Daniel 6 - Daniel and the Den

Introduction

In this chapter we spend a day in the life of the prime minister of the Medo-Persian Empire—Daniel the beloved (Dan 9:23). Remember, now, that Daniel is not a teenager in this chapter; he is a man in his eighties. This just proves that age is no barrier to serving Christ, nor is it any protection against temptation and testing. Because Daniel started young as a man of faith and prayer, he was faithful to the Lord even in his old age.

I. A Dawn of Devotion

II. A Morning of Deception (6:1–9)

III. A Noon of Decision (6:10–13)

IV. A Sundown of Disappointment (6:14–17)

V. A Night of Deliverance (6:18–23)

VI. A Morning of Destruction (6:24–28)

How did the prime minister begin each day? He prayed to the Lord. In 6:10 we are told that Daniel prayed three times a day in a special “prayer chamber” atop his house.

Daniel 6:10 (KJV 1900)

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

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Psalm 55:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: And he shall hear my voice.

So, Daniel started his day with the Lord—and it’s a good thing that he did. The enemy was near by and Daniel was going to face one of the greatest tests of his life. “Watch and pray!” was our Lord’s warning. Prayer was not an incidental thing in Daniel’s life; it was the most essential thing. He had a special place for prayer and special times for prayer, and you can be sure that he talked to the Lord all day long. No wonder God called him “greatly beloved” (Dan 9:23; 10:11, 19), language that in the NT the Lord reserves for His Son. It was Daniel’s faithful walk and consistent prayer life that made him one of God’s “beloved sons” (Let’s read John 14:21–23 carefully).

John 14:21–23 (KJV 1900)

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

It is extremely important to start the day with the Lord. Abraham had this habit (Gen. 19:27)

Genesis 19:27 (KJV 1900)

27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord:

so did David (Ps. 5:3)

Psalm 5:3 (KJV 1900)

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

and our Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 1:35).

Mark 1:35 (KJV 1900)

35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Imagine how much more successful our days would be if we started by praising the God of Heaven and asking Him to give us strength to be the conquerers He says we are.

I. A Dawn of Devotion

II. A Morning of Deception (6:1–9)

III. A Noon of Decision (6:10–13)

IV. A Sundown of Disappointment (6:14–17)

V. A Night of Deliverance (6:18–23)

VI. A Morning of Destruction (6:24–28)

God had honored Daniel for his faithfulness, so that he was practically the second ruler in the land. There were actually 124 persons involved in the leadership of the land: Darius the king, the three presidents (with Daniel as #1), and 120 princes.

Daniel 6:1–2 (KJV 1900)

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

We see that Darius was so impressed with Daniel that he was planning to make him the official second ruler.

Daniel 6:3 (KJV 1900)

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

The promotions of Daniel in Babylon are proof that a believer does not have to compromise to succeed (Matt. 6:33).

Matthew 6:33 (KJV 1900)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The other 122 leaders were not too happy about Daniel’s success. For one thing, he was an alien and a Jew. Satan has always hated the Jews and has done all he can to persecute them and eliminate them. The wicked always hate the just. Certainly godly Daniel was honest and kept careful watch over the affairs of state; the other leaders were stealing from the king and covering up their thefts with false accounts. This is why Darius had reorganized the government, so that he “should have no damage” (loss) (Dan 6:2).

Daniel 6:4–5 (KJV 1900)

4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

The wicked lied about God’s people; they told Darius that all the presidents agreed on the plan

Daniel 6:6–7 (KJV 1900)

6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that 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.

Daniel had never been consulted.

Daniel 6:8–9 (KJV 1900)

8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

How foolish Darius was to sign the decree without first consulting his best president. But history shows that Darius was easily influenced by flattery.

I. A Dawn of Devotion

II. A Morning of Deception (6:1–9)

III. A Noon of Decision (6:10–13)

IV. A Sundown of Disappointment (6:14–17)

V. A Night of Deliverance (6:18–23)

VI. A Morning of Destruction (6:24–28)

Daniel was one of the first ones to hear of the new decree, and he had to decide what to do. Of course, his godly character and spiritual walk had already decided for him: he would serve the Lord and pray to Jehovah just as he had always done.

Daniel 6:10 (KJV 1900)

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

He could have made excuses and compromised. “Everybody was doing it.” And he was an old man who had served the Lord faithfully all his life. One little compromise at the end of his life could not do too much damage. Wouldn’t he be more useful to the Lord alive than dead? No. Daniel refused to compromise. He chose rather to be eaten by lions than to miss one prayer meeting.

Daniel 6:11 (KJV 1900)

11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

Apparently his enemies knew where and when he prayed, so they rushed to his room at the time and, as expected, found him praying. His enemies watched as Daniel went to his prayer chamber where the windows were always open (“Pray without ceasing”), and they could see him kneel and lift his hands toward Jerusalem. Now they had him. But Daniel had peace in his heart. He was praying, giving thanks, and making supplication, and this is the formula for peace (Phil. 4:6–7).

