Daniel 6:16,19-23 NLT
In our passage today, Daniel has been thrown into the den of lions because he has violated the law of the Medes and Persians about prayer; the law forbidding one to pray to anyone besides King Darius for thirty days. Despite the order, three times a day Daniel prays to Yahweh asking for help. King Darius truly cares for Daniel and tries his best to find a way to protect him; however, when the other administrators witness Daniel praying, they push the king to honor the law. In time, the king gives the order for Daniel to be arrested and thrown in with the lions.
16The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”
19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 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.”
23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.
According to our Scripture, Daniel has not sinned against his God nor against his neighbor King Darius. God does not spare Daniel the experience of being thrown in the lion’s den, but he does rescue him and keep him from harm. King Darius learns that Daniel’s God is the true Living God and he sets forth a decree instructing his people to worship Yahweh. Daniel learns that God can be trusted even in the worst of circumstances. You and I can learn from this lesson, as well.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for closing the mouths of the lions for Daniel. Your Word teaches Satan prowls like a lion seeking whom he can devour, so thank you for closing the mouth of the lion for me, too. I know you have rescued me more times than I have even been aware. In Jesus’ name. Amen.