Daniel Chapter 6 — The Lion’s Den Expounded (Daniel in the Lion’s Den) [Print Document]
In the book of Daniel, chapter 6, we read the true story of a man who left all for the sake of God. There is no mention that Daniel ever was married or had children (and of course, there is nothing wrong with marriage). We know he loved God and served God faithfully. Because of this and because King Darius favored Daniel to appoint him to be over all the realm of Babylon, the presidents (saraks or high-level officials) of Babylon despised Daniel and wanted to have him killed.
They requested that Darius sign a law that would prohibit anyone in Babylon from asking a request of any god or man (except for Darius) for a period of 30 days (Dan. 6:7). By doing this, these wicked men thought that they could have Daniel killed, since they knew he faithfully prayed to and sought God. With pride in his heart, the king signed the law, which promised death by lions to anyone who would break this law. But, Darius had been ignorant of the true intentions of these wicked officials. Let’s see what happened next.
Daniel 6:10-11
“[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. [11] Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.”
When the matter was brought to the king’s attention, Darius was grieved because he knew he could not change or alter the law of the Medes and the Persians. He urgently sought some legal way to release Daniel from going to the lion’s den (Daniel 6:14). But, he found none. Reluctantly, after the presidents urged Darius to maintain the law, Darius ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den. He told Daniel these words…
Daniel 6:16-20
“[16] Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. 17. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
19. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”
The King Visits Daniel
