with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed” (Dan. 6:8). To disregard such an edict was a major offense. May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there. This points to Jewish influence in the substance and wording of the decree. The phrase was used before in reference to the temple, as yet not built, when the Israelites stood on the threshold of entering the promised land (Deut. 12:11). The Persians assumed God would protect his parochial interests and overthrow any king or