Daniel 6:1-28 is about the faithfulness and steadfastness of Daniel in the face of opposition and persecution, demonstrating how trust in God’s protection and deliverance can triumph over earthly powers and establish a powerful testimony of God’s sovereignty.
1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom;
2 and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.
3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
4 Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.
5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”
6 Then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever!
7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.
9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.
10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God.
12 Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, “O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.”
13 Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”
14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel. And he labored till the sun went down to rescue him.
15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”
16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”
17 And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him.
19 Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions.
20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever!
22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
23 Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
24 And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you.
26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.
27 He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.
28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Setting the Scene for Daniel 6:1-28
In Daniel chapter 6, we find ourselves in the ancient kingdom of Babylon. King Darius, who had recently conquered the Babylonian empire, had appointed Daniel, a faithful servant of God, as one of the three administrators to oversee the kingdom. Daniel’s integrity and exceptional abilities quickly distinguished him, causing jealousy among the other administrators and satraps who sought to discredit him.
The scene unfolds in the royal court where the administrators and satraps, envious of Daniel’s favor with the king, conspire against him. They devise a plan to trap Daniel by convincing King Darius to issue a decree forbidding anyone from making petitions to any god or man for thirty days, except to the king himself. Despite knowing the consequences, Daniel continues to pray to his God as he had always done. The conspirators catch him in the act and report it to the king, who is distressed as he realizes the trap he had unknowingly set for his loyal servant.
As the story progresses, we witness the unwavering faith of Daniel as he faces the consequences of his actions, being thrown into the den of lions. Through God’s miraculous intervention, Daniel emerges unscathed, and King Darius acknowledges the power of Daniel’s God, decreeing that all in his kingdom must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. The scene serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness of Daniel and the sovereignty of God in the midst of adversity.
What is Daniel 6:1-28 about?
The story of Daniel in the lion’s den is a powerful testament to the unwavering faith and trust in God even in the most challenging circumstances. Despite the threat of death, Daniel chose to remain faithful to his beliefs and continued to pray to his God. This act of courage and steadfastness ultimately led to his miraculous deliverance from the lion’s den, demonstrating God’s power and faithfulness to those who trust in Him. Daniel’s actions in the face of persecution are significant. What does his response teach us about the importance of remaining faithful to our beliefs, even when it may be difficult or dangerous? How does this story inspire us to trust in God’s promises and protection, knowing that He is always with us, even in the midst of trials and tribulations? Daniel’s example challenges us to reflect on our own faith and commitment to God, encouraging us to stand firm in our beliefs, no matter what circumstances we may face. Let this story be a reminder that with God, all things are possible, and He will deliver those who put their trust in Him.
Understanding what Daniel 6:1-28 really means
The story of Daniel in the lion’s den, set during King Darius of Persia’s reign, is a gripping tale of faith and divine deliverance. Daniel’s exceptional character and integrity set him apart, earning him favor and high position among the administrators and satraps. His impeccable conduct, marked by trustworthiness and diligence, serves as a timeless model of integrity and faithfulness for believers today. Despite facing persecution for his unwavering devotion to God, Daniel’s commitment to prayer remained unwavering, as he knelt before God three times a day, even when it was outlawed.
In the face of imminent danger, Daniel’s faithfulness was rewarded with a miraculous intervention as God sent His angel to shut the mouths of the lions. This divine protection echoes the promise in Psalm 34:7 of God’s deliverance for those who fear Him. The New Testament also references Daniel’s faith in Hebrews 11:33, highlighting his victory through faith over seemingly insurmountable challenges. Moreover, 1 Peter 5:8 draws a parallel between the physical lions in Daniel’s story and the spiritual dangers believers face today, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant against spiritual adversaries.
The relevance of Daniel’s story resonates strongly with contemporary audiences. It underscores the importance of faithfulness in adversity, urging believers to stand firm in their convictions even when faced with opposition. Daniel’s unwavering integrity serves as a beacon of light in a world marred by corruption, reminding us of the enduring value of honesty and trustworthiness. Furthermore, his commitment to prayer, despite the risks involved, underscores the vital role of maintaining a strong prayer life and connection with God in navigating life’s challenges.
Consider a modern-day parallel where an individual, like Daniel, chooses to uphold their integrity in the face of ethical dilemmas at work. Through unwavering faith and reliance on prayer, this person finds the strength to withstand pressure and eventually receives recognition for their honesty, mirroring Daniel’s deliverance from the lions. Daniel 6:1-28 stands as a powerful testament to the virtues of faithfulness, integrity, and prayerfulness that God calls us to embody. It serves as a reassuring reminder that God is ever-present in our trials, ready to deliver us when we remain steadfast in our faith.
How can we stand firm in our faith?
We can stand firm in our faith by continually seeking God and enriching our relationship with Him through prayer, reading the scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. We should not waver in our commitment to God despite challenges or opposition that may come our way, just as Daniel faithfully continued to pray to God in defiance of the decree prohibiting it.
Additionally, it is important to trust in God’s sovereignty and believe that He is in control of all situations. Daniel’s unwavering faith in God ultimately led to his deliverance from the lion’s den, showcasing how God can protect and deliver those who remain steadfast in their faith. We can find strength and courage to stand firm in our faith in all circumstances by entrusting our lives to God and surrendering to His will.
Furthermore, we can stand firm in our faith by living out our beliefs with integrity and obedience to God’s word. Daniel’s exemplary life of integrity, righteousness, and faithfulness to God’s commands served as a powerful testimony to those around him. Likewise, when we live out our faith authentically and obediently, we can inspire others and bring glory to God through our actions, even in the face of adversity.
Application
Let’s mirror Daniel’s unwavering faith in our modern challenges. Just like he stayed true to his beliefs amidst adversity, let’s also remain steadfast in our principles and trust in God. Emulate Daniel’s commitment to prayer and faithfulness, seeking divine guidance in all aspects of our lives. Are you ready to strengthen your bond with God and stand tall in your faith, just like Daniel did?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.