Philippians 4:6–7 (KJV 1900)

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This was not a “crisis prayer meeting”; Daniel was used to praying and had been since he was a teenager. It is wise to start building spiritual habits when you are young.

Daniel 6:12–13 (KJV 1900)

12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, 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 altereth not.

13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

I. A Dawn of Devotion

II. A Morning of Deception (6:1–9)

III. A Noon of Decision (6:10–13)

IV. A Sundown of Disappointment (6:14–17)

V. A Night of Deliverance (6:18–23)

VI. A Morning of Destruction (6:24–28)

The king realized what a fool he had been, but even his power and wealth could not alter the law of the Medes and Persians.

Daniel 6:14–17 (KJV 1900)

14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

God did not want Darius to deliver Daniel; that was a privilege He was reserving for Himself. Daniel did not depend on the king either (Ps. 146:1–6).

Psalm 146:1–6 (KJV 1900)

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

2 While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, Nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; In that very day his thoughts perish.

5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God:

6 Which made heaven, and earth, The sea, and all that therein is: Which keepeth truth for ever:

He had learned long ago to trust the living God. God did not want to save Daniel from the lions’ den; He wanted to deliver him out of it.

I. A Dawn of Devotion

II. A Morning of Deception (6:1–9)

III. A Noon of Decision (6:10–13)

IV. A Sundown of Disappointment (6:14–17)

V. A Night of Deliverance (6:18–23)

VI. A Morning of Destruction (6:24–28)

What a contrast between Darius in his palace and Daniel in the lions’ den. Darius had no peace, yet Daniel was perfectly at peace with himself, the Lord, and the lions.

Daniel 6:18 (KJV 1900)

18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

Daniel was in a place of perfect safety, for God was there. Darius could have been slain by some enemy right in his bedroom. Darius had labored all the previous day to save Daniel from judgment, yet he could not break his laws. Daniel simply talked to the God of the universe and received all the power he needed. In every way, Daniel was reigning as king while Darius was a slave.

Daniel 6:19–22 (KJV 1900)

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel, 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.

It was Daniel’s faith in God that delivered him (Dn 6:23; Heb. 11:33).

Daniel 6:23 (KJV 1900)

23 Then was the king exceeding 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 manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

Look at what author of Hebrews says about Daniel:

Hebrews 11:33 (KJV 1900)

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

It is amazing that he had any faith at all, after living in that idolatrous heathen land for so many years. His daily fellowship with the Lord was the secret: he had faith, and he was faithful.

Psalm 18:17–24 (KJV 1900)

17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, And from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: But the Lord was my stay.

19 He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because he delighted in me.

20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, And have not wickedly departed from my God.

22 For all his judgments were before me, And I did not put away his statutes from me.

23 I was also upright before him, And I kept myself from mine iniquity.

24 Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

Christians today face many temptations to compromise, and it often appears that the “safest” course is to go with the crowd. But this is the most dangerous path! The only really safe place is in the will of God. Daniel knew that it was wrong to worship the king and pray to him because Daniel knew God’s Word. He would rather die obeying God’s Word than live outside of God’s will. Satan comes as a roaring lion

1 Peter 5:8–9 (KJV 1900)

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

and uses our enemies to try to devour us,

2 Timothy 4:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

but God can deliver us if it is for His glory. It is not always God’s will to deliver His children from danger; many Christians have given their lives in the place of duty. But what a reward they receive! Read Rev. 2:10 carefully.

Revelation 2:10 (KJV 1900)

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

I. A Dawn of Devotion

II. A Morning of Deception (6:1–9)

III. A Noon of Decision (6:10–13)

IV. A Sundown of Disappointment (6:14–17)

V. A Night of Deliverance (6:18–23)

VI. A Morning of Destruction (6:24–28)

Daniel 6:24 (KJV 1900)

24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Our souls revolt thinking about whole families, including children, being thrown to hungry lions. But this was the law of the land, the same law that these wicked men had tried to use against Daniel. How tragic that their innocent children had to suffer; however, such are the awful penalties of sin. We believe that the children under the age of accountability went to be with the Lord. God always vindicates His own.

Proverbs 11:8 (KJV 1900)

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, And the wicked cometh in his stead.

If you are going through persecution and you wonder if God cares, read Ps. 37:1–15 and trust Him the way Daniel did.

Psalm 37:1–15 (KJV 1900)

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; So shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; Trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, And thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: But those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, And gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13 The Lord shall laugh at him: For he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, And to slay such as be of upright conversation.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.

Now we see why God permitted Daniel to go through this experience:

Daniel 6:25–27 (KJV 1900)

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

26 I make a decree, 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.

27 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.

It brought great glory to His name. Peter may have had Daniel in mind when the Spirit led him to write 1 Peter 3:10–17.

1 Peter 3:10–17 (KJV 1900)

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

When Christians overcome temptation, they always glorify the Lord, even if only the angels and demons are watching. May we, like Paul, desire that Christ might be magnified in our bodies, “whether by life or by death” (Phil. 1:20).

Daniel 6:28 (KJV 1900)

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.