CHAPTER SEVEN:

DANIEL AND THE LIONS DEN

TEXT: Daniel 6

Of Darius, Daniel gives us a bit more information in chapter 9:1 and 11:1. We learn he is the son of Ahauserus (see the book of Esther) and that Daniel was sent to strengthen him. Obviously, the "strengthening" was toward his understanding and acceptance of the God of Heaven. Darius was a Mede and having gained control of the kingdom of Babylon, became a very powerful king. The close of chapter five tell us "And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old." Cyrus -- a king raised up by God for the favor of Israel, would replace him. (See Isa. chapters 44 and 45). Thus the reign of Darius seems to be a short one for Daniel (though he speaks twice of him - Daniel 9:1 - 2 -- In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. Daniel 11:1 -- Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.) We are not told the length of Darius' reign, but find at the close of chapter six that Daniel prospered in his reign as well as in that of Cyrus. There is some credence in the thought of Cyrus being king and yet having Darius reign on the throne at Babylon. As we note, Darius was a Mede. Yet at verse eight, we note the combined kingdom of Medes and Persians. Historians credit the conquering of the Babylonian empire to Cyrus (as do Isaiah and Jeremiah in terms of being established by God to rule Judah and return them to Jerusalem.) However the history may be, the scriptures relate this incidence, and we accept it as written.

Daniel's acceptance from Darius was of a unique sort. Having a great area over which to reign, Darius set over his kingdom 120 princes and over them three "presidents" (satraps -- in some versions meaning, "presiding ruler; chief prince"). This arrangement allowed the king to have full knowledge of his kingdom without requiring his personal attention. It is the case these men were trusted men and would likely follow the king in power should the kingdom remain in the power of the Medes. Of these three, Daniel was set as the chief of them all, due his "excellent spirit." This excellence was more than simple "character." It was his faithfulness before God and proves within our study the completeness of his "fruit of the Spirit" and its rewards. As we examine ourselves in this regard, we must be keenly aware of the rewards (both spiritual and carnal) that come upon us when the magnitude of this fruitfulness exhibits itself to those in our surroundings.

The arrangement caused jealousy in the ranks of those under Daniel. Note verse four says, "they sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom." They were desirous of putting him out of their way to succeed to the throne if such were possible. Yet, they could find no occasion of wrongdoing in his work as "premier president," if you will. "He was faithful, neither was their any error or fault found in him" refers to his work as president and not to his faithfulness toward God as the next verse verifies. These conspirators determine they can find nothing against Daniel whereby they would dismiss him from their path except they entrap him via the law of his God.

Giving due respect to Darius, these presidents told of a gathering with themselves as well the governors, princes, counselors and captains within the kingdom to consult (and conspire) regarding a statute (law) [that would ultimately be the demise of Daniel.] Obviously, this meeting was with quietness (secretive employ) for Daniel was the subject of the conspiracy. As to the whereabouts of Hannaniah, Meshiel, and Azariah, we know nothing past chapter three. Any speculation as to their knowledge of this situation is simply that: speculation. Such profits us nothing at all! They relate their idea to the king as an honor to him: "Whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions." As kings before him, Darius believed himself a "god" and therefore craved the worship of his subjects. Nebuchadnezzar learned the fallacy of such a belief, as did Belshazzar. Yet Darius is not Chaldean -- he is "pagan" but of the Medes. What respect he had for Daniel was not attributed to God, but to the dutifulness of Daniel in being honest and forthright in his dealings (note verse four.) Appreciating the honor of the decree, and unaware of the conspiracy it contained, Darius signs the decree into law. By having the decree for only thirty days, it would appear they desired only a limited time (enough to entrap Daniel) and the decree would thus not fully honor the king.

How Daniel learns of the decree is not known. He may have been in the meeting where this decree was spoken and established, and as he custom, humbly said nothing because of his respect for the office of the king and more, his loyalty to the God of heaven. Whether Daniel would speak aloud any objection or not would not alter his faithfulness of God Therefore, gaining knowledge of the decree and the fact it is now law, Daniel returned to his habit of having his windows opened and kneeling in prayer three times each day to give God thanks! There are several lessons we gain from this example that are applicable to Galatians 5:22- 26. Note them and let us discuss our "prayer life" and the purposeful habitual way we give God thanks!

The conspirators assembled and found Daniel praying. He obviously was not ashamed to pray and petition God; he did so with his windows opened! Nonetheless, they observed him for the sole purpose of accusing him before the king and prompting his death! How much like this was the life of Jesus Christ before they finally gathered enough hatred to crucify Him? How much like this might it be for us who continue to suffer persecution because we faithfully serve God?

Their evil plot comes to the attention of the king. Reminding the king of his signed decree, he answers that indeed he had signed such law, "which altereth not." We learn something more of the Medo-Persian law: once written and signed, there was no way to change it! This was the "trap" set by the other presidents and by it, they felt their success! They relate how Daniel (and note the specifics of how they use the truth of his heritage as a charge against him, i.e. "which is of the children of the captivity of Judah") did not honor the king or his decree, but made his petition three times a day. Hearing this fact, Darius is disheartened at himself and determines somehow to deliver Daniel. The king worked all day, even to the going down of the sun to find an answer to the dilemma. It must be noted that the king, though pagan, remained quite concerned for Daniel. He RESPECTED his chief president and wished him no harm. It became quite evident to the king his subordinates had tricked him into destroying Daniel -- a task Darius did NOT desire! Yet, to further push their agenda, the principals insisted the king honor the law "which altereth not" and continue with the declared punishment. The wicked ones felt they prevailed!

Darius commands and they bring Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. Note carefully Darius' admission: "Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee." There is no explanation for Darius' confession, than the stalwart life and uncompromising practice of Daniel before the king. This shows conclusively the power of such a fruitful life of godliness! Darius is confident that God would indeed deliver Daniel -- but how?

Cast into the den of lions, they now roll a stone upon the den to seal in Daniel. As was the order of the Medo-Persian law, the king sealed it with the signet of his lords. As far as the king was concerned, he could do no more and so had no choice. Nonetheless, the king is greatly bothered by this plight. He enters his palace and fasts (does not eat) and refused the customary music of the night -- he simply could not rest enough to sleep. He knew he had been deceived and was now concerned for the well-being of his most trusted president, Daniel. Obviously, there is within him some righteous conviction of the power of Almighty God! He rises early and in haste goes to the den of lions. With lamentable cries (affected by deep sorrow/regret) the king speaks, "Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" His words are spoken with hope, but without assurance for he was not fully convinced of the God of Heaven. Imagine how pleased and astonished (vs. 23) the king was to hear the very first words, "O king, live forever."

Daniel explains in terms not likely understood, but in terms appreciated by the king, "My God sent His angel (messenger ... same as in chapter three with Hannaniah, Meshiel, and Azariah) and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O King, have I done no hurt." These words needed no further witness for Daniel was indeed alive and the only explanation was God! From this, the only explanation for God's kindness is INNOCENCE -- both before God and before the king. Examine again yourself in this view with Galatians 5:22 - 26. To better help your understanding, apply 1 John 1: 5 - 11. The king's gladness was such the king ordered Daniel taken out of the den.

Careful consideration of the remaining portion of this story shows the conspirators are guilty of the very thing they condemned in Daniel. Had they consulted with the king about their plan (see verse 7) the king would have had no choice but to throw them to the den of lions: they had not consulted with the king prior to their suggested law! Further, Daniel would not have been thrown to the lions due his INNOCENCE in the plot! The king's anger is kindled against these men, and BECAUSE THE LAW OF THE MEDES AND PERSIANS CANNOT BE ALTERED, HE WAS WELL WITHIN HIS LAWFUL DUTY TO CONDEMN THESE MEN TO DEATH FOR THEIR ACTIONS. Though forbidden in the Law of Moses (Deut. 24:16), the Persian law considered it a family crime for one to be guilty. Therefore, wives and children were punished right along with their evil fathers. Though it was not lawful for the Jews and is not so for us, it does teach the consequences of wrongful practices before others: sin always leads others to sin! The brutality of their death was so great and instantaneous as the lions broke their bones even before the people came to the bottom of the pit!

Darius was an honest man if nothing else. His decree now gives an honor to God. Notice he first desires for all people, nations and languages that dwell on the earth (meaning all within his kingdom and this to him would be "all the earth). Like Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonian empire, Darius is well effected by the power of Almighty God. His decree is thus: that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." As for the scriptures, we know nothing more of Darius' continuance in this mentality of thankful acceptance of God's power. What we do know is the undeniable influence of Daniel's loyalty to God! Just so, our loyalty must permeate our very beings in love, honor, and obedience to Him who cares for us!