My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king." My God sent His angelThis phrase highlights the personal relationship Daniel has with God, emphasizing divine intervention. The sending of an angel is a recurring theme in Scripture, often signifying God's protection and deliverance (e.g., Genesis 19:1, Psalm 91:11). Angels are messengers and servants of God, acting on His behalf to accomplish His will. This intervention underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to control natural events, such as the behavior of lions. and shut the mouths of the lions.
The shutting of the lions' mouths is a miraculous event, demonstrating God's power over creation. Lions were often used in ancient Near Eastern cultures as symbols of power and judgment, and their presence in a den was a method of execution. This miracle parallels other biblical accounts of divine deliverance, such as the protection of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). It also prefigures Christ's victory over death, as the lions' den can be seen as a type of grave from which Daniel emerges unharmed. They have not hurt me,
Daniel's survival is a testament to his faith and God's faithfulness. This phrase echoes the promises found in Psalm 34:7, where the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them. It also reflects the assurance of God's protection for those who are righteous and trust in Him, as seen throughout the Psalms and Proverbs. for I was found innocent in His sight,
Daniel's innocence is a key theme, highlighting his integrity and faithfulness to God. This phrase suggests a divine judgment, where God, the ultimate judge, finds Daniel blameless. It aligns with the biblical principle that God vindicates the righteous (Psalm 37:6). Daniel's innocence before God contrasts with the false accusations of his enemies, reminiscent of Christ's own trial and crucifixion, where He was found innocent yet suffered unjustly. and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”
Daniel's statement to the king underscores his loyalty and respect for earthly authority, consistent with biblical teachings on submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7). Despite the unjust decree, Daniel maintains his integrity, reflecting the biblical principle of being in the world but not of it (John 17:14-16). This phrase also highlights the tension between obeying God and human authorities, a theme explored in Acts 5:29, where Peter and the apostles declare, "We must obey God rather than men." Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. Known for his unwavering devotion to God, even in the face of persecution. 2. Darius the MedeThe king who ruled over Babylon after the fall of the Babylonian Empire. He was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den. 3. The Lions' DenA pit or enclosure where Daniel was thrown as punishment for praying to God, in defiance of the king's decree. 4. God's AngelA divine messenger sent by God to protect Daniel by shutting the mouths of the lions. 5. The AccusersThe officials who conspired against Daniel, leading to his trial and punishment. Teaching Points Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering faith in God, even when faced with death, serves as a powerful example of steadfastness. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful to God, regardless of external pressures or threats. Divine ProtectionGod's intervention in sending an angel to protect Daniel illustrates His power and willingness to safeguard those who are innocent and faithful. This reassures believers of God's protective presence in their lives. Innocence and IntegrityDaniel's innocence before God and man highlights the importance of living a life of integrity. Believers are called to maintain a clear conscience and upright conduct in all circumstances. God's SovereigntyThe event underscores God's control over all creation, including wild animals. It reminds believers that God is sovereign over every situation and can deliver them from any peril. Witness to UnbelieversDaniel's deliverance served as a testimony to King Darius and others about the power and reality of Daniel's God. Believers are encouraged to live in such a way that their lives bear witness to God's greatness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's experience in the lions' den challenge you to remain faithful in your own trials? 2. In what ways can you cultivate a life of integrity like Daniel, both before God and others? 3. How does the account of Daniel in the lions' den encourage you to trust in God's protection in your daily life? 4. What are some modern-day "lions' dens" that believers might face, and how can they prepare to stand firm in their faith? 5. How can your personal testimony of God's faithfulness serve as a witness to those around you, similar to how Daniel's deliverance impacted King Darius? Connections to Other Scriptures Hebrews 11This chapter highlights the faith of many Old Testament figures, including Daniel, who through faith "shut the mouths of lions." Psalm 91This psalm speaks of God's protection over those who trust in Him, similar to how Daniel was protected in the lions' den. 1 Peter 5:8This verse warns believers to be vigilant against the devil, who is likened to a roaring lion. Daniel's experience is a literal example of God's deliverance from such threats. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Angel, Blameless, Committed, Crime, Damage, Forasmuch, Further, Harmed, Hurt, Inasmuch, Injured, Injury, Innocence, Innocency, Innocent, Lions, Messenger, Mouths, O, Purity, Shut, Sight, Sin, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:22 4017 life, animal and plant
4111 angels, servants
4666 lion
5167 mouth
5511 safety
8279 innocence, examples
9412 heaven, worship and service Daniel 6:16-22 1320 God, as Saviour
5203 acquittal Daniel 6:19-22 6634 deliverance Daniel 6:19-23 1416 miracles, nature of Daniel 6:19-28 5931 resistance Daniel 6:21-22 5132 biting Daniel 6:21-23 6738 rescue Library A Tribute from Enemies
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.'--DANIEL vi. 5. Daniel was somewhere about ninety years old when he was cast to the lions. He had been for many years the real governor of the whole empire; and, of course, in such a position had incurred much hatred and jealousy. He was a foreigner and a worshipper of another God, and therefore was all the more unpopular, as a Brahmin would be in England if he were …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFaith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
'Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee. 17. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Story of the Fiery Furnace
There was in the land of Judah a wicked king-named Jehoiakim, son of the good Josiah. While Jehoiakim was ruling over the land of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, a great conqueror of the nations, came from Babylon with his army of Chaldean soldiers. He took the city of Jerusalem, and made Jehoiakim promise to submit to him as his master. And when he went back to his own land he took with him all the gold and silver that he could find in the Temple; and he carried away as captives very many of the princes …
Logan Marshall—The Wonder Book of Bible Stories The Jordan: the Decisive Start. Matthew 3:13-17. Mark 1:9-1Luke
3:21-22. The Anvil of Experience: knowledge only through experience--the Fourