Charles Spurgeon Commentary Daniel 6:1-3

"It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm." — Daniel 6:1-3 (ASV)

Kings are never satisfied. The empire of Darius was always growing, and a chapter or two further on we find that he had a hundred and twenty-seven provinces. There is no end to the greed of man, and what does he gain by it after all? One pair of hands can only do one man's work; he only gains more burdens, and he now has to distribute the cares of his state among others. Then how good it is for any man when he is guided to a right, honest, and wholehearted helper! Such was the lot of Darius.

How advantageous, too, it may be for the people of God when a man like Daniel is put in the high places of the land! Doubtless he was exalted, not only for his own sake, but that he might be as a brazen shield and bulwark for the people of God in that foreign land. No extortions would now be committed against the Jewish people, for they had a friend at court. Blessed be God, we have a friend at court too, one who will take up our cause, and speak for us to the King of Kings.