The threat turns into reality. Darius allows himself to be exalted. It appeals to him that people want to ensure that he will be honoured as the Almighty. Of course, it is also rather impressive to someone when 122 of the highest and most important officials come up with such a plan. It implies a unanimous commendation on their part. Who would refuse when your own feelings and sense of importance are thus promoted and when you are being elevated and honoured like this? This proposal is therefore made into the law of the Medes and the Persians.
The law stands firm. The devil is laughing. It will be a difficult time for Daniel and the rest of the covenant people. Will the devil cause a final separation between the Lord and his people? Can he cause the Lord to become so angry with his people now that he will break all ties with the covenant people? Such that they would be unable to return to the Promised Land?
The temptation of this law lies in the temporary character of it. One could say, It is only for one month.
The temptation is that people might conclude: after this one month I will again do it the way the Lord wants it. It is not so bad to do things differently for a short while, is it? Isn’t it better to stick to what the government tells you to do for one month, and then return to things the way God wants it? If you do not abide by it during this month, chances are we will not be allowed to do it after that either. Then we might be completely forbidden to serve the Lord! If there is no other way but to live in disobedience to God’s will, he probably does not mind all that much. I am sure he would understand the situation. Here one can see how tempting the devil can be to God’s people. The Lord shows in Daniel that this reasoning is in no way sound.
9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.