Daniel 6:3

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, etc.] Not only above the princes, but the presidents, being the first of them, as before: or, “he was victorious above them”f240; he got more credit and applause than they did, being more exact, diligent, and laborious, faithful, and conscientious: because an excellent spirit was in him; meaning not a spirit of grace, piety, and religion, which the Heathen king was no judge of, nor valued him for it, though it was in him; but a spirit of knowledge of civil affairs, and of prudence in managing them, and of integrity throughout the whole of his conduct: and the king thought to set him over the whole realm; or, “wherefore the king…”

“Daniel was preferred--probably because of his having so wonderfully foretold the fall of Babylon. Hence the very expression used by the queen mother on that occasion (Dan 5:12) is here used, "because an excellent spirit was in him." king thought to set him over the whole realm--Agreeing with Darius character, weak and averse to business, which he preferred to delegate to favorites. God overruled this to the good both of Daniel, and, through him, of His people.”

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes - That is, he was at their head, or was placed in rank and office over them. “Because an excellent spirit was in him.” This may refer alike to his wisdom and his integrity - both of which would be necessary in such an office. It was an office of great difficulty and responsibility to manage the affairs of the empire in a proper manner, and required the talents of an accomplished statesman, and, at the same time, as it was an office where confidence was reposed by the sovereign, it demanded integrity. The word “excellent” (יתירא yattı̂yrâ') means, properly, what hangs over, or which is abundant, or more than enough, and then…”

“6:3-5 Daniel’s integrity was unassailable and his abilities unmatched, so the envious administrators found fault with Daniel’s strongest point, his faithful worship of God. Daniel was about 80~85 years old at this time. He had led an exemplary life in Babylon. 6:3 the king made plans to place him over the entire empire: Cp. 2:48-49; 3:30; Gen 41:40-43.”

“was preferred: Pro 22:29 an: Dan 5:12, Dan 5:14, Dan 9:23; Gen 41:38-41; Neh 7:2; Pro 3:3, Pro 3:4, Pro 17:27; Ecc 2:13 thought: Intended to make him grand vizier or emiru l umra. Daniel had now been employed full sixty-five years as prime minister under the kings of Babylon; and was justly entitled, from his acknowledged wisdom, to this preference. Daniel 6:4”