Daniel Praying in the Lions' Den With an AngelBible World
6:19Daniel 6:19
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
Very early in the morning after a restless night, the king hurried in deep sorrow and concern to the lions' den where Daniel had been cast for remaining faithful to God, to learn whether his God had delivered him. Daniel had openly continued his regular prayers three times a day with his window open toward Jerusalem in defiance of the ban on prayer, choosing death rather than dishonor God. God did not forget or abandon him in danger but was with him by angels and by Christ to shut the lions' mouths, so he was preserved unharmed and brought out with honor. His deliverance showed that the God he worshiped is the true and living God, led the ruler to proclaim God's supremacy, and spread knowledge of the true God throughout the kingdom. His stand proves that firm principle grounded in personal knowledge of God can remain true even under mortal danger, and calls God's people and youth today to the same steadfast allegiance against human power and policy.
Historical Setting Under Darius
The king who hurries to the den is Darius the Median, reigning after he took the throne formerly occupied by the Babylonian rulers. At once he reorganized the government by setting 120 princes over the kingdom, with three presidents over them. Daniel was made first of the three presidents because an excellent spirit was in him, and Darius thought to set him over the whole realm. Daniel's enemies could find no fault in his conduct, so they targeted him because of his faithfulness to God's law. A decree was secured forbidding prayer to any god or person except the king, on pain of death in the lions' den. Daniel did not change his practice but continued praying to God three times a day as before, openly and in steadfast obedience despite the decree and the threat of death.
King's Early Morning Visit
Very early in the morning the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions where Daniel had been cast for remaining faithful to God despite the decree and the threat of death. After a restless night he hurried there at first light, driven by deep sorrow and concern for Daniel. He came to learn whether Daniel's God had been able to deliver him from the lions. His arrival sets the scene for his call to Daniel and for Daniel's report that God had sent His angel to keep the lions from harming him.
Daniel's Steadfast Faithfulness
Daniel showed steady adherence to duty under threat of death, refusing to hide his purpose or lower his colors to save his life. He continued his regular, open prayers three times a day in his chamber with his window open toward Jerusalem, in defiance of the decree forbidding prayer to any but the king. For this faithfulness he was cast into the den of lions.
In the den he remained the same faithful servant as when he stood before the king with bright prospects and the light and favor of God upon him. With a heart as true as steel, steadfast in integrity and undaunted by circumstances, his heart stayed upon God in the hour of most afflicting trial and most discouraging surroundings. His faith reached to the unseen and grasped eternal things, sustaining him through trial and gloom without dependence on favorable circumstances. His steadfastness in lesser trials had strengthened him to stand true when his life was at risk.
He would rather lose his life than dishonor God, valuing eternal life more than his present life. Even with the lions' den before him he went to worship God, choosing death rather than turning from worship or compromising faith for convenience or to satisfy human authority. His enemies held high positions in the kingdom and placed him in mortal danger, yet he trusted God's word and stood against powerful opposition. He faced that severe trial because he would not give up his allegiance to God.
The gaping den was a threat meant to force denial and betrayal of the truth for favor, worldly honors, exalted position, and reputation. Those with divine principles inwrought in the heart as if written with the finger of God, who read, believe, and practice the sayings of Christ, are not intimidated by it. To them human reputation is as nothingness; to live is to obey the word of Christ and to die for the truth's sake is gain, as soldiers serving under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel.
God's Miraculous Deliverance
God allowed Daniel's enemies to carry out their purpose against him so that his rescue would stand out more clearly, the defeat of the enemies of truth and righteousness would be more complete, and His own name would be lifted higher. Daniel's courage in choosing what was right rather than what was expedient had a part in that victory over evil and in bringing honor to God.
God did not forget or abandon Daniel when he was in danger for remaining faithful to God in prayer despite the king's decree, but sent angels to be with him, to guard and protect him, to shut the lions' mouths, and to bring him through unharmed. Though cast into the den and left exposed in a place of mortal danger, he was preserved there and then brought out with honor when the king hurried to the den early in the morning and saw what God had done. This is an instance of holy angels ministering to God's people in time of danger. The king then understood that the wise men had schemed to rid Daniel of power in order to remove him, and in his wrath he destroyed Daniel's enemies.
