Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Excerpts from Daniel Chapter 6

“Darius, the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a hight officer to rule over each province. The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the hight officers and to protect the king’s interest. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.” (vv. 1-3, NLT)

“So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, ‘ Long live King Darius! We are all in agreement – we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors – that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human – except to you, Your Majesty – will be thrown into the den of lions.'” (vv. 6-7, NLT)

“So they (the officials) went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. ‘Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human – except to you, Your Majesty – will be thrown in the den of lions?’

‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘ that decision stands, it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.’

Then they told the king,’That man, Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.’

Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a ay to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.”(vv. 12-14,NLT)

“So at last, the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, ‘My your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.’

A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. Then the king immediately returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.

Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called in anguish, ‘ Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue your from the lions? ‘

Daniel, answered, ‘Long live the king! My God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in His sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.'(vv. 17-22, NLT)

Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.

Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:

“Peace and prosperity to you! I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.

For He is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end. He rescues and saves His people; He performs miraculous signs and wonder in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’

So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” (vv. 25-28, NLT)


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