The account of an angel appearing to Daniel in the lions' den is a significant event recorded in the Book of Daniel, illustrating divine intervention and protection. This narrative is found in Daniel 6, where Daniel, a devout servant of God, faces persecution due to his unwavering faithfulness.

Context and Background

Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon, had risen to a position of high authority under King Darius. His exceptional qualities and integrity earned him the king's favor, but also the jealousy of other officials. These officials conspired to trap Daniel by manipulating the king into signing a decree that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than the king for thirty days. Defying the decree, Daniel continued his practice of praying to God three times a day.

The Lions' Den

As a result of his disobedience to the decree, Daniel was cast into a den of lions, a punishment intended to ensure his death. However, Daniel's faith in God remained steadfast. The king, distressed by the situation, expressed hope that Daniel's God would deliver him.

Divine Intervention

The pivotal moment occurs when an angel is sent by God to protect Daniel. In Daniel 6:22 , Daniel testifies to the king, saying, "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; nor have I done any wrong before you, O king."

This angelic intervention is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His faithful servants from peril. The angel's presence not only ensured Daniel's physical safety but also served as a testament to God's power and faithfulness.

Significance

The appearance of the angel in the lions' den underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative:

1. Divine Protection: The angel's intervention highlights God's protective nature over those who remain faithful to Him, even in the face of life-threatening danger.

2. Vindication of the Righteous: Daniel's deliverance serves as a vindication of his innocence and righteousness, affirming that God honors those who uphold His commandments.

3. Testimony to God's Power: The miraculous nature of Daniel's survival serves as a powerful testimony to the king and the kingdom of Babylon, leading to a decree that reveres the God of Daniel.

4. Encouragement for Believers: This account provides encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's ability to deliver and protect.

In conclusion, the appearance of the angel to Daniel in the lions' den is a profound example of divine intervention, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His people and His power to save. This event continues to inspire and reassure believers of God's presence and protection in times of trial.Daniel 6:22
My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: for as much as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no hurt.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 8:16
And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 9:21
Yes, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 10:5-10,16,18
Then I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 12:5-7
Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
Nave's Topical Index

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... power of that which he had decreed before (Daniel 6:26 ... shall be destroyed by the
word and spirit of Christ ... strong God has decreed it: 'and a mighty angel took up ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... his face as it had been the face of an angel" (Acts 6 ... in the fire with the three;
and while Daniel sat and ... O! the grace of God, and his Spirit and power that is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... ready to give the lie to the angel, when he ... me speedily, O Lord,' saith he, 'my spirit
faileth; hide ... Belshazzar's queen knew, also, that God was with Daniel. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 'Setting their feet upon the necks of kings, And through the worlds subduing, chaining
down The free, immortal spirit"theirs a wondrous spell.' [1]. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... the pleasure thereof, shouldest be by an angel conveyed to ... thine heart, though thou
knewest all this' (Daniel 5:22). ... to one of his brats, for a spirit of lying ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Is there an angel of death? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about the angel Gabriel? | GotQuestions.org

Is it wrong to have angel figurines? | GotQuestions.org

Angel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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