Jesus and the lion’s den

Background

The Babylonian head of gold has passed and now a Medo-Persian ruler sits on the throne (the chest and arms of silver).

Under the later Babylonian rule Daniel lived in a kind of semi-retirement since in seems that king Belshazzar was not accustomed to calling upon Daniel for counsel. It was only when the queen mother reminds Belshazzar how Daniel interpreted the visions of Nebuchadnezzar that he was called upon.

However, under this new dynasty, Daniel (whom scholars estimate would have been aged between 80-90 years of age at this point), is now entering a new season in his life. In fact as we read chapter 6 we are told very early on how Daniel’s new political career has put him second only to the king himself.

A different perspective

Now, we could look through this passage in the conventional viewpoint and we would I am sure glean lots out of it regardless of the fact that this is a story that most of us learnt in childhood. However there is something else going on in this chapter that we seldom ever consider.

Throughout the Old Testament the scriptures make allusions to Jesus and indeed the church by showing us situations that closely parallel New Testament events. The book of Daniel is no exception, these examples are known as ‘types’ and in fact we see in Daniel a type of both Jesus Himself and in places the church.

Throughout Daniel chapter 6 we see close similarities to the betrayal of Jesus and His death and resurrection.

The story of the entire bible from Genesis through to Revelation is the Lord’s plan of redemption, the Lord demonstrates this in the Old Testament through the lives of men that walked close to Him.

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Daniel 6:1

Daniel 6:1–9 NKJV

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” 6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

So king Darius in an order to rule effectively sets up varying levels of governors in the kingdom, 120 satraps. Over these 120 Darius set up 3 senior governors that the 120 would report to. Daniel was one of these top three, however, Daniel had so set himself apart as being honest, trustworthy and efficient in his job that the king was looking to establish Daniel even above the other two senior governors. This would effectively make Daniel like a Prime Minister. Only the king himself would be above Daniel in the whole kingdom

However, those in the kings courts who Daniel was about to be promoted over didn’t like this one bit. Pride no doubt set in and I imagine that they would have been discussing among themselves why Daniel should be promoted over them.

Their objections lay squarely with their own selfish ambitions, and it is fascinating to see how pride and greed so got a hold of them that they were prepared to send an innocent man off to his death because of it.

ENVY

Throughout the Old Testament the scriptures make allusions to Jesus and indeed the church by showing us situations that closely parallel New Testament events. The book of Daniel is no exception, these examples are known as ‘types’ and in fact we see in Daniel a type of both Jesus Himself and in places the church.

We so often pray for Godly leaders in our country, I look at this passage and I think to myself “what madness that these officials should want Daniel gone”, can you imagine how great it would be if God raised up for us a Prime Minister like Daniel? One who had no selfish ambition, one who did not seek promotion for their own gain, one who dealt honestly and transparently in absolutely everything, one who prayed three times a day, knew the scriptures inside out and who consulted God in everything.

Just as Daniel was set up by governors in the Persian empire because of jealousy towards Daniel so also we see in our Lord.

Throughout Daniel chapter 6 we see close similarities to the betrayal of Jesus and His death and resurrection.

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The story of the entire bible from Genesis through to Revelation is the Lord’s plan of redemption, the Lord demonstrates this in the Old Testament through the lives of men that walked close to Him.

Just as Daniel was set up by governors in the Persian empire because of jealousy towards Daniel so also we see in our Lord.

Matthew 27:18 NKJV

18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

Matthew 27:

NO FAULT

The governors and satraps knew that Daniel was so upright that they could not find any charge against him unless

The governors and satraps knew that Daniel was so upright that they could not find any charge against him unless it was concerning the law of his God.

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Matthew 26:59–61 NKJV

59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”

Matthew 26:

Now Daniel was described as blameless and upright, that does not mean that Daniel had no sin, Daniel was just a man same as us and so like us he needed redeeming. But because Daniel took his sin to God, repented and lived a life under the direction of the Holy Spirit Daniel did not have sin attributed to him and because he lived a life close to God, neither could those around him see any sin in him.

Jesus of course though was greater than Daniel, and while Daniel is a type of Christ, an allusion to the Messiah he is not the real article. Jesus is the real deal and so when the scriptures say that they could find no fault in Jesus it was because there was no fault to be found.

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Daniel 6:10–15 NKJV

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. 11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, 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 does not alter.” 13 So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” 14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”

TIME OF BETRAYAL

Jesus was under no illusion about what was happening on the night of his betrayal. We read about how Jesus tells Judas at the table to go and do what he needs to do. Jesus was fully aware of the plotting even before he was apprehended and the accusations were brought to him. But rather than hide himself away, for Jesus could have easily hidden himself. Our Lord went out into the garden of Gethsemane and openly prayed to His Father in heaven.

