דניאל, פרק ו׳, פסוק י״ט

King Darius's deep concern for Daniel's fate completely disrupts his royal routine, plunging him into a night of intense sorrow and agony. Retreating to his palace, the king spends the night fasting, entirely refusing his evening meal. The setting of his magnificent palace creates a sharp contrast: though surrounded by every royal delicacy, the king refuses to eat. In striking opposition, Daniel, who sits in a place of grave danger among the lions, feels no hunger at all. An angel of God brings him food, allowing him to share a meal with the prophet Ezekiel [אלשיך].

The king's mourning deepens as he refuses to allow his usual evening comforts to be brought before him. Commentators offer different perspectives on what these specific comforts entail. Some explain that he rejects the lavishly set tables normally prepared for his meals [רש״י, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A primary approach suggests he turns away musical instruments, songs, and melodies. While music naturally brings joy to the soul, the king refuses to experience any form of happiness [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, יוסף אבן יחיא]. Others propose that he dismisses his concubines or other royal pleasures [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Following the view that he rejects musical instruments, the king does not merely avoid them because he lacks the mood for joy. He actively refuses to use them even as a soothing tool to calm his mind and help him rest [אלשיך]. Overwhelmed by grief and anxiety for Daniel, sleep completely escapes him. The depth of his suffering becomes most apparent as the night ends. Even during the early morning hours—a time when exhaustion typically forces sleep upon those who have tossed and turned all night—the king remains wide awake, consumed by his worry [אלשיך].