Daniel and the lions’ den
In this group of posts, we’re digging into important Bible events, plus the Before Event and the After Event—what happened before and after The Main Event. What do we learn from all three events?
Last time, we explored “the writing on the wall” from Daniel, chapter 5. At the end of the chapter, King BB—I mean Belshazzar of Babylon—was killed; and Darius the Mede became king of the Babylonian empire. But there was much more to part 1: The dark house, the spider, the mirror, the revealing PBD podcast, the mass shooting at our old church, and more. If you missed it, check it out.
Today on Choosing Peace, we’ll explore Daniel and the lions’ den—The Main Event.
Daniel and the lions’ den
If you’ve attended church for a certain length of time, you’ve heard the Old Testament story of Daniel and the lions’ den. Can we discover something new or surprising about this familiar event? Most definitely.
The trap
King Darius set up 120 governors throughout the kingdom, with three administrators at the top, including Daniel. Later, the king elevated Daniel to top administrator “because an extraordinary spirit was in him” (Daniel 6:3b, NHEB). The governors and the other administrators were not happy. Actually, they were patently envious and sought a way to take him down. Never forget: The darkness hates the light.
Daniel’s subordinates wanted him dead—not because he was a bad boss. In fact, he was exemplary. Since Daniel’s conduct was flawless, his enemies schemed.
Then these men said, “We will not find any charge against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
Daniel 6:5, New Heart English Bible
They manipulated the king into signing a new injunction that no one could “ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king” (Daniel 6:7c, NHEB). If the injunction was broken, the offender would be thrown into the lions’ den—a grizzly and guaranteed execution. The schemers reminded King Darius that this ruling couldn’t be changed, based on Medo-Persian law. They needed any possible loose ends tied up, don’t you know. Not thinking anything of it, the king signed it.
The spies
Even though Daniel was well aware of the new injunction, he prayed to God three times a day, as he’d always done. The schemers “assembled together” (v. 11a, NHEB), spied on Daniel and turned him in.
One purpose
Now remember, Peaceful Readers. These guys didn’t have email, texting or phone apps to coordinate their Spy Plan. They didn’t have cameras and video recorders in their pockets. Can you imagine how many people had to be involved? And they all knew the purpose—to execute Daniel—to violently eliminate (1) the competition; (2) the foreigner; (3) the squeaky-clean guy who wouldn’t allow bribes, extortion or other self-directed bonuses; (4) the one who axed their favorite perks, like private lunches at the brothels; (5) the teacher’s pet—I mean the king’s favorite.
Many hands
I wonder how many of them attended the big meeting, motored over to Daniel’s place and commenced to spying on him. How many? How long did they wait outside Daniel’s house in order to see him praying three times per day? Did they organize themselves into spy shifts? Were couriers involved to carry their spy notes back to a central office or Spy Coordinator? Did Daniel see them outside his open second-story window? How many days did this go on?
What a strange scene. The spy network reminds me of my in-laws and their stakeout down the street when they spied on our son Logan. Creepy. Epically creepy—on both counts.
Character displays
Daniel was faithful in prayer and devotion to God. The spies were faithful in their envy, scheming and evil. Consider this rewind and repeat about the sin of envy from this post:
Envy is a dangerous, violent, insidious thief.
I can’t overstate the danger presented by the sin of envy. It isn’t simply wanting what someone else has. It’s wanting that person not to have it. Envy can act as the fuel behind a wide range of evil thoughts and actions—including murder or being obsessed with ruining someone’s life. (That reminds me of my deceased sibling, Pam, The Almighty.)
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:16, King James Bible
…Explore the addendum about evil in this post.
Daniel’s character and the character of his enemies trumpeted loud and clear. Nothing was hidden from God—or from anyone who was paying close attention. While the snakes were slithering all across town in their spy network, Daniel was on his knees calling out to God three times a day—in addition to running the empire.
Revisiting the dark house
I just described the men spying on Daniel as slithering snakes. Let’s take a short detour to revisit the dark house where I lived for 10 years.
Snakes
We moved to the dark house in Fort Worth when I was 12. Shortly afterwards, I encountered a rattlesnake in the field next to our new house. That was scary. (At the time, ours was the last house on the street.) Two years ago, my older sister came into clear focus—shown as a Burmese python in a terrifying nightmare. Brandon’s dream about snakes in the house revealed many things—about danger, getting lost, and confusion. And then there was my vision that included a coiled-up snake. So many snakes. And snakes represent evil.
Spiritual darkness
The dark house wasn’t a particularly dark color; it didn’t have dark décor inside. The house was spiritually dark—filled with lies, secrets, mental illness, control, silence, emotional abuse and emotional neglect. Dark books, dark music, dark thoughts. If you haven’t read it lately, take your time on the post about dabbling in the occult. It’s important. Confusion, fear, anger. I didn’t understand what was going on until decades later.
From part 1 of the epic story of Joseph:
When you grow up in an environment that’s drowning in pervasive, non-stop sin, the flavor of the water soaks your clothes, your hair, your mind, your emotions, your words, your beliefs, your perception of reality. You’re breathing it, eating it, drinking it, living it, every day.
Until you aren’t. (See this post about adapting.)
Thanks be to God for taking me on The Healing Journey and saving my soul.
Let’s return to the story of Daniel.
Closing the deal
The spies were experienced closers—like lawyers in a courtroom. And they had an open and shut case. They started The Takedown Scene by asking King Darius if he’d signed an injunction stating this, that and the other—as if they didn’t know the answer to their own question.
The king answered, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.”
Daniel 6:12c, New Heart English Bible
Next, they presented their case against Daniel, who had clearly disobeyed the king’s injunction. In his distress, King Darius pondered deeply until sundown how to save Daniel. The accusers returned and reminded the king that the law could not be changed. Their closing argument was finished. Case closed.
Delivered for execution
Nobody survived being tossed in the lions’ den. Nobody. It was a gruesome, hands-off execution, and everybody knew it. Plus, it was easier than the other methods—with no clean-up required.
But this time was different. After King Darius issued the command and Daniel was thrown in the lions’ den, the king spoke to the accused.
“Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.” A stone was brought, and placed on the opening of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him. And his sleep fled from him.
Daniel 6:16c-18, New Heart English Bible
Prayers vs. parties
While King Darius fasted and was deeply troubled all night long, did he pray to God for the first time? Did he call out to the one, true God for help? Did he intercede for Daniel? I believe he did.
Simultaneously, were the spies throwing a blow-out celebration party? Highly likely.
The miracle night
At daybreak, the king went immediately to the lions’ den and cried out in distress:
“Daniel, servant of the living God. Is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?” Then said Daniel to the king, “O king, live forever. My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; because before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no wrong.” Then was the king exceedingly glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
Daniel 6:20b-23, New Heart English Bible
Three parts
Personally, I consider Daniel in the lions’ den to be a three-part miracle. When Daniel was tossed in the lions’ den, it wasn’t like he was tossed on a fluffy bed or a trampoline. Wasn’t it dark and rocky down there? Were skulls and bones littering the floor? Daniel was protected from bruises, cuts and broken bones. In and of itself, I find that to be miraculous. Next—he wasn’t eaten! That’s the miracle we normally attribute to this incredible night. Third, an angel came. How beautiful, spectacular and miraculous.
A prayer
As you reflect on the three parts of Daniel’s miracle night, will you say this prayer of praise out loud?
Dear Lord, we give you glory and honor for your power, strength and might; for your attentiveness, care and presence; for your love, faithfulness and compassion. Amen.
Your turn
Have you experienced a miracle? If so, how did it change you and your perception of God? Have you shared it with anyone? If not, I hope you will—as the Lord leads you.
As for me, God’s miracles in my life give me a great sense of peace. See Miracles in the index or on the home page.
Reversal of fortune
The next part in Daniel’s story will blow your mind. This part was not included in Vacation Bible School or children’s Sunday school. I understand that.
The king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.
Daniel 6:24, New Heart English Bible
What a reversal of fortune. The evil men—the snakes—schemed to murder Daniel, manipulated the king, and built and ran their spy network. They thought they were so clever. They lost everything. Daniel was saved, and they were executed, along with their wives and children, in the very way they orchestrated Daniel’s demise. Their family lines were obliterated—once and for all. That scene reminds me of Haman in the story of Esther.
The LORD has made himself known.
He has executed judgment.
The wicked is snared by the work of his own hands.
Psalm 9:16, New Heart English Bible
Why were their wives and children executed too? Because crime families are dangerous. Period.
The king’s declaration
What did King Darius do next? He testified about God—far and wide.
Then [King Darius] wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever. His kingdom shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Daniel 6:25-27, New Heart English Bible
From false gods to the living God
Having fairly recently conquered King BB in a bloody battle, a powerful king declared peace to all the earth. He decreed the fear of the Lord, and lauded him as “the living God.” He declared God’s excellencies. How absolutely remarkable!
♦ A man of war declared peace.
♦ A man of colossal power displayed humility.
♦ A man from a pagan nation testified about the power, permanence and character of God Almighty.
Called by the king
King Darius called the people to God, just as King Nebuchadnezzar had done.
Peaceful Readers, we know how rare it is for powerful world leaders to call their people to God. It’s a rare, beautiful and life-changing thing. And it happened twice in Daniel’s lifetime during his captivity in Babylon.
The ending
How did the story of Daniel and the lions’ den end?
So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel 6:28, World English Bible
Daniel prospered. Thanks be to God.
It’s time to check out the After Event* for Daniel and the lions’ den.
*The book of Daniel is divided into two sections. Chapters 1 thru 6 cover major historic events involving King Nebuchadnezzar, King BB (Belshazzar) and King Darius. Chapters 7 thru 12 are filled with visions, prophesies and other spiritual encounters. Chapters 7 and 8 include visions Daniel experienced during King BB’s reign. Chapter 9 opens in the first year of the reign of King Darius. While we don’t know if Daniel’s beautiful prayer in chapter 9 came before or after his night in the lions’ den, I’m going to refer to this prayer as the After Event.
Daniel’s prayer
After Darius the Mede became king, Daniel studied the prophet Jeremiah’s writing and realized that the captivity of the nation of Israel would last 70 years. Daniel was taken to Babylon in 605 B.C. (Bible timeline here). The reign of King Darius began in 539 B.C., which means 66 of the 70 years had passed. Daniel realized that less than four years of their captivity remained. And he responded to that important reality with fasting, sackcloth and ashes, and an intense prayer that began like this:
“O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments. We have sinned, and have done what is wrong and wicked, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your commandments and from your ordinances. Neither have we listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our leaders, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.”
Daniel 9:4b-6, New Heart English Bible
These parts of Daniel’s prayer also stood out to me: v. 13-14, v. 16-17 and v. 19. (For more, see the whole intro and prayer.)
Gabriel
While Daniel was praying, the angel Gabriel appeared to him to teach him and talk with him, and to give him the interpretation of one of his visions.
[Gabriel…] said, “Daniel, I have now come forth to give you wisdom and understanding. At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went forth, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.”
Daniel 9:22b-23, New Heart English Bible
“Daniel, you are greatly loved.”
More than ourselves
Daniel’s earnest prayer demonstrated contrition, humility and understanding of why their nation was exiled. The words of the angel Gabriel reveal much about God.
Our Lord desires to give us wisdom and understanding if we seek it. We, too, are loved. But we must see ourselves rightly. Are we courageous like Daniel? Do we obey our heavenly Father? Do we ask God for wisdom and understanding? Do we ask him to teach us? Are we wholeheartedly sanctified—changed? Do we seek our holy God earnestly in prayer for our nation and for our people? Do we humbly acknowledge the sin of our nation and our people? Do we?
We have much to learn from Daniel.
The three events
What do we learn from the writing on the wall, Daniel and the lions’ den, and Daniel’s prayer—when considered together? What do these events teach us about God and ourselves? We learn about (1) God’s justice, (2) his presence, and (3) his power. All three of these events remind us of our desperate, eternal need for a personal, humble relationship with God—our Creator, Father and Lord.
Let’s unpack what these three events in the book of Daniel have taught us.
1. Justice
Everyone experienced the Lord’s righteous justice.
♦ Justice for the nation of Israel meant 70 years of captivity in Babylon.
♦ Justice for King BB meant a swift death.
♦ Justice for Daniel meant life—a miracle during his intended execution.
♦ Justice for Daniel’s accusers and their families meant a swift death.
King Nebuchadnezzar, King Darius and Daniel displayed reverence and humility before the Lord. King BB and Daniel’s accusers didn’t. Their lives took radically different paths. Life vs death.
Do not be deceived. God is not mocked,
for whatever a person sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7, New Heart English Bible
Slow death
Speaking of reaping and sowing, when Brandon was reading one of my posts recently, he noticed that my younger sibling, Pam, The Almighty, was described as a malignant narcissist. He found it poetic that she died from malignant cancer. I never connected the dots on that before—a malignant narcissist with malignant cancer….
When Pam was in her 50s, her body wasted away, very slowly and very painfully. Pam reaped what she sowed. A person who caused much pain experienced much pain. A person who controlled people with her words lost the ability to speak. A person who thrived on ruining others was ruined herself. And the timing was certainly noteworthy. Pam, The Almighty died on Christmas Eve—a day filled with rejoicing and wonder for millions of people worldwide.
The Lord worked his righteous justice.
Purpose
Peaceful Readers, we know that not all people who die a slow, painful death are facing the Lord’s punishment or justice. Some are being called to salvation. Some have other unfinished spiritual or relational business. Some are having a vital impact on others. Some are being sanctified and serve as a godly example. Be blessed and inspired by the quote from Pastor Edward Payson shortly before his death, included in the post about joy in believing.
Epitaphs
If epitaphs on gravestones were actually true, some would read: “An unmitigated disaster,” “Mean as a snake” or “Burn, baby, burn.” Thankfully, others would read: “A blessing,” “Child of God” or “Gentle and kind.”
If God engraved your epitaph today, what would it say about your heart and life—in four words or less?
God’s justice teaches us that death is coming.
We face eternity—in paradise or fire.
To be one of God’s children, we must humble ourselves and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. (If you don’t know Jesus yet, see Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit in the index.)
2. Presence and communication
We see powerful spiritual encounters in all three events in the book of Daniel—The Main Event, the Before Event and the After Event. In the writing on the wall, God sent the hand that did the writing. God sent an angel to Daniel in the lions’ den. During Daniel’s prayer for his nation and his people, the angel Gabriel came.
In each event, God gave someone a powerful encounter—a hand, an angel, the angel Gabriel. These messengers communicated in various ways—in writing; in an angel’s strong, peaceful presence; and verbally—as Gabriel spoke with Daniel.
The Lord communicates in the right way
at the right time with the right person.
These three events remind us that God can communicate powerfully with us.
Yes, God communicates in many ways—directly with us through the Holy Spirit (the still, small voice in our thoughts), through his word, people, music, nature, experiences, dreams, books and more. Pray and ask the Lord to communicate with you and to give you ears to hear him. Remember, though, our sin can impact God’s response to our prayers/requests.
3. The power of prayer
We know that Daniel prayed faithfully to God at least three times each day. The Lord gave him favor with God and man, protection, and great spiritual understanding.
Favor with the king
When Daniel was brought before King BB to interpret the writing on the wall, he spoke candidly and boldly—confronting the king of Babylon with his failures and the serious consequences determined by God. King BB could’ve chopped Daniel’s head off for saying things he most definitely didn’t want to hear; but he didn’t. Instead, the king honored Daniel and promoted him. Daniel basically said: “You blew it big time, King BB, and you’re history. You are officially toast.” King BB, who already displayed his turbo-charged pride, basically replied: “You’re the best, Daniel. Here are royal goodies and a promotion. I love this guy.” Excuse me?
Yes, Peaceful Readers, this scene doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. And that’s the point. God’s favor and protection are outside what’s expected. The power of prayer and the power of God are displayed in his favor, his protection, and many other ways.
The two things I pray for our son the most are for God’s protection, and favor with God and man. Will you pray those things about someone in your life right now?
Protection from execution
As we covered today, Daniel in the lions’ den is really a three-part miracle: The miracle of no injury, the miracle of life instead of certain death, and the miracle of the angel’s presence. God is all-powerful. ’Nuff said. We can be sure that Daniel prayed fervently before and during this chapter of his life. And God showed himself mighty.
Daniel experienced the Lord’s favor
and protection time and time again.
So can we.
Simultaneous miracles took place in the life of King Darius: Staying up all night long and probably praying for Daniel; humbling himself; and turning his thoughts—and hopefully his heart—to God. Truly amazing.
Revelation
God mightily displayed the power of prayer when the angel Gabriel was dispatched to Daniel as he prayed for his nation and his people. Will you pray for your nation and your people today?
Gabriel revealed many things to Daniel during that epic visit.
Wrap-up
These three pieces of Daniel’s remarkable life—the writing on the wall, the lions’ den, and the prayer—teach us these truths:
1. God Almighty works justice—in the right way at the right time.
2. God desires a personal relationship with his children, so he communicates with us.
3. When we faithfully pray to God, he can respond in power—according to his will.
Coming next
I’m not sure what Before Event is coming next. We’ll be surprised together. Until then, thanks for reading and for Choosing Peace.
Closing word and song
“Be Thou My Vision” by The Petersens
More
To stay current on recent posts, sign up for my monthly newsletter.