Book of Daniel - Chapter 6 - Verse 18

After the intense emotional turmoil of the previous events, the verse "Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him" reveals King David's deep remorse and repentance. The lack of music and fasting were common signs of mourning and penitence in ancient Israelite culture. By choosing to abstain from food and music, David sought to demonstrate his grief and inner turmoil over his transgressions. The absence of sleep indicates his troubled state of mind, unable to find solace or peace even in the quiet of the night. This verse reflects the inner struggle and spiritual journey of a leader grappling with the consequences of his actions, serving as a powerful reminder of the power of repentance and the importance of seeking forgiveness.

Interpreting this verse from a theological perspective, we see that it reveals the deep grief and repentance of King Darius after Daniel's night in the lions' den. The fact that the king passed the night fasting and without music shows his distress and anguish over Daniel's situation. This act of fasting could symbolize his seeking of divine intervention or his plea for mercy from God. By abstaining from food and pleasure, the king demonstrates his sincerity and humility before the Almighty. The absence of instruments of music indicates that he was not seeking entertainment or distraction during this time of intense emotion. This verse highlights the importance of prayer, fasting, and seeking God's guidance in times of hardship and distress. It serves as a reminder that true repentance and seeking God's will sometimes requires sacrifice and a deep sense of urgency.