Daniel hears of the new law of the Medes and Persians. He knows the contents of the king’s injunction. Is Daniel now confused for a long time? It does not seem that way. The Lord works so powerfully in him that for Daniel there is no real question as to what he should be doing next. He goes home after learning of the king’s edict. Once he is home, he does not deviate in any way from his habit that he observes as a child of God. As per his custom he prays to the Lord three times a day. He does not even take precautions not to be seen when he prays. The people who are close to his house can see him praying at the window. Just like he always does. He is not ashamed of being a child of God. He continues to pray at the open window of his upstairs room. The Lord makes Daniel to be faithful to him, even in this tempting situation. The Lord shows that he is the Almighty.
This is about obedience to the Lord as the only God. This is all about acknowledging the Lord as the Almighty who gives his children everything they need in their own unique circumstances. Daniel now also surrenders to his heavenly Father. True blessings can be expected in this way only. God gives that blessing to those who continue to honour Christ as his God and King—also in public life.
The time for prayer has come for Daniel. As always, he goes to his upper chamber. He prays in the direction of Jerusalem, with his face toward God’s city on earth. There were no window frames with glass in those days. The open windows perhaps had some lattices. Daniel could easily be seen and heard.
Why does Daniel pray in the direction of Jerusalem? It was Solomon who, at the dedication of the temple, spoke of the people praying in the direction of Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 8:44–45). It is because the Lord wants to dwell in the temple in Jerusalem. Even though the temple had been destroyed, Daniel still prays in the direction of the temple because he knows and believes that the new temple will stand there again. That is what the Lord has promised.
You can see here how Daniel trusts in the Lord who promises. The devil seeks to alienate Daniel and the rest of God’s people from the Lord. He wants to make sure that God’s wrath will be poured out on the people. In the faithfulness of his child, Daniel, the Lord shows that not even the smartest schemes of the devil or people can prevent the execution of his plan. The Lord works with his Spirit in Daniel in such a way that he puts all his trust in the Lord even now. Daniel does not become a person who can only complain, or as someone who lives in despondency. Daniel finds his strength in God’s promise—the promise of redemption and protection. The Spirit is at work in Daniel in such a way that he does what Christ calls God’s people to do under all circumstances: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God
(Philippians 4:6).
The Lord is at work through Daniel in such a way that the way to the Saviour Jesus Christ remains open. He makes it clear that even a decision by a very powerful king on earth cannot bring God’s people to their knees, and that this will neither stop his plan. The Lord makes sure that through Daniel the trials will not become too heavy for his people either.
10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.