Presidents

Presidents (Aramaic sarkhin, probably Persian khashatrapa, satraps or ministers) were three high officials appointed by Darius the Mede to supervise the 120 satraps governing his empire (Dan. 6:2–7). Daniel was set over the other two presidents because of his exceptional spirit, which moved Darius to consider placing him over the whole realm. This provoked the jealousy of the other presidents and satraps, who conspired to entrap Daniel through the decree forbidding prayer to any god except Darius — leading to Daniel's famous night in the lions' den (Dan. 6:6–24).