Daniel In The Lions Den

Daniel 6

Introduction

• This is one of the most well known of Bible stories• It is in the heart of children who

faithfully attend Bible class and worship

•I. “An excellent spirit”

6:1-3

• King Darius• 3 Presidents• Daniel was one of the presidents• Dan. 6:3 --- “Then this Daniel was

preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him”

• Excellent spirit = “Daniel’s God-given abilities, and his faithful use of them, made him stand out as one who was ‘head and shoulders’ above others.” (Charles DiPalma)

•II. A spirit of envy and malice

– vs. 4-9

Daniel 6:4

• [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.

• The princes and other presidents sought to find something against Daniel• “He was faithful”• “The law of his God”

• The decree – for 30 days no one could present a petition to anyone save the king

•III. A prayerful spirit – vs. 10-15

Verse 10

• [10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

• They knew Daniel’s habit of prayer and worship – vs. 11-12• [11] Then these men assembled,

and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

• [12] Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not

• Daniel accused• The king seeks to deliver Daniel• V 14• [14] Then the king, when he heard these

words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

•IV. A spirit of remorse and regret

vs. 16-18

Dan. 6:18

• [18] 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.

• “Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” (v. 16)• The king passed the night in

fasting (v. 18)

•V. A yearning spirit

vs. 19-23

Dan. 6:19

• [19] Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

• The king got up early • He went to the lions den• “O Daniel, servant of the living

God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” (v. 20)

6:22-23

• [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

•VI. A spirit of reverence

– vs. 24-28

• The accusers are killed • The king manifests a deep

reverence for Jehovah God

6:26-27

• [26] I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

• [27] He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

6:28

• [28] So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

•Lessons

1. We must not compromise when it comes to prayer

• 1 Th. 5:17• “Pray without ceasing”

2. The wicked always seek to catch the Christian in violation of something

• Ps. 37:32• “The wicked watcheth the

righteous, and seeketh to slay him.”

3. We must guard against rash decisions and impulsive actions

• Proverbs 16:20• “He that handleth a matter wisely

shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.”

4. We must trust in God even in every situation

• Ps. 91:2• “I will say of the LORD, He is my

refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

5. We need to take a serious look at the danger others are in

• Proverbs 24:17-18• “[17] Rejoice not when thine enemy

falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:[18] Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him”

6. We must learn and teach others that there is NO REASON not to believe in God

• Rom. 1:20• “For the invisible things of him from

the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse”

Conclusion

• Proverbs 3:5-6• “[5] Trust in the LORD with all thine

heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.[6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”