Definition: Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 6:12. It's a really important passage about leadership and obedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem is Raised: A king is worried that someone might ask for help or petition him for something – maybe a favor, a solution to a problem, or even just information. The King's Rule: The king has a rule about this: anyone who asks for anything from anyone , including him, must be thrown into a den of lions. A den of lions is a place where lions protect each other – it’s a very dangerous and frightening place. Daniel's Plea: Daniel, the wise man in the story, understands this rule. He bravely tells the king that he does have a request for someone. What’s Happening in the Verse? “Then they came near…” : This describes Daniel speaking to the king. “…and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree…” : Daniel is explaining his request to the king. “Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king,?” : This is the core of the verse. The king is asking Daniel to sign a decree – basically, to officially approve something. But Daniel says he won’t sign it. “The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.” : This is where the key meaning comes in. Daniel explains that this rule isn't about him specifically. It’s about a broader rule that applies to everyone . The "Medes and Persians" part refers to ancient laws from those regions. The important part is that this law doesn’t change . It’s a fundamental principle. What Does it Mean? This verse highlights several important things: Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes the importance of following rules, even when they seem difficult or inconvenient. Leadership Responsibility: The king is responsible for making sure everyone follows the rules and doesn't break them. The Power of God’s Law: It shows that God has laws – principles and rules – that are important for everything to be right. These laws aren't just about human behavior; they have a deeper, timeless purpose. In short, Daniel is saying, "I want to ask for something, but I won’t do it because of a rule that applies to everyone." --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide context about the story of Daniel and the king? Discuss its significance in different religious traditions?