Daniel Chapter Six

The Lions Den

539 -536 B.C.

Chapter 6

Outline

The Position of Daniel (1-3)

The Plot against Daniel (4-11)

The Prosecution of Daniel (12-17)

The Protection of Daniel (18-23)

The Punishment of the wicked (24)

The Proclamation of the King (25-27)

The Promotion of Daniel (28)

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Book of Daniel is to encourage the people of God in times of suffering. Bad things happen to good people. Why? This is not answered in the Book of Daniel. What is addressed is that God takes bad things and turns them into good results. It is Roman’s 8:28 in application. Bad people tried to hurt Daniel. God comes to Daniel’s aid and turns the cursing into blessing. ln every chapter of this book, we get a fresh vision of our Great God. l refer you back to the opening purpose statements in your notes. There is no greater comfort in a time of difficulty than knowing your God is on your side to protect and keep you.

The Position of Daniel (6:1-3)

1) lt pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom;

2) and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss.

3) Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm

After the fall of Babylon, the Persian, Darius the Mede, the 62 year old uncle of Cyrus, was assigned to rule the province of Babylon. Darius organizes it into 120 regions and puts governors over each. He then selected three commissioners to supervise the governors. Daniel was one of the three, and we learned that Daniel did such a good job that Darius was considering appointing him president of the commission. Daniel was going to become Darius’s number one man.

We ought to remember that Belshazzar offered Daniel a position of Babylon’s third ruler (5:16). Daniel refused the offer because it was made in such a way that God could not be glorified. He was faithful to God, and he valued the Lord above the status, position, success, power, money, and prestige of the position. Someone might say that he was crazy to refuse such an offer. They would change their minds after seeing the Belshazzar promotion would only last the night in which it was bestowed.

ll. The Plot against Daniel (6:4-15)

4) So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel’s life came under intense scrutiny. Jealousy poisoned the souls of those in power around Daniel. What a testimony! What a reminder! Unsaved people are all around us, and they observe our lives. We are too often concerned about what to say to those around us. Should l share with them the Gospel? Should l speak to them? How about living a life that speaks about Christ. Daniel wins people to the Lord through his life as well as his lips.

As unsaved people sought to destroy Daniel, all they could say is “he faithfully performed all his duties.” It is not what he said, but how he lived! Integrity! This is a word worth defining. When you act in harmony with who you are, you have integrity. If you are a Christian, then your life-style ought to reflect that.

5) Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

They are frustrated in their attempts to find some flaw that they could use against him. However, these people are devious, and they all arrive at one conclusion, we must use his strength against him. What was Daniel’s strength? He was rich. He was well-liked. It was his spiritual life. Daniel made no secret of where he stood with God. People know it is real when you live it! It was not that he said, “l believe in God.” He lived it.

6) So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever!

What a lot of hot air!

7) “All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

The lion’s den is like the Babylonian fiery furnace (chapter three). lt was used for capital offenses.

8) “Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.”

9) Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. All legislation should be designed to protect it’s citizens, not for the destruction of one person. This law brought religious freedom to a halt. Darius was deceived by the flattery he received from his State Department: princes, prophets, and priests.

10) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Daniel knew about the decree. He understood the law and their intentions. Daniel could have compromised. He could have closed his windows. There was no sin in doing that. He could have reasoned that his life would better serve God than his death. He could have spoken out against the new law and incited people to riot. But when we attack the law, we destroy the law and the authority of the law. The end result is lawlessness. Daniel continued his ministry of prayer and left the consequences to God (see the similar principle in Acts 4:17 -21).

I think it is worthy of mention that the Bible recognizes the importance of establishing a habit of prayer. In fact, Daniel was willing to die rather than not to pray. This humbles me. Do l value prayer more than my life? lt is no wonder that when Daniel prayed, it stirred up heaven. Angels were dispatched to answer his prayers, and Satan personally took charge and directed all the efforts to keep the answer from him (Daniel 9).

11) Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

He did not compromise. Daniel was practicing intercessory prayer. He had been praying for 68 years, three-time a day, for Israel’s restoration. This has to be a record for persistence in prayer. When Solomon dedicated the temple, he prayed that God would not forget the promises he made to his father, David. Should Israel ever go into the fifth cycle of judgment, those who had been taken into captivity were instructed to “pray toward (facing) this place (the temple)” Thus, Daniel complied with the divine commandment. Here we see God’s laws supersede man’s laws. Daniel followed the pattern of Psalm 55:17: “Evening and morning, and at noon, will l pray, and cry aloud.

Ill. The Prosecution of Daniel (12-17)

12) And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter."

Verse 12 indicates how clever these evil plotters were. They never mentioned Daniels name. l think they were afraid of the relationship between Darius and Daniel. Darius loved Daniel. l believe Darius to be in heaven with his friend Daniel today because of their friendship. So they manipulated the king. They appealed to his pride. Are you not the king? ls not your word a “decree which cannot be violated?” Your word is law, and how dare anyone break it. Darius was so impressed with his importance he should have recognized the deceit.

13) So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”

You see their racial prejudice and hatred. Daniel is the Prime-minister of Babylon, but they address him as “that Daniel" and “that Jew” - children of the Captivity. They also implied that Daniel disrespected him, “does not show regard for you.”

14) And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

The king tried to find a way out. He did not want to lose Daniel, he admired and respected Daniel. The trap was just as much for Darius as it was for Daniel. So often, we do not see our shortcomings until we see the results of them. He enjoyed the lavish compliments that he received, but now he saw them with contempt. Too late to help Daniel.

15) Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”

They were impatient. They would not wait. As the sunset, they prodded the king to take action.

16) So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."

Notice how Darius tries to comfort Daniel as he faces the den of lions.

17) Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.

Position and authority can be used for good and evil. These governors sought to misuse their power and destroy Daniel. The king would try to use his power to save Daniel. But here is the principle: While human power seeks to kill Daniel, Daniel’s life is protected by the Lord. As it says in Psalm 33:10, “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect." Daniel understood the principle of Psalm 31:15 “My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.” Daniel relaxed in this knowledge and continued his uninterrupted fellowship with God. No pressure of life could uproot the peace and happiness of Daniel’s soul. Daniel was ready to die if that is what the Lord had in mind. While the Scripture only narrates Daniel’s physical movements, we can trace the basis for his relaxed mental attitude. How are you in a crisis? How many of these principles do you employ in your life when you face some difficulty:

1. He had committed the problem to the Lord. "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22).

2. By utilizing the divine viewpoint in his soul, Daniel was occupied with Christ. "Delight thyself also in the LORD, and he shall give thee the desires of their heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:4, 5).

3. Daniel had accepted this plot as one which the Lord had permitted to transpire. He knew that "This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working" (Isaiah 28:29).

4. He thanked God for this crisis and was resigned to do God's will: lt is the LORD: let him do what seems good to Him" (1 Samuel 3:18b).

5. Consequently, Daniel remained calm and undisturbed by worry as he followed the principle of Proverbs 3:5, 6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. ln all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

6. He did not faint in his mind (Hebrews 12: 2, 3) but continued in perfect peace: "Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever; for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength" (Isaiah 26:3,4).

7. Finally, Daniel was victorious in his faith-rest life, secure in the knowledge of God's omnipotence: "l will cry unto God most high; unto God, that performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth" (Psalm 57:2,3).

8. Daniel let the Lord handle the problems he cannot solve! What are you willing to die for? Well, our super grace hero was ready to put his life on the line. He was willing to do God’s will regardless of how he felt, regardless of personal cost, irrespective of what others may say about him, regardless of his personal goals and aspirations, and regardless of any other human factor. The prospect of being chewed up by lions is not a pleasant one, but he placed himself into the Lord’s hands.

IV. The Protection of Daniel (18-23)

18) Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him.

19) Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions.

20) And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"

Misery in the palace. Many people think that wealth and position are a guarantee of happiness, but they would have changed their mind if they were in the court that night. What a contrast between two people. Above the rock that sealed Daniel in his prison was Darius, who retired to his palace. lf you were asked who would be the happiest’? The man in the prison or the man in the palace, who do you think would be picked? The man under the rock stood in total darkness in the lair of hungry lions. On the other hand, Darius is living in luxury. He had intelligence, power, fame, costly apparel, a magnificent palace, treasures beyond description. Yet, in this crisis, none of these could sustain him. Then, Daniel was stripped of his power, status, and earthly treasures, but he had everything, for he had the Lord and His word resident in his soul. He took into the lion’s den only the Word that he had diligently learned. There were no pew Bibles.

Darius was fasting, and so were the hungry lions. This was not a religious fast. Darius’ loss of appetite was due to the guilt he bore, for he had harmed his dear friend. He cried out to Daniel in a sad voice. What a pathetic figure. He expected the worst but was hoping for the best. l believe it is through this experience that Darius is going to come to the Lord. He is gaining through Daniel's adversity and understanding of Daniel’s God. While the plan of salvation is so simple my first grade Awana kids can understand it, it often takes a catastrophe and heartache to awaken some people to realize their own helplessness. Keep this principle in mind: divine omnipotence is never an issue in deliverance; it is strictly a matter of divine sovereignty.

21) Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever!

Notice Daniel's consistent character. He remains a polite and thoughtful person despite the ordeal he has just undergone. He never losses his poise. Peace under pressure is the result of spiritual maturity. He treats the king with respect due to his position and authority.

22) “My God sent His angel and shut the lions‘ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because l was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you."

Daniel’s testimony begins where every testimony should start, “My God.” lt would be easy for Daniel to be lifted up with pride. He has escaped the lion’s den. Not Daniel! He doesn’t need anyone to boost his ego or fan his pride. He is not desperate for achievement or promotion. What he was proud of was he belonged to Jesus. Again, “My God” demonstrates his personal relationship with the Lord. lt was the source of his perspective and life. The king listened with rapt attention as Daniel explained how God sent an angel to prevent any harm from coming to him. What a picture! Daniel in the lion’s den is like a man living in sin. He is a dead man. Those fierce animals will get their man. Yet look, here comes God to the rescue. l believe this was the Angel of Jehovah, the Lord Jesus Christ, before His incarnation. Just as He walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace, so now He was with Daniel that night in the lion's den.

23) Then the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God. When you trust in the promises of God , you will be perfectly safe in the Lord’s hands.

V. The Punishment of the wicked (24)

24) And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.

The innocent suffer with the guilty. This was a weakness in the Law of the Medes and the Persians. When someone committed capitol crime, the entire family was condemned with the family member. While the law of God permits capital punishment, it expressly prohibits this action, for every person must stand or fall based on their own actions (Deuteronomy 24:16, 2 Kings14:6). Man’s law is often unfair, but God’s Law is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12).

It is often that man rejects miracles, so this was included in the Scripture to show that the lions were hungry. This is to set aside the argument that Daniel survived because he was lucky; the Lions were not hungry.

Vl The Proclamation of the King (25-27)

25) Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

26) I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end.

27) He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Do these verses remind you of another passage in Daniel? Darius, just saved, made the same mistake as Nebuchadnezzar and came to the same conclusion about the true and living God (Daniel 4:34-47).

Vll. The Promotion of Daniel (28)

28) So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Although we do not know Daniel’s exact age at his death, we are told that he lived at least into the third year (534 B.C.) of the reign of Cyrus the Great of Persia (Daniel 10:1). If we fix the probable date of his birth around 610 B.C., we can estimate that he lived 87 years and possibly longer. Not only were the remaining years of his life prosperous and blessed, his desire to see his people return to Jerusalem began to be fulfilled. Cyrus permitted the Jewish captives to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (2 Chronicles 36: 22,23; Ezra 1:2,3).

Acknowledgment

At my side, as I prepared this commentary on Daniel, are my notes taken at Practical Bible Training School listening to my professors Dr. Marion Lowe, my teacher in the Old Testament, and Dr. Floyd H. Barackman, friend and teacher of Theology. These men wrote no book on Daniel, but they are ever-present in my understanding of Daniel. For historical background, The Cambridge Ancient History Vol. 3 - 5 was beneficial. Dr. Leon J Wood’s books on (1) The Survey of Israel’s History, and his own Commentary on Daniel, significantly contributed to my understanding of the persons and events in the Book of Daniel. No commentary begins with a blank sheet of paper, and my debt to these works when not footnoted is always present.

Below is a list of sources used in preparing these messages:

Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1977). Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Cambridge Ancient History. Vols. 3-5, 2^nd ed. edited by John Boardman et al. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1970–1991.

Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Systematic Theology. Vol. 4. Dallas: Dallas Seminary Press, 1948.

D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer, & D. J. Wiseman (Eds.), New Bible Dictionary (3rd ed.), Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Leon J. Wood, A Commentary on Daniel, The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1973.

Leon J. Wood, A Survey of Israel's History, The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1973.

Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Babylon, Babylonia. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 247). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 286). Peabody:

Kitchen, K. A., & Mitchell, T. C. (1996). Chronology of the Old Testament. In D. R. W. Wood, I. H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer, & D. J. Wiseman (Eds.), New Bible Dictionary (3rd ed., p. 186). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Pentecost, J. Dwight. Things To Come. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1969

Ryrie, Charles C. Basic Theology. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1981.

Whitaker, R., Brown, F., Driver, S. R. (Samuel R., & Briggs, C. A. (Charles A. (1906). The Abridged Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew-English Lexicon of the Old Testament: from A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament by Francis Brown, S.R. Driver and Charles Briggs, based on the lexicon of Wilhelm Gesenius. Boston; New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company.