Topical Bible: Faith: Trial of Daniel, when Forbidden to Pray to Jehovah

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The trial of Daniel, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, chapter 6, is a profound testament to unwavering faith in the face of persecution. This narrative highlights the steadfastness of Daniel, a devout servant of God, who faced severe consequences for his commitment to prayer and worship of Jehovah, despite a royal decree that forbade such acts.

Historical Context

Daniel, a Jewish exile in Babylon, had risen to a position of significant influence under King Darius. His exceptional qualities and integrity earned him the king's favor, which incited jealousy among other officials. These officials sought to undermine Daniel by exploiting his religious devotion. They persuaded King Darius to enact a decree that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than the king for thirty days, under penalty of being cast into a den of lions (Daniel 6:7-9).

Daniel's Faithful Response

Despite the decree, Daniel's faith remained unshaken. He continued his practice of praying three times a day, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, as he had always done (Daniel 6:10). This act of defiance was not born out of rebellion but out of a deep commitment to his faith and trust in God. Daniel's actions exemplify the principle that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to human authority when the two are in conflict.

The Consequences and Divine Deliverance

The conspirators quickly reported Daniel's actions 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 his faith did not waver. The king, troubled by the situation, expressed hope that Daniel's God would deliver him (Daniel 6:16).

God's intervention was miraculous. He sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, preserving Daniel's life. The next morning, King Darius found Daniel unharmed and acknowledged the power of Daniel's God (Daniel 6:21-22). This divine deliverance not only vindicated Daniel but also led to a decree that honored the God of Israel throughout the kingdom (Daniel 6:26-27).

Theological Implications

The trial of Daniel underscores several key theological themes. First, it highlights the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers and decrees. Despite human attempts to suppress worship, God's purposes prevail. Second, it illustrates the power of prayer and the importance of maintaining spiritual disciplines even under duress. Daniel's consistent prayer life was both a source of strength and a testimony to his faith.

Moreover, this account serves as an encouragement to believers facing persecution. It reassures them that God is both aware of their trials and capable of delivering them according to His will. Daniel's experience is a reminder that faithfulness to God may lead to trials, but it also opens the door to divine intervention and testimony to God's greatness.

Conclusion

The trial of Daniel when forbidden to pray to Jehovah is a powerful narrative of faith, courage, and divine deliverance. It challenges believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to God, trusting in His power and sovereignty, regardless of earthly opposition.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 6:4-23
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; for as much as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
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Hebrews 11:32,33
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
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Library

Modern Revivals
... were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the ... corruption, and I retained
no strength." Daniel 9:18 ... Every step of faith and obedience brings the soul ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

Modern Revivals.
... were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the ... God appeared, to give him
instruction, Daniel says, "My ... day."(821) Every step of faith and obedience ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... Thus Daniel ''prayed and gave thanks before his God three times a ... His faith in the
Messiah was sincere. ... to transgress the ceremonial law, but as a trial of his ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... Let his wonderful deliverance out of the mouthes of lions answer; Daniel 7.Look ... of
Boston was called last fall, to a severe trial of their faith and constancy ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

V. ...
... that is tried by fire to the trial of faith ... The prophet Daniel has approached still
nearer, but yet speaks ... appears fair before the world, is yet without faith. ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... [3779] When Daniel speaks of ... He says that the man who brought him to trial, on seeing
him ... church that was to rise up through the union of faith, says expressly ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... also the bond and release is unalterable (Daniel 10:21 ... forbidden, and a fear commended;
a fear forbidden, because it ... Now these not having faith in the mercy of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... to any human tribunal for the orthodoxy of their faith. ... hurried off in crowds without
a trial, to be ... is in accordance with the declaration in Daniel, that "the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... A man may pray, yea pray for such things, had he them ... matters of the law, to wit,
judgment, mercy, faith; or else ... is to be dead to those things forbidden in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... thine heart, though thou knewest all this' (Daniel 5:22 ... But, pray, show me now how
wicked cursing is to be ... in England is to swear by God, Christ, faith, and the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm