Daniel In The Den Of Lions

Daniel chapter six is probably one of the best-known chapters in all of Gods word. What child doesn’t know about Daniel in the lion’s den. As children we would sing – “Daniel was a man of prayer daily he prayed three times”

I believe there are two themes in this wonderful chapter. Satan’s Devices and the Saviours Deliverance.

Let’s notice firstly – The Introduction. V 1-3

Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

We can see from verse one the wonderful fulfilment of prophecy. According to Daniel chapter 2 v 39 after Babylon another kingdom would arise inferior to the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar.

The very fact that he required 120 princes to help him govern would show the weakness of his kingdom compared with the autocratic rule of Nebuchadnezzar.

We can depend on Gods word as in the past the prophecies had a literal fulfilment then we can expect a literal fulfilment of all the unfulfilled prophecies. Jesus Christ will come again. Are you ready?

As well as the 120 princes we find in verse two that there was three presidents of whom Daniel was the first . Daniel was the first minister of Babylon

Daniel 6:2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

King Darius was watching his back “and the king should have no damage” – government officials where worth watching even in Babylon!

Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Daniel is proof that you don’t have to be crooked or corrupt to be successful. This Godly man received promotion.

The Introduction- lets notice secondly The Investigation.

Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

These colleagues of Daniel envied this Godly man. Success comes with its own problems. Perhaps as a Christian you are wondering why has that promotion not come your way? Why does the ladder of success seem to be so slow for you?

Success brings its own problems. This man Daniel could handle the problems perhaps the lord feels you are not just ready yet.

They looked into his public life – the kingdom – they looked into his private life – neither was there any error found in him.

How many of our politicians could stand the test? How many Christians would pass this scrutiny and maintain their testimony

Why did these men want to get rid of Daniel?

Satan had surely influenced them. Many of his favourite weapons are used. Envy, jealousy and discontentment

I wonder is there a saint of God tonight and you have felt envy in your heart lately? Oh remember this is of the devil.

Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Is there a discontented Christian?

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

The Introduction – The Investigation- the Intention

These men where determined to destroy Daniel,. In order to ruin Daniel they decide to shift the goalposts.

Daniel 6:5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

They would have to attack Daniel’s devotion to God. Daniel was known as a man of God. They decide to speak to king Darius.

Daniel 6:6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

We will discover some more of Satan’s favourite weapons. Notice the devil never has much bother getting his people together. Would to God we, as God’s people would have this same unity how God would bless us.

Daniel 6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

Let’s see Satan’s weapon no. one – lies. All the presidents were not in on this scam. Daniel was excluded ofcourse.