Jesus Himself was with Daniel in the den, just as He was with the three Hebrews in the burning fiery furnace, so that no harm could touch him though he was put there for no crime except seeking to make men kind and obedient, truthful and loyal. This reveals God's tenderness and compassion toward His obedient children when they are in prison. Christ will not forsake those who belong to Him, and the innocent sufferer is called to trust God and lift up holy hands without doubting.
Daniel's suffering and humbling, his imprisonment and unjust condemnation for firm adherence to principle and loyalty to God, did not mean that God had forsaken him or ceased to reign. God was with him and preserved him in danger, he triumphed in the end, and God was glorified through His servant whom He permitted to be humbled. His experience stands as an example of God's care for His faithful people in times of trial, showing that they may be unjustly condemned and persecuted without being forsaken by God.
Witness and Present Application
Daniel's regular prayers drew the rulers' attention to his case and gave him opportunity to testify that the God of heaven alone is worthy of worship, praise and homage. His deliverance showed that the God he worshiped is the true and living God, bringing His servant before the ruler and leading the ruler to proclaim God's supremacy. His steadfastness under threat of death spread knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon. After hurrying to the den at first light and finding Daniel unharmed, Darius decreed to all peoples, nations and languages that men should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel as the living and steadfast God whose kingdom shall not be destroyed and whose dominion is to the end, who delivers and rescues and works signs and wonders in heaven and earth. Daniel then prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
This took place during Darius's two-year reign over Medo-Persia after the fall of Babylon, early in the establishment of the empire, when Daniel stood first among three presidents over one hundred twenty princes because an excellent spirit was in him and the king meant to set him over the whole realm. It was part of God preparing the hearts of kings to show favor to His repentant people while those loyal in Babylon were seeking the Lord and studying the prophecies of their deliverance. Though utterly helpless in himself against his enemies in the high places of the kingdom, Daniel trusted God's word and his stand withstood the power of the whole world. This proves the power of God's word against human power and policy in support of evil, belongs to the triumph of righteousness and to the world's true nobility and royal line, and youth today are called to join it.
God signally honored Daniel before men because he valued God's favor above the favor and praise of princes and determined to honor God above every human power. He was not ashamed to display his true colors but confessed faith in the Lord God of heaven in words, habits and practices even in the king's court, refusing to bow to any earthly mandate detracting from God's honor. Therefore God loved him and spread His shield over him in the den, so that the king came in haste to him and he was honored by the Lord God of hosts whose power is over all His works in heaven above and earth beneath. The golden chain of truth thus bound him to God's throne and gave him strength from heaven to confess allegiance. This sets a pattern for youth to unfurl their colors before men and angels, to make a telling confession by choice words and consistent action, to let Christ occupy the throne in the soul temple, and to lay talents without reserve at His feet for service.
Firm religious principle can remain true to God even when doing so brings mortal danger, for the threat of the den did not keep Daniel from his daily prayers. God's people must uphold His honor and commandments with strict integrity, without adjusting faith to convenience or pressure, choosing death rather than dishonoring God. One grounded in personal knowledge of God and truth can remain faithful through danger and trial. Daniel was in the way of duty in the king's court when brought into the trial leading to the den, and God protected him. When trial comes in the way of duty, God will protect; but when people place themselves under temptation by choosing to associate with the servants of Satan, they will fall sooner or later.
Daniel dared to stand alone in Jesus Christ, an example all can follow. To be a Daniel means to consecrate self to God as a vessel into which heavenly treasure can be received, and to have the mind occupied in enriching poverty-stricken souls instead of centered on self. It means to receive God's love as golden oil and impart heaven's grace to others, to be enriched in return, and to reach the highest mental and moral development only by cooperating with Christ, learning His methods, accepting His Spirit, and laboring together with Him. The morning after Daniel was cast into the den for praying, when angels protected him in that emergency, teaches husbands and wives to unite in prayer at morning and at noon as Daniel did. Trusting that angels will protect them in the same way prepares them for what is coming upon the world.
