Topical Bible: Faith: Daniel, in the Lions' Den

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The account of Daniel in the lions' den is a profound narrative of faith and divine deliverance found in the Book of Daniel, chapter 6. This account is a testament to unwavering faith in God amidst persecution and adversity, showcasing the power of prayer and God's sovereignty over human affairs.

Historical Context

The events of Daniel in the lions' den occur during the reign of Darius the Mede, following the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. Daniel, a Jewish exile, had risen to a position of high authority due to his exceptional qualities and the favor of God. As one of the three administrators over the kingdom, Daniel distinguished himself, prompting King Darius to consider setting him over the entire realm (Daniel 6:3).

Plot Against Daniel

Daniel's rise to prominence incited jealousy among the other administrators and satraps. Unable to find any corruption or negligence in him, they conspired to use his faith against him. They persuaded King Darius to issue a decree that for thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6:7-9).

Daniel's Faithful Response

Despite the decree, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. He continued his practice of praying three times a day, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, giving thanks to God as he had always done (Daniel 6:10). His unwavering commitment to prayer, even in the face of death, exemplifies his deep faith and trust in God's protection and justice.

Divine Deliverance

The conspirators caught Daniel praying and reported him to the king, who, despite his reluctance, was bound by the irrevocable law of the Medes and Persians to enforce the decree. Daniel was cast into the lions' den, but King Darius expressed hope that Daniel's God would deliver him (Daniel 6:16).

That night, God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel emerged unharmed the next morning. When King Darius found Daniel alive, he was overjoyed and acknowledged the power of Daniel's God. The king then ordered the conspirators and their families to be thrown into the lions' den, where they met their demise (Daniel 6:19-24).

Proclamation of God's Sovereignty

In response to this miraculous deliverance, King Darius issued a decree to all peoples, nations, and languages, declaring the greatness of the God of Daniel. He proclaimed that God is the living God, enduring forever, whose kingdom will not be destroyed and whose dominion will never end. He acknowledged that God rescues and delivers, performing signs and wonders in heaven and on earth (Daniel 6:25-27).

Theological Significance

The account of Daniel in the lions' den is a powerful illustration of faith in action. It highlights the importance of steadfastness in one's beliefs, even when faced with severe trials. Daniel's faithfulness serves as an example for believers to trust in God's protection and deliverance, regardless of earthly circumstances. The narrative also underscores God's sovereignty and ability to intervene in human history, affirming His ultimate authority over all creation.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 6:1
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Faith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
... if he needed the lesson, that Daniel's disobedience had ... His angel, and hath shut
the lions' mouths.' He ... So faith takes God's gifts, however great and beyond ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/faith stopping the mouths of.htm

In the Lions' Den
... Daniel in the lions' den was the same Daniel who stood before the king as chief
among the ... Faith reaches to the unseen, and grasps eternal realities. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 44 in the lions.htm

Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the ...
... since followed, and have won surpassing glory by their faith in the ... Daniel, therefore,
thus condemned, was consigned to the lions' den (not indeed to ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvii of the wisdom of.htm

Daniel's Band
... Can you not put the incorruptible crown on your head, to-night in fancy; nay, in
faith? ... When Daniel had the lions' den in prospect, because of his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/daniels band.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... them good, and to plant them in their land in faith, and with ... things in the heaven
and the earth, who snatched Daniel from the den of lions." [4335] Also ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

What to do with the Devil
... Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, but they did not eat ... still more effectual,
and they could not touch Daniel. ... to "resist him stedfast in the faith." It is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-one what to do.htm

Hymn after Meat
... savoury load, Till o'er the lions' den at last ... Father sent, Christ's angel brings."
Then Daniel lifts his ... hated, harassed and perplexed, Our faith by cruel ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/iv hymn after meat.htm

Chronology.
... of food to Daniel in the lions' den, soon after Cyrus ... of belief in the contemporaneity
of Daniel and Habakkuk ... Martini's good faith in quotation is defended by ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/chronology 3.htm

The Power and Triumph of Faith. Dan 3:06
... 6,6,6,6,8,8. The power and triumph of faith. Daniel 3:6. ... Which charged them not to
pray; Daniel still bowed his knee,. ... He made the hungry lions crouch,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 73 the power and.htm

Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ...
... for his father had not kept his faith with Jeconiah ... his injunctions, and envying
this very pardon to Daniel, they did ... be cast into the den of lions according to ...
/.../the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning nebuchadnezzar and.htm