The Lions Den

Daniel 6

 

Introduction:  One of the most familiar childhood stories is that of Daniel and the lions’ den. While is it very entertaining for children and adults, it is also quite instructive. We live in a political atmosphere where politicians separate their personal and public lives.  We hear that “their faith” will not affect their public decisions. Is that the Biblical way to be a representative?  Not if we follow the example of Daniel.

 

I.                  The King’s Plans

A.    When Babylon fell, the Medio/Persian Empire became the next empire in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision. They were the chest and arms of silver (2:24-45)

B.    We are told that Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom at age 62 (5:30)

C.    Darius has 120 satraps rule over the kingdom. Over the satraps he has 3 administrators. Daniel was going to be made ruler over the entire kingdom (6:3)

D.    Three important dates to remember:

1.      Daniel was born about 620 B.C.

2.      Daniel was taken captive 605 B.C. (1:1)  15 years old

3.      Babylon was captured Oct. 12, 539 B.C.  Thus Daniel was now about 81 years old!

 

II.                The Conspiracy (4-9)

A.    The satraps and administrators didn’t want Daniel to be in a position of authority over them. Why? We are not told but could it be because of:

1.     His faith

2.     His nationality

B.    Their plans:

1.     Find charges against him (4)

2.     Find corruption in him (5)

3.     Find charges against him concerning his faith! (5)

C.    The plan executed:

1.     No one can pray to any god or man except Darius for the next 30 days

2.     Put the decree in writing

3.     There was no repealing the laws of the Medes and Persians

4.     Darius signed the decree

 

III.             Daniel’s Response to an Ungodly Law (10-12)

A.    Publicly he goes upstairs to an open window and prays towards Jerusalem

B.    Daniel kneels down!  (He is at least 81 years old)

C.    Daniel prays audibly!  (How else would those looking know to whom he was praying?)

D.    Daniel was asking God for help!  (Do you think Daniel wondered why his prayer wasn’t answered when he was thrown into the lions den?)

E.     The conspirators tell the king about Daniel’s disobedience.

 

IV.             The King’s Response (13-27)

A.    The law must stand (12)  Daniel is placed in the lions den (16-17)

B.    The king was greatly distressed

1.     He was determined to rescue Daniel (14)

2.     He didn’t eat (18)

3.     He wasn’t entertained (18)

4.     He didn’t sleep (18)

C.    Early in the morning (at first light) the king hurries to the cave.  Listen to his statement:

1.     “Daniel, servant of the living God…

2.     “…has your God, Whom you continually serve…

3.     “…been able to rescue you from the lions?”

D.    Daniel tells Darius that “My God sent His angel…”

1.     What do you know about angels?

2.     Do you really have a guardian angel?

3.     Do angels really transport us to heaven?

E.     Darius has Daniel’s accusers, wives and children thrown into the lions den.  Note: “And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones” (24)

F.     Darius decrees:

1.     The God of Daniel must be reverenced (26)

2.     His kingdom is eternal (26)

3.     He rescues and He saves (27)

 

Conclusion:  The chapter concludes with: “So Daniel prospered…” Do you think Daniel questioned why God let him be thrown into the lions den? Do you really think “faith” has no place in the lives of public figures? How long will we tolerate leaders whose “faith” has no public expression?