Topical Bible: Persecution of Daniel

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The persecution of Daniel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the trials faced by those who remain steadfast in their faith amidst a hostile environment. Daniel, a prophet and a high-ranking official in the Babylonian and Medo-Persian empires, is a central figure in the Book of Daniel, which is part of the Old Testament.

Historical Context

Daniel was among the young men of Judah taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar during the Babylonian exile (Daniel 1:1-6). Despite his captivity, Daniel rose to prominence due to his wisdom, integrity, and ability to interpret dreams, which were gifts from God (Daniel 1:17-20). His unwavering faith and adherence to God's laws set him apart in a pagan society.

The Plot Against Daniel

The persecution of Daniel is most notably recorded in Daniel 6, during the reign of Darius the Mede. Daniel's exceptional qualities earned him favor with King Darius, who planned to set him over the entire kingdom (Daniel 6:3). This incited jealousy among the other high officials and satraps, who sought to find grounds for charges against Daniel concerning the kingdom. However, they could find no corruption in him, as he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent (Daniel 6:4).

Realizing that they could not accuse Daniel of any wrongdoing, the conspirators devised a plan targeting his faith. They convinced 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). The decree was irrevocable according to the law of the Medes and Persians.

Daniel's Faithfulness

Despite the decree, Daniel continued his practice of praying three times a day, giving thanks to God as he had always done (Daniel 6:10). His unwavering commitment to God was soon discovered by his adversaries, who reported his actions to the king (Daniel 6:11-13).

The Lions' Den

King Darius, distressed by the situation, sought to rescue Daniel but was bound by the law he had enacted. Reluctantly, he ordered Daniel to be cast into the lions' den, expressing hope that Daniel's God would deliver him (Daniel 6:14-16). A stone was placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and the rings of his nobles, ensuring that Daniel's situation could not be altered (Daniel 6:17).

Divine Deliverance

The following morning, King Darius hurried to the lions' den and called out to Daniel. To his relief, Daniel responded, affirming that God had sent His angel to shut the lions' mouths, as he was found blameless before God and the king (Daniel 6:19-22). Daniel was lifted from the den unharmed, and the king ordered those who had falsely accused Daniel to be thrown into the lions' den, where they met their demise (Daniel 6:23-24).

Aftermath and Significance

King Darius issued a decree to all peoples, nations, and languages, declaring reverence for the God of Daniel, acknowledging His eternal dominion and power to rescue and save (Daniel 6:25-27). Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian (Daniel 6:28).

The persecution of Daniel serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God and the protection He provides to those who remain steadfast in their devotion to Him. Daniel's experience is a source of encouragement for believers facing trials, emphasizing the importance of faith, integrity, and reliance on God's deliverance.

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

What Daniel Predicted Regarding the Persecution of Antichrist, the ...
... Book XX. Chapter 23."What Daniel Predicted Regarding the Persecution of Antichrist,
the Judgment of God, and the Kingdom of the Saints. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 what daniel predicted regarding.htm

The Syrian Persecution.
... LESSON XVII. THE SYRIAN PERSECUTION. ... The history of Antiochus the Great is foretold
in the 11th chapter of the prophet Daniel, from the 14th to the 19th verse. ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvii the syrian persecution.htm

Daniel
... of its somewhat legendary and apocalyptic form, the religious value of Daniel is
very high. It is written at white heat amid the fires of persecution, and it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Daniel was persecuted, and cast into the pit of lions ... brethren who are in the West,
in the days of Diocletian there came great affliction and persecution to the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Whether the Time of the Persecution or Antichrist Should be ...
... persecution by Antichrist shall last for three years and six months, as we have
already said, and as is affirmed both in the book of Revelation and by Daniel ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 whether the time of.htm

Baptism of Daniel.
... After the baptism of Daniel and Sarah they continued to live in the village of
Singonahully, without any serious persecution from their heathen neighbours. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter eighteen baptism of daniel.htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... The Antichrist in the Prophets 4. Antichrist in Daniel. ... that he "made war with the
saints, and prevailed against them." This contemplates his persecution of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

Concerning Persecution
... (i) Trials. Many shall be tried' (Daniel 12:10). Persecution is the touchstone
of sincerity. It discovers true saints from hypocrites. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

I Would Add, Moreover, that they Themselves...
... For the Donatists met with the same fate as the accusers of the holy Daniel. ... in his
reformation, at the very time that he complained of suffering persecution? ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 2 6 i.htm

The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution.
... He and Orosius (Hist. VII.7) first clearly assert that Nero extended the persecution
to the provinces. II. ... In Daniel, too, the beast is collective. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 37 the roman conflagration.htm