King Darius' Advisors

"King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter."

- The advisors tricking King Darius (Daniel 6:6-8)

King Darius' Advisors are antagonists from the Biblical book of Daniel. The book states that they consisted of various advisors, prefects, administrators, satraps, governors, and councilors. They are a group of power-hungry men that, when they feel that their positions of power are being threatened by the kind and righteous Daniel, try and have him killed by banning the practice of his religion.

Biography
Daniel was a well-respected member of the kingdom, as well as a prophet for God. Daniel often interpreted the dreams and visions of kings, which won him favor in the royal court. After interpreting the dream of King Belshazzar that he would die soon, Belshazzar elevated Daniel to the third highest position in Babylon. After the kingdom is taken by the Medes and Persians and Belshazzar dies, he is succeeded by Darius the Mede. Darius also has his dreams interpreted by Daniel, and elevates him to second in command of the kingdom.

However, Daniel's influence and popularity with the king is seen as a threat by the king's advisors and subordinates, who refused to bow before a man of God. They attempted to find some charge against him, but he was faithful and no charge could be filed. The advisors then decided to not make the charges against Daniel, but his God instead. The governors, satraps, and administrators came before the king and convinced him that there was none higher than him, and that should anyone pray or worship any other king or god, that they be cast into a den of lions and killed. Darius is manipulated into agreeing, and decrees it under Mede and Persian law so it cannot be altered.

Daniel learns of this decree, but continues to pray and worship God daily. The advisors arrest him, and present him before Darius, who has just now realized that he has been tricked. Forced by his own decree and filled with remorse, Darius allows the advisors to throw Daniel into the lions' den. The next morning, Darius goes to the den of lions to find Daniel unhurt. Daniel explains that, because God found no fault in him, that he sent down an angel to close the lions' mouths. Darius was overjoyed, and had Daniel removed from the den. He then gathered all the advisors that had participated in the plot and had them, their wives, and their children thrown to the lions, and all were devoured. Darius then decrees that Daniel's God is to be worshiped above himself, and Daniel reigns as second in command.