Daniel 6:2

three presidents Aram. sârak, prob. a form derived from the Pers. sâr, -head," -chief," -prince." In the O.T. it is found only in this chap. (Daniel 6:2; Daniel 6:6): in the Targums it stands often for the Heb. shôṭçr, -officer," as Exodus 5:6; Exodus 5:10; Deuteronomy 1:15; Deuteronomy 20:5; Joshua 1:10; Proverbs 6:7 (-overseer").

was first was one: so R.V. rightly.

that these satraps might give account unto them strictly, might be giving account, i.e. might be permanently answerable to them, that the interests and revenues of the king were properly guarded. No such officials are mentioned elsewhere, except in so far as they may be regarded as the successors of the three Babylonian ministers, presupposed in Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:16; Daniel 5:29. Darius Hystaspis, as a check upon his satraps, appointed in each satrapy an independent military commandant, and a royal -scribe," or secretary, whose business it was to report to the king the doings of the satrap (Hdt. iii. 128; Rawl., Anc. Mon.4 iii. 424).