| Subject: Dan. Chap. 6 vss.18-23 Post #32 |
Author:
Hillbilly
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Date Posted: 16:22:14 11/29/09 Sun
Daniel 6:18-23 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
Many a long night has been endured because of worry and because a person has "messed up". King Darius was in both categories. He was very displeased with himself at being boxed in by the presidents and lords of Media/Persia. His signing of the decree which led to Daniels predicament was due to his not thinking the matter through and also because of the exposing of his pride by his appointed officials.
Daniel was a man whom the king deeply respected and probably had developed a great love for. Daniel had been true to him and had shown his considerable abilities and wisdom over the relatively short time he had been in Darius' kingdom. Daniel was in jeopardy because of his hasty decision and there was no way Darius could sleep that night. Not only would he not sleep but he would not do anything that would bring pleasure to himself while Daniel was in the lion's den.
As day broke on the horizon king Darius could wait no more. He arose from his bed, dressed hurriedly and ran to the den of lions. With a voice of fear and doubt he cries to Daniel: "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" His earlier statement to Daniel in verse 16 (Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.) is shown to be full of doubt. It has turned from a statement to a question. There may haven been the tone of confidence when he spoke but the long night had weakened his faith in Daniel's deliverance. As he walked toward the den in the early half-light the confidence had dissolved into fear and an almost certain knowledge that Daniel was lion food.
Can you imagine the surprise, relief and then joy at Daniel's words? "O king live for ever!" His salutation was much as a British subject would address his king with a hearty "Long live the king". Next Daniel informs him that he is alive because of his God. ." My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me". I have seen pictures where Daniel was fast asleep and using a lion as a pillow but I tend to doubt things were that tranquil. Daniel possibly got more sleep than Darius did but I rather think he attention was riveted on the angel that God had sent to him..
Daniel informs Darius that because he was completely innocent before God and him that God had delivered him. Again we are shown beforehand the innocency of Jesus before God and the world. Just as Pilate delivered Jesus although he knew him to be innocent Darius did the same. Darius may not have been able to alter his decree because of the law but he was guilty just the same for delivering an innocent man to a sure death. Pilate could wash his hands all he wanted to but he had the power to release Jesus and would not because of the riot that would ensue from the Jewish leaders. Darius could have delivered Daniel and would probably have ceased to be king. Pilate knew his office was in danger because of the uproar that would follow releasing Jesus. Both took the easy way out.
One great lesson we can learn from Daniel and his three "brothers" is that no matter how difficult the situation we must always be true to God. God will deliver us either to safety in this life or a wonderful resurrection in the next. Jesus gave us words of wisdom we would do well to take to heart when He said in Mark 8:36-37 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Again He said in John 12:25-26. "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."
Daniel served God faithfully and God kept His promise: Daniel was preserved and he was greatly honored.
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