Likewise, Daniel was fully aware of the scheming. He knew that his colleagues had tricked the king into signing a decree forbidding prayer, and it is reasonable to assume that Daniel would have seen through this impromptu law.

Neither Daniel or Jesus made an open display of defiance but in quietness and meekness went to the Father in prayer. A closeness with the Father was fundamental to both of them and when under pressure to conform both went straight to prayer.

DARIUS / PILATE

For both Daniel and our Lord a gentile pagan king showed favor towards them and sought to free them but both were manipulated by the accusers and bound by the law.

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Daniel 6:14–15 NKJV

14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”

Daniel 6:14-15

Unlike his predecessor Nebuchadnezzar, Darius was himself bound by the law of the land, even the law that he himself created. So though Daniels only charge was that he sought the Lord God in prayer yet this was enough for his accusers to demand his life.

Darius sought diligently for a legal loophole in which to free Daniel, knowing that Daniel was a good and upright man.

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Matthew 27:22–24 NKJV

22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”

Matthew 27:22-24

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THE PIT / TOMB

Daniel 6:16–17 NKJV

16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.

Daniel 6:

Now here are a pair of verses that don’t require much explaining. For where else in the scripture have we seen a pit with a large stone rolled in front and then sealed?

When Daniel was thrown to the lions the pit was not merely covered with a large stone but a seal was placed on the stone, probably a wax seal. The seal was then set using the signet ring of both the king and his lords. This prevented any tampering with the pit to try and rescue Daniel in the night. Even the king would not be able rescue Daniel and then cover his tracks since to reseal the pit he would also require his lords.

After our Lord was crucified, he was laid in the tomb. The stone rolled in front and then to prevent our Lords supporters from retrieving him in the night the stone was sealed and secured with ropes.

Neither Jesus or Daniel were expected to come out of their pits alive, in fact neither were expected to come out at all.

LION / SATAN

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Daniel 6:18–24 NKJV

18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” 23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God. 24 And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.

Daniel 6:

Daniel 6:18–23 NKJV

18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” 23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

As we near the end of the chapter we read how Daniel triumphed over his adversaries, God having closed the mouths of the lions allowing Daniel to emerge unhurt and without a single mark.

Now here is where we see a slight difference, but a difference for the better.

Jesus indeed triumphs over his adversaries also, the lion was also powerless against our Lord Jesus for says:

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1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

For Daniel it was actual lions that were rendered powerless, for Jesus it was Satan that was rendered powerless.

Daniel emerged unhurt from the pit, but this is where the difference occurs because Jesus emerged from the tomb bearing the marks of crucifixion in His hands, feet and side.

But you see these marks are not to his discredit but are badges of honour and symbols of His great victory.

Having emerged unhurt from the lions den, king Darius commands that the adversaries of Daniel be brought and thrown into the pit where no victorious outcome awaited them, but the bible says that the lions devoured them before they even reached the floor.

For Satan and those that choose to follow him, they will also be thrown into a pit, but one of fire and everlasting torment. ()

DARIUS HONOURS GOD

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Daniel 6:25–28 NKJV

25 Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel 6:

Last week we looked at Daniel chapter 3, and how the Lord Jesus is the rock which will topple all the previous empires. And He will establish an everlasting Kingdom that will never be destroyed.

Kings at the time would frequently consult the writings of their predecessors, and it would seem that Darius is well acquainted with the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. For he says specifically, His Kingdom is THE one that shall not be destroyed.

Darius was very right to make such a proclamation after an event which is to us a picture of our Lord’s victory over sin and death. For having triumphed over death he will indeed return to bring an end to all that went on before and establish a Kingdom that will never be destroyed.

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Charles Spurgeon once said:

“Now, if Daniel is a type of Christ, and the Lord Jesus is the great representative Man for all who are in him, you, believer, must expect, that there will be those who will attack you, who will assail you especially in your religion. You must expect, too, that they will prevail against you for a time, so that you may be cast into the den, that they will seek to fasten you in as though you were destroyed for ever; but there will be a resurrection not only of bodies but of reputations, and you shall arise.”

“...I do not expect you to attain to it in your own strength, but I point you to the Holy Ghost, who can work this in you, and make you to be greatly beloved as was this prophet of old.”

Spurgeon, C. H. (1868). Daniel’s Undaunted Courage. In The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons (Vol. 14, p. 336). London: Passmore & Alabaster.

Spurgeon, C. H. (1868). Daniel’s Undaunted Courage. In The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons (Vol. 14, p. 335). London: Passmore & Alabaster.