Very early in the morning after a restless night, the king hurried in deep sorrow and concern to the lions' den where Daniel had been cast for remaining faithful to God, to learn whether his God had delivered him. Daniel had openly continued his regular prayers three times a day with his window open toward Jerusalem in defiance of the ban on prayer, choosing death rather than dishonor God. God did not forget or abandon him in danger but was with him by angels and by Christ to shut the lions' mouths, so he was preserved unharmed and brought out with honor. His deliverance showed that the God he worshiped is the true and living God, led the ruler to proclaim God's supremacy, and spread knowledge of the true God throughout the kingdom. His stand proves that firm principle grounded in personal knowledge of God can remain true even under mortal danger, and calls God's people and youth today to the same steadfast allegiance against human power and policy.
Historical Setting Under Darius
The king who hurries to the den is Darius the Median, reigning after he took the throne formerly occupied by the Babylonian rulers. At once he reorganized the government by setting 120 princes over the kingdom, with three presidents over them. Daniel was made first of the three presidents because an excellent spirit was in him, and Darius thought to set him over the whole realm. Daniel's enemies could find no fault in his conduct, so they targeted him because of his faithfulness to God's law. A decree was secured forbidding prayer to any god or person except the king, on pain of death in the lions' den. Daniel did not change his practice but continued praying to God three times a day as before, openly and in steadfast obedience despite the decree and the threat of death.
King's Early Morning Visit
Very early in the morning the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions where Daniel had been cast for remaining faithful to God despite the decree and the threat of death. After a restless night he hurried there at first light, driven by deep sorrow and concern for Daniel. He came to learn whether Daniel's God had been able to deliver him from the lions. His arrival sets the scene for his call to Daniel and for Daniel's report that God had sent His angel to keep the lions from harming him.
Daniel's Steadfast Faithfulness
Daniel showed steady adherence to duty under threat of death, refusing to hide his purpose or lower his colors to save his life. He continued his regular, open prayers three times a day in his chamber with his window open toward Jerusalem, in defiance of the decree forbidding prayer to any but the king. For this faithfulness he was cast into the den of lions.
In the den he remained the same faithful servant as when he stood before the king with bright prospects and the light and favor of God upon him. With a heart as true as steel, steadfast in integrity and undaunted by circumstances, his heart stayed upon God in the hour of most afflicting trial and most discouraging surroundings. His faith reached to the unseen and grasped eternal things, sustaining him through trial and gloom without dependence on favorable circumstances. His steadfastness in lesser trials had strengthened him to stand true when his life was at risk.
He would rather lose his life than dishonor God, valuing eternal life more than his present life. Even with the lions' den before him he went to worship God, choosing death rather than turning from worship or compromising faith for convenience or to satisfy human authority. His enemies held high positions in the kingdom and placed him in mortal danger, yet he trusted God's word and stood against powerful opposition. He faced that severe trial because he would not give up his allegiance to God.
The gaping den was a threat meant to force denial and betrayal of the truth for favor, worldly honors, exalted position, and reputation. Those with divine principles inwrought in the heart as if written with the finger of God, who read, believe, and practice the sayings of Christ, are not intimidated by it. To them human reputation is as nothingness; to live is to obey the word of Christ and to die for the truth's sake is gain, as soldiers serving under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel.
God's Miraculous Deliverance
God allowed Daniel's enemies to carry out their purpose against him so that his rescue would stand out more clearly, the defeat of the enemies of truth and righteousness would be more complete, and His own name would be lifted higher. Daniel's courage in choosing what was right rather than what was expedient had a part in that victory over evil and in bringing honor to God.
God did not forget or abandon Daniel when he was in danger for remaining faithful to God in prayer despite the king's decree, but sent angels to be with him, to guard and protect him, to shut the lions' mouths, and to bring him through unharmed. Though cast into the den and left exposed in a place of mortal danger, he was preserved there and then brought out with honor when the king hurried to the den early in the morning and saw what God had done. This is an instance of holy angels ministering to God's people in time of danger. The king then understood that the wise men had schemed to rid Daniel of power in order to remove him, and in his wrath he destroyed Daniel's enemies.
Jesus Himself was with Daniel in the den, just as He was with the three Hebrews in the burning fiery furnace, so that no harm could touch him though he was put there for no crime except seeking to make men kind and obedient, truthful and loyal. This reveals God's tenderness and compassion toward His obedient children when they are in prison. Christ will not forsake those who belong to Him, and the innocent sufferer is called to trust God and lift up holy hands without doubting.
Daniel's suffering and humbling, his imprisonment and unjust condemnation for firm adherence to principle and loyalty to God, did not mean that God had forsaken him or ceased to reign. God was with him and preserved him in danger, he triumphed in the end, and God was glorified through His servant whom He permitted to be humbled. His experience stands as an example of God's care for His faithful people in times of trial, showing that they may be unjustly condemned and persecuted without being forsaken by God.
Witness and Present Application
Daniel's regular prayers drew the rulers' attention to his case and gave him opportunity to testify that the God of heaven alone is worthy of worship, praise and homage. His deliverance showed that the God he worshiped is the true and living God, bringing His servant before the ruler and leading the ruler to proclaim God's supremacy. His steadfastness under threat of death spread knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon. After hurrying to the den at first light and finding Daniel unharmed, Darius decreed to all peoples, nations and languages that men should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel as the living and steadfast God whose kingdom shall not be destroyed and whose dominion is to the end, who delivers and rescues and works signs and wonders in heaven and earth. Daniel then prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
This took place during Darius's two-year reign over Medo-Persia after the fall of Babylon, early in the establishment of the empire, when Daniel stood first among three presidents over one hundred twenty princes because an excellent spirit was in him and the king meant to set him over the whole realm. It was part of God preparing the hearts of kings to show favor to His repentant people while those loyal in Babylon were seeking the Lord and studying the prophecies of their deliverance. Though utterly helpless in himself against his enemies in the high places of the kingdom, Daniel trusted God's word and his stand withstood the power of the whole world. This proves the power of God's word against human power and policy in support of evil, belongs to the triumph of righteousness and to the world's true nobility and royal line, and youth today are called to join it.
God signally honored Daniel before men because he valued God's favor above the favor and praise of princes and determined to honor God above every human power. He was not ashamed to display his true colors but confessed faith in the Lord God of heaven in words, habits and practices even in the king's court, refusing to bow to any earthly mandate detracting from God's honor. Therefore God loved him and spread His shield over him in the den, so that the king came in haste to him and he was honored by the Lord God of hosts whose power is over all His works in heaven above and earth beneath. The golden chain of truth thus bound him to God's throne and gave him strength from heaven to confess allegiance. This sets a pattern for youth to unfurl their colors before men and angels, to make a telling confession by choice words and consistent action, to let Christ occupy the throne in the soul temple, and to lay talents without reserve at His feet for service.
Firm religious principle can remain true to God even when doing so brings mortal danger, for the threat of the den did not keep Daniel from his daily prayers. God's people must uphold His honor and commandments with strict integrity, without adjusting faith to convenience or pressure, choosing death rather than dishonoring God. One grounded in personal knowledge of God and truth can remain faithful through danger and trial. Daniel was in the way of duty in the king's court when brought into the trial leading to the den, and God protected him. When trial comes in the way of duty, God will protect; but when people place themselves under temptation by choosing to associate with the servants of Satan, they will fall sooner or later.
Daniel dared to stand alone in Jesus Christ, an example all can follow. To be a Daniel means to consecrate self to God as a vessel into which heavenly treasure can be received, and to have the mind occupied in enriching poverty-stricken souls instead of centered on self. It means to receive God's love as golden oil and impart heaven's grace to others, to be enriched in return, and to reach the highest mental and moral development only by cooperating with Christ, learning His methods, accepting His Spirit, and laboring together with Him. The morning after Daniel was cast into the den for praying, when angels protected him in that emergency, teaches husbands and wives to unite in prayer at morning and at noon as Daniel did. Trusting that angels will protect them in the same way prepares them for what is coming upon the world.