How does Daniel 6:19 demonstrate the king's concern for Daniel's well-being? Scripture focus “ At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions.” (Daniel 6:19) Context leading up to the verse • Daniel, a faithful servant of God, had been cast into the lions’ den for praying to the LORD (6:10–17). • The king was “deeply distressed” over this outcome (6:14). • He spent a sleepless, fasting night in his palace, refusing entertainment (6:18). Key indicators of the king’s concern in Daniel 6:19 • “At the first light of dawn” – he acted at the earliest possible moment, showing urgency. • “The king got up” – leaving his royal comforts without delay highlights personal involvement. • “Hurried to the den” – haste underscores emotional investment; he could not wait for normal court protocol. Reinforcement from surrounding verses • 6:14 – “deeply distressed” and striving all day to rescue Daniel. • 6:18 – a night of fasting and lost sleep. • 6:20 – he “cried out in anguish,” calling Daniel “servant of the living God.” Together with 6:19, these details form an unbroken picture of genuine, continuing concern. Parallel biblical examples of urgent concern • Genesis 22:3 – “So Abraham rose early in the morning” to obey God in a matter close to his heart. • 1 Samuel 19:11 – Michal warns David at once, acting quickly to protect him. • Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1 – the women hurry to Jesus’ tomb “very early in the morning,” driven by love and devotion. Like these figures, the king’s dawn activity reveals depth of feeling and priority. Truths affirmed for today • God can stir compassion in the hearts of rulers, even those who do not yet fully know Him (Proverbs 21:1). • Earnest concern expresses itself through prompt, self-sacrificing action, not mere words (James 2:15-16). • God honors steadfast faith, as Daniel’s deliverance soon proves (Daniel 6:22-23), reminding believers that obedience may inspire even the powerful to acknowledge the living God. |
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