Daniel 6:12
Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, 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 altereth not.
The conspirators came before Darius to have him affirm as irrevocable law that for thirty days no petition could be asked of any God or man except the king, on pain of being cast into the den of lions. They devised the decree from envy because Daniel's management was blameless and faithful, leaving them no charge against him except concerning the law of his God, and they aimed it to stop his prayers. Though he knew it was signed, Daniel did not hide or cease his worship but continued as before to pray openly to the God of heaven three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem. In refusing a human command that dishonored God he put allegiance to God above earthly power, choosing death rather than dishonor to God. God did not forsake him but sent His angels to shut the lions' mouths and deliver him, proving his God to be the true and living God and earnest prayer to be answered by a present helper.
Setting and Decree
Darius the Median had taken the throne formerly held by Babylonian rulers and reorganized the government with 120 princes over the kingdom and three presidents over them, with Daniel first because an excellent spirit was in him, and it was intended to set him over the whole realm. The honors given to Daniel stirred envy and hatred in jealous leading men. Unable to find fault in his conduct and management, for he was blameless and faithful with no error or fault to use against him, they resolved to find occasion against him concerning the law of his God.
To remove Daniel from the king's favor, his enemies laid a snare and persuaded the flattered king to sign a decree devised to stop his prayers to God. The decree required that for thirty days no one could ask a petition of any God or man except the king, with petitions to be offered to the king alone. Anyone violating the decree by praying to God was to be cast into the den of lions, on pain of being thrown to the lions for continuing worship.
The conspirators then came near before the king concerning the decree and got him to confirm that he had signed it. The king answered that the thing is true and binding according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed or altered. His enemies used that unchangeable law to hold the king to the decree and keep him from rescuing Daniel.
Daniel's Faithfulness and Rescue
Daniel's steadfast course when the decree went forth rested on firm adherence to principle cultivated from his youth, as when he purposed not to defile himself with the king's meat and wine. Though he knew the decree had been signed, he did not stop or hide his customary worship but continued as before to go to his chamber and pray to the God of heaven three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He dared to stand alone rather than abandon his purpose.
In refusing to obey a human command that dishonored God, he showed integrity and allegiance to God above earthly power. He chose death rather than dishonoring God. His faithfulness held even in the face of death, proving that firm religious principle can withstand even the fear of death.
Because of that faithfulness he was cast into the den of lions according to the decree. God did not forsake him there but sent holy angels to be with him and minister to him. Those angels shut the lions' mouths so that they did him no harm. The God whom he served continually thus delivered him out of the power of the lions, preserving, honoring, and vindicating him.
Witness and Present Lessons
The decree turned Daniel's continued worship into grounds for persecution and brought him before rulers, drawing their attention to him and giving him opportunity to testify that the God of Heaven alone deserves worship and praise. Such trials could lead monarchs and their people to recognize God's supremacy.
His rescue from the lions showed that the God whom he served continually is the true and living God. That steadfastness spread knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon. The episode proves the value of communion with God and that earnest prayer is answered. God is a present helper and deliverer to all who remain steadfast to principle amid opposition and persecution.
Daniel was brought into trial in the king's court while in the way of duty under threat of the den, which means God will protect when trial comes in the path of duty. By contrast, choosing association with the servants of Satan and conformity to worldly customs brings temptation and sooner or later a fall, because familiarity with sin makes it seem less repulsive and removes fear of Satan's mastery. His steadfast witnessing under great pressure is the pattern for refusing pressure to receive and publish literature that unsettles faith in Christianity and sows doubt and unbelief, and it calls for cultivating integrity of character now. His refusal to obey a human command that dishonored God demonstrated integrity and allegiance to God above earthly power, and God honored him before people.
The blessed experience is for all who will dare to be a Daniel and stand alone. When the mind seeks to enrich poverty-stricken souls instead of centering on self, the treasure of God's love, the golden oil from the two olive trees, is poured into the heart. Those who impart heaven's grace are enriched while imparting it, becoming a channel through which God and ministering angels communicate heavenly treasures. By cooperating with Jesus Christ, learning His methods, receiving His Holy Spirit, and laboring together with Him, they reach the highest mental and moral development.