"daniel In The Lion's Den"

Title: “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” Scripture: Daniel 6

Type: Series/expository Where: GNBC 11-13-22

Intro: The account of God’s miraculous deliverance of Daniel in the lion’s den is one of the most notable stories in the OT. In the story we see how a faithful God delivers His faithful servant, Daniel. Last December, 17 CAM Missionaries from Michigan were into their 3rd month as hostages in Haiti. After delivering supplies at an orphanage, the group’s bus was attacked and taken hostage by the brutal Mawozo gang. The group prayed fervently for God’s leading. And one night a door that was locked and blocked literally opened! The group of men, women, and children, silently filed past multiple guards and with God’s help, protection, and leading, made their way 10 miles thru the night to safety! God still delivers!

Prop: In Daniel 6 we’ll see 3 important elements of jealous detractors attempting to eliminate God’s faithful witness.

BG: 1. A period of about 2 yrs has transpired since the last chapter. Babylon has fallen and is now replaced by the Medo-Persian Empire.

2. Darius is the new ruler. “Darius” was most likely a title and not the name of the individual. Most likely his real name was “Gubaru” (Like Subaru!) (Leon Wood, p.153). No wonder he went by Darius! Most likely, was the term for a regional ruler. British had viceroys in India. Huge region. Ruled directly on behalf of the crown.

3. Daniel is now about 83-85 years of age. One of three commissioners (v.2) working directly under Darius.

Prop: Let’s examine Dan. 6 to see 3 Important Elements of a Diabolical Attempt to eliminate one of God’s faithful witnesses.

I. The Conspiracy Against Daniel – vv. 1-15

A. Daniel’s Character vv.1-3

1. Daniel’s Sterling Character Draws the Attention and Anger of Evil Detractors.

a. V.3 is a story as old as time. Daniel is one of ruling triumvirate directly reporting to Darius. There are 120 Satraps (Kingdom Defenders) below them, all directly ruling this massive outpost of the Persian Empire. Everything is going fine as long as all three of the king’s advisors are doing well. However, in time, because the cream always rises to the top of the jug, Daniel begins to stand out and above the other two. That must have been humbling. An elderly man outworking and out advising them. It was an affront to their pride. However, when the king began to float the idea of making Daniel the head over everyone save himself, well at that point jealousy reared its ugly and often deadly head. “We can’t have that old man ruling over us!”

b. Here is a morsel of wisdom for all of us to take. God’s blessing on your and my life will not always be met with the approval of others! Fear and jealousy sets in.

2. Individuals Often Become Fearful and Jealous of the success of others.

a. Illust – Our daughter Katherine began to run competitively when she was a Jr. in HS. She was homeschooled and so when made her debut for the Little Hawks she was completely unknown. However, by time trials coaches new had a very good runner who would be a positive addition to the team. Would think everyone would be happy and accepting, right? Wrong! The very best girls were very accepting. The mid and lower level loved her. The three or four girls right around her time DID NOT LIKE HER! Felt threatened by her. Had a very strong work ethic. Couldn’t criticize that. Began to criticize…her schooling and religious convictions! Why? Fearful and Jealous.

b. V.4 – We see the conspirators attempt to determine if Daniel has been corrupt in any area. Maybe they tried to charge him with Greek collusion! (😊) Nope! Has his son made millions from Babylonian power companies? Oh right, he is a eunuch! No chance there! Has he had an affair with one of the king’s wives or concubines? Again, “see above!” Nope! Maybe he went to office Christmas parties without a mask while telling the whole country they couldn’t be together because of malaria.” Nope! There must be something these conspirators can find!

B. Daniel is Charged vv. 5-9

1. The Conspirators Cast their Nets to Catch and Kill Daniel.

a. The evil conspirators concoct an evil proposal by which they hope to ensnare Darius’ aged advisor. As we have already examined, there is no fault in Daniel they can bring before Darius. His work is faultless. He is diligent! Maybe Daniel learned Prov. 22:29 in Sabbath School as a little boy. “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Daniel is diligent. He is faithful. He seeks the welfare of the realm.

b. The conspirators plot includes an appeal to the king’s pride. Illust – Millennium before the names of Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, or Biden were ever muttered, politician’s have struggled with pride and vanity. Darius was no different.