Feb

Daniel in the Lion’s Den – Chapter VI

Darius conquered Babylon and became King and reorganized the government.

Darius had 120 officials over the kingdom that had different districts. There were 3 governors over these officials and Daniel was one of the governors. The governors were to take and state the public accounts that the King would not loss any finance.

Darius quickly realized that there was something extraordinary about Daniel and may have heard that he was divinely inspired. Daniel’s impeccable character was recognized by the King and he was promoted again and placed over the officials and governors. Daniel was very old and still very able in business.

Note: Daniel was a great man in the conquered kingdom – He could have been imprisoned or banished – a native of a foreign kingdom – could have been despised as a stranger and captive

The officials and governors were jealous because of his position over them and plotted against Daniel to destroy him. Spies were sent out by Daniel’s enemies to observe him and discover a way to destroy him. They recognized his commitment to God and saw this as a weakness that could be used against him for entrapment. The cause of this envy was Daniel’s good. (Remember the better person you are the worse you’ll be thought of by your rivals. The enemy seeks to ruin you. He comes to steal, kill and destroy.)

They appealed to the vanity and pride of the King to entrap Daniel. Encouraging him to make a decree that no one would seek any god or person except the King for thirty days. If they did they would be thrown into the lions den.

Note: Your place of strength can also be your place of vulnerability

The officials and governors knew of Daniel’s habits and commitment to God. After the King’s decree, Daniel went home to pray even though it was prohibited politically. His commitment to righteousness was more important. There was no law requiring him to change his religion nor was it required for the position he held.

Daniel’s enemies went to visit with him during his time of devotions under the pretense of handling business. His praying was observed by the leaders who went to the King to expose Daniel and have him destroyed.

Daniel’s accusers when to the King and presented him as a captive that did not respect his laws or customs or serve and worship his gods. When the King received the report he realized that the leaders were not seeking to honor him but to spite Daniel. He was concerned about Daniel because he knew Daniel was a man of God and that the decree could not be changed. (God can provide and advocate for you.) The King wanted to find a way to deliver Daniel but because of his decree and partitioning of the leaders, had Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. King Darius spoke to Daniel and acknowledging that his God would deliver him. (The King encourages Daniel.)

That night the King’s routine was changed, he listened to no music, he could not sleep and he fasted. In the morning, he hurried to the den of the lions and found Daniel safe, unharmed and untouched by the lions. Daniel’s report to the King was that his God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, he was found innocent by his God and he had done nothing wrong toward the King.

The King had Daniel’s accusers, their children and wives thrown into the lions’ den where they were devoured. King Darius honored God with a decree in his kingdom, acknowledging Him as the living God of signs and wonders and whose kingdom will never be destroyed. Daniel prospered under Kings Darius and Cyrus the Persian.

Note: