Daniel Saved From The Lions

Daniel 6:18–28
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Darius, after a sleepless night, hastened to the lions’ den (v. 18). He evidently hoped for the best but feared the worst (vv. 19-21). When the king cried out to Daniel to see if he was still there, Daniel replied that God’s angel had kept the lions’ mouth shut (v. 22). Discovering that Daniel was still alive, Darius was overjoyed and had him lifted from the den (v. 23).

After Daniel was delivered, the king’s first action was to punish the princes and presidents whose wicked plotting was responsible for the attempt on Daniel’s life (v. 24). According to Persian custom, they with their families were punished. He ordered that they be thrown into the very den where Daniel had been and they themselves suffered the terrible doom that they had so cruelly planned for him. The same lions who Daniel had spent the night with, tore these villains to shreds even before their bodies came to rest on the floor of the den. Evil deeds often backfire on those who plan cruelty.

Nebuchadnezzar had come to believe that Israel’s God was real because of the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends. The king now made a proclamation that all people of his nation must fear and reverence Daniel’s God (vv. 25-27). Because of his faithfulness Daniel was exalted to a place of honor (v. 28). Although he was quite old at the time of the lions’ den experience, he had still further years of usefulness during the reign of Cyrus and Darius. Be faithful to God so He can use you to make an impact on others.

All of this shows how a man of God in the will of God is immortal until his work on earth is finished. Also this should be a challenge to every servant of God never to be afraid of the circumstances which may threaten him, but to believe that God is equal to every emergency.

Application

Have I ever been guilty of worrying or fretting over circumstances in my life in which I had no  control? I’m sure I have! I just need to remember that the same God who delivered Daniel is able to deliver me from any circumstance of life.