Photo: Male Lion, Near Moab, Utah. United States. ©2015 R. John Anderson
“All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den.” … Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. – Daniel 6:7, 10
Todos los funcionarios del reino, prefectos, sátrapas, altos oficiales y gobernadores, han acordado que el rey promulgue un edicto y ponga en vigor el mandato de que cualquiera que en el término de treinta días haga petición a cualquier dios u hombre fuera de usted, oh rey, sea echado en el foso de los leones. … Cuando Daniel supo que había sido firmado el documento, entró en su casa (en su aposento superior tenía ventanas abiertas en dirección a Jerusalén), y como solía hacerlo antes, continuó arrodillándose tres veces al día, orando y dando gracias delante de su Dios. – Daniel 6:7, 10
We look here at another example from the Book of Daniel about how Daniel himself handled a severe test of his faith (see Dan 6). Before we start, I want to point out that Daniel is a great source of inspiration for me because no matter what happened or where he found himself (e.g., carried into captivity), Daniel never even once abandoned his integrity or principles or diverted from his ethics, honest conduct, prayer life, routine, and devotion to the Lord. He seemed never to be anxious, and he was steadfast, immovable, and unphased by the corruption, commotion, and evil men and women all around him. Daniel “stood firm” in his faith at all times.[1]
Now to the story. While Daniel was captive in Babylon, Darius, the king, appointed him as a high commissioner over his magistrates in the kingdom (vv. 1–2). This was due to Daniel’s honesty, integrity, and work ethic—the king trusted Daniel more than his own (likely corrupt) officials (v. 2). But, as is often the case (even today), evil men (and women) don’t like it when someone who is honest and truthful (especially a foreigner) is put in charge over them to keep their corruption in check. So they devised a plan to falsely accuse Daniel of betraying the king and tried to find corruption in him (vv. 4–9).[2] But Daniel was honest and remained so, as “no negligence or corruption was to be found in him” (v. 4). So when that didn’t work, they tried to trap (frame) him in such a way that the king would have to kill him because of the way Daniel was faithful to the Lord—they convinced the king to make a new decree that they knew Daniel would violate and be found guilty of breaking (vv. 5–9).
Now, even when Daniel knew this new law was signed—and he surely also knew the penalty for violating this law was being thrown alive into the lions’ den—he nonetheless remained steadfast, unshakeable, and unwavering in his daily routine of prayer and worship to the Lord. “He continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v. 10). Note that Daniel didn’t change his routine to start praying secretly; he left his windows open like he always did, knowing full well that others (the corrupt and evil schemers) would see him breaking the law (v. 10). Daniel was unphased by the schemes and plots of the corrupt, evil men—especially when it came to his routine, faith, and worship of God. So the king had no choice but to throw Daniel into a den of lions, which was the punishment attached to the decree. It must be noted that Darius actually liked and trusted Daniel very much and didn’t want to do this, but the evil schemers had tricked him into making the law. We then read that “God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me [Daniel]” (v. 22).
In this case, the man of God (Daniel) was rescued and fully vindicated, but know that God may or may not choose to rescue us from similar situations (Rom 14:7–8)—“His will be done” (see Mat 6:10). But that is not the important part. The important thing is how Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and wasn’t anxious, suicidal, depressed, or worried as a result of the actions of the evil men. We further read that the king later threw the corrupt and wicked men who had maliciously accused Daniel into the lions’ den instead, and they were killed (v. 24; cf. Gal 6:7; Rom 14:10–12; Rev 22:12).
Daniel’s behavior is hugely inspiring. May I behave likewise with honor, integrity, humility, peace, and steadfastness of faith when faced with a similar situation! Daniel’s behavior and actions also left an impression on the king (vv. 19–21, 23, 25–27); we are not told if Darius became a believer, but Daniel did everything correctly so that by his example and actions, the name of God was glorified before the king.
I also want to note how Daniel did not respond in this situation. He did not respond by being argumentative, quarrelsome, annoying, irritating, aggravating, insolent, boastful, prideful, arrogant, rude, insulting, vulgar, threatening, haughty, and so on. We, too, are to bridle our tongue in such a way that we speak only what is good, wholesome, edifying, and glorifying to God and helps others achieve eternal life in Christ (Eph 4:29; Jas 1:26; 3:2–13; cf. Pro 4:24; 10:19; 12:13; 13:3; 15:1; 17:27–28; 18:23; 21:23). We must always remember that we are “ambassadors” for Christ (see 2Co 5:20; Eph 6:20), and we must “walk worthy” of the name of God (see Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1Th 2:12). We must also give honor to those whom it is due (Rom 13:1, 7; cf. 1Ti 2:1–2), and we must not slander, gossip, ridicule, or verbally insult those who govern over us (even if we disagree with them or their politics and even if they persecute us)—for it is written, “Never take your own revenge” (Rom 12:19) and “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone” (Rom 12:17).[3] Amen.
CHAPTER PRAYER
Father, thank You for being so kind, merciful, gracious, patient, and loving with me. Thank You for the gift of Jesus on the cross. Father, please grant me the same dignity, humility, and wisdom that Daniel displayed when I face difficult situations and difficult people, even when I am tested to the point of death. I know that any testing of my faith is for my own good and my own perseverance, and I know You take no pleasure in those who shrink back from their profession of faith in Christ. Father, help me also walk worthy as an ambassador for Christ so others can see how truly wonderful You are. It is through the blood of Christ on the cross that I make this petition. Amen.
[1] This also reminds me of when Jesus paid Nathanael what I think is one of the highest compliments any person can receive: “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’” (Joh 1:47). Were Jesus to walk the streets today, I think one of the highest compliments He could give anyone is this: “Behold this Christian, in whom there is no anxiety or hypocrisy!”
[2] This also sounds familiar to today, yes?
[3] Note also that Daniel didn’t run off and pick up weapons to fight back or even defend himself like most modern professing Christians would do today. See also the chapter “The Armor of God” in our book The Gospel of the Grace of God.
