Daniel Chapter 6 — Daniel and the Lions' Den
Daniel is thrown into a den of lions for praying to God, but he is miraculously preserved through his faith.
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Notable Verses
Daniel 6:10
“When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his room toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before.”
This verse demonstrates Daniel's unwavering commitment to his religious practices despite the threat of death.
Daniel 6:22
“My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me, because innocence was found in me before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
This is the climactic moment showing God's miraculous intervention to protect Daniel.
Daniel 6:26
“I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.”
It shows the impact of Daniel's faith on the pagan king and the entire empire.
Chapter Summary
In Daniel Chapter 6, King Darius appoints Daniel as one of three high-ranking presidents to oversee the local governors of the kingdom. Daniel's exceptional character and wisdom lead the king to consider making him the head of the entire realm. This provokes jealousy among the other officials, who plot to find a fault in Daniel. Unable to find any corruption, they trick Darius into signing a decree that prohibits anyone from petitioning any god or man except the king for thirty days, punishable by being cast into a den of lions. Despite knowing the decree is signed, Daniel continues his practice of praying to God three times a day. He is discovered and, due to the irrevocable nature of the law of the Medes and Persians, is thrown into the den. The king is distressed but hopeful for Daniel's safety. The next morning, Daniel is found unharmed, explaining that God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths. Following his release, Daniel's accusers are cast into the den, and Darius issues a decree for all to fear the God of Daniel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Daniel was thrown into the den because he violated a royal decree that forbade praying to anyone except King Darius for thirty days. His colleagues, jealous of his high position, orchestrated the law specifically to trap him because they knew he was faithful to his God.
According to the text, Daniel survived because God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. When King Darius checked on him the next morning, Daniel was completely unharmed because he had trusted in his God.
This was a legal principle mentioned in the chapter which stated that once a king signed a decree or statute, it could not be changed or revoked. This forced King Darius to punish Daniel even though he personally wanted to rescue him.
Darius the Mede was the ruler who set up the administrative structure of the kingdom after the fall of Babylon. He valued Daniel's integrity and 'excellent spirit,' eventually decreeing that all his subjects should respect the God of Daniel.
Study Note
The phrase 'law of the Medes and Persians' highlights the unique bureaucratic and legal structure of the Achaemenid Empire where royal edicts were considered irrevocable.
Related Chapters
Daniel 3
Both chapters depict Daniel's companions or Daniel himself facing death for refusing to abandon their faith in God.
Psalm 34
This psalm reflects themes of God delivering those who trust in Him from their fears and enemies.
Hebrews 11
This New Testament chapter references those who stopped the mouths of lions as examples of great faith.
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