel was taken from his homeland as a captive, and it was our belief that he must be hiding some grudge or inner hatred because of this circumstance of his youth.
The occasion did at last present itself. Daniel was questioned as to whether he felt strict obedience and honor should be accorded our king and why. His reply, when reported to us, led us to the conclusion I have stated—that we can find no fault with Daniel. These were his words:
“Be it known to you, my friend, that I feel no ill will in my heart toward King Darius. He, and all those in command or position of authority in our kingdom or any other, have received their position through divine allowance. Disrespect or lack of honor to them would thus be disrespect or lack of honor to my God. He has granted them authority, and so I give them obedience and respect.”
We will make no further attempt to discredit Daniel concerning the affairs of this kingdom. The only way now open to us is to seek to bring charges against him in connection with the God he serves. Upon this course of action Mishalazzer, myself, and some number of the princes of this realm are resolved.
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If you open your Bible and read all of chapter six in the Book of Daniel, you will find the details of the plot against Daniel and what happened to the men who tried so hard to discredit him. Daniel stood true to his king and to his God. Will we follow his example?
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