That Which Roars and Devours
Daniel 6:1-25
Daniel and the Lion’s Den is likely the most well-known story from the book of Daniel. Many Sunday School hallways or classrooms have murals or illustrations of this popular story. Many teachers have used flannel boards to present the tension in this tale. Something about a man surviving a night with lions fascinates us. Why is this?
Perhaps it is because of the nature of lions. My daughter, who is quite the animal enthusiast, informs me that the roar of a male lion can be heard from 5 miles away. In addition, lions have been known to eat 90 pounds of meat in one sitting, but typically only about 11 pounds a day. These cats intimidate, fascinate, and fill our imaginations. In many ways, the lion has become a part of our cultural narrative signifying that which frightens and overwhelms. With its intimidating roar and voracious appetite perhaps we can understand why.
In Daniel 6 there are more than lions that seek to devour. Upon Daniel’s elevation to a position just below that of the king, the other administrators and satraps become jealous. Their jealousy devours them to the point where they look for ways to entrap Daniel. Unfortunate for them, Daniel is trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Daniel stands strong. He is a person of deep convictions. He knows that the morality birthed in Him as a servant of God must permeate all that he does. Therefore, he approaches his responsibilities in Babylon as a service to God, seeking to honor God as he honors people.
Since the administrators and satraps could not find anything in Daniel’s behavior and lifestyle as case to entrap him, they create a trap. They approach King Darius, challenging the king to make a proclamation that the people of Babylon should only pray to the king. Anyone who violates this law will be thrown in the lion’s den. They know that this will bring Daniel into conflict with the law because of his obedience and commitment to God. King Darius finds this idea appealing so he makes the law. Daniel’s competitors have him!
Daniel learns of the law. He continues his daily routine of praying three times each day while facing Jerusalem. This routine shows his commitment to God as he hopes in God’s promise to restore the people of Israel to The Promised Land.[1] Even though Daniel lives in exile, his faith finds strength in the truth of God’s promises. In earnest faith, Daniel chooses to violate the new law, giving thanks to God.
So the administrators and satraps have trapped him. They go to King Darius, revealing Daniel’s violation. The king is obliged to follow through and cast Daniel into the lion’s den. While there is very little documented evidence that Persian law was considered immutable, the practice seemed assumed. The book of Esther actually attests to this understanding of edicts made into law by the king. It appears that laws and decrees were seen in the same light as vows and oaths in the Ancient Near East. Once pronounced they could not be altered.[2] Darius was tied to the law as was Daniel. So, with great regret, Darius throws Daniel into the lion’s den. Darius wishes for God to rescue Daniel.
After a restless night, King Darius comes to the lion’s den and calls out to Daniel. Miraculously Daniel returns his call. In his reply, Daniel declares the first of two reasons why Daniel is spared: “I was found innocent in his (God’s) sight.” The second reason is given by the narrator in verse 23: he (Daniel) had trusted in his God. These are the two reasons for Daniel’s deliverance: his blameless behavior and his trust in God. Daniel’s faith roared inside him through his right actions and trust in God!
In this, Daniel’s life choices echo those of his companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. All these men, in facing exile and death, continue living right and trusting in God. Yes, these men experience deliverance through God’s hand in response to their faithfulness. For none of them is this deliverance guaranteed. Daniel did not know, as he knelt by the window to pray that God would certainly deliver. Yet, he knelt, being faithful to God, trusting that God would restore the people of Israel to The Promised Land.
Daniel also continually acted without corruption as he served a government that continually refused to commit to the true God. In this, we see Daniel’s true character! Daniel is a man of God that allows that reality to permeate his entire life, even in a culture that is often hostile to the very God he worships.
Does your faith in God permeate your life? Can you honestly say that you consistently act with no corruption when doing business? Are you someone whom others see as trustworthy as you associate with them at your place of work and in your home? Does your faith roar or whimper in the face of challenges? Do you bravely pray to God even when those surrounding you do not have faith? Do you declare your trust in God even in those places where it is discouraged?
In this life, we often face figurative lions: those in our society who seek to tear down our faith and those who muddle Scriptural truth – mixing it with socially acceptable messages or with selfish motivations. It is in the presence of those lions when we, like Daniel, need to continue faithfully living without corruption, faithfully kneeling down in prayer, and faithfully trusting our God who promises restoration and ultimately deliverance from death.
Prayer: Trustworthy God, you remain faithful. Your actions continually prove to us that you keep your promises. Please help me to remain faithful in you. As I face the daily routines of life and associate with neighbors, coworkers, and family strengthen me in your grace. May I be a person who acts without corruption and may people find me trustworthy. May I faithfully seek you and serve you! In Jesus Christ’s holy name, Amen!
[1]
Tremper Longman III, The NIV Application Commentary: Daniel. (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1999), 161.
[2] W.
Sibley Towner, Interpretation: Daniel. (Louisville: John Knox Press,
1984), 82.
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