דניאל, פרק ו׳, פסוק כ״ט

Following a miraculous escape from the lions' den, a person's position in a foreign court might be expected to become vulnerable to political envy. Instead, Daniel's influence reached new heights. He achieved widespread governance and prosperity throughout the entire kingdom. While one might have feared that the jealousy of the remaining courtiers would only grow after the execution of the plotting ministers, Daniel thrived. His continued favor and authority, even as the empire transitioned to a new ruler, clearly showed that his standing did not rely on human kindness. Rather, his success was a direct blessing from God [אלשיך, יוסף אבן יחיא].

This period of prosperity extended across two distinct administrations. The transition occurred swiftly, as Darius the Mede ruled for just a single year before falling in battle. The throne then passed to his son-in-law, Cyrus [רש"י, יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The rise of Cyrus signaled the end of Daniel's long public life. Advanced in years, Daniel did not live much longer after this shift in power [אבן עזרא]. In fact, shortly after his rescue from the lions, he requested permission to step down from his daily royal duties and relocate to the city of Shushan. His active service concluded at the very beginning of Cyrus's reign, at which point he entered retirement and appointed Zerubbabel to take his place in the royal palace [מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם].

The impact of Daniel's survival extended far beyond his personal career. The letter sent by Darius to all nations in the wake of the miracle acted as a vital preparation. It softened the hearts of the people and set the stage for Darius and Cyrus to ultimately fulfill their vows to liberate the exiled Israelites and rebuild the House of God in Jerusalem [מלבי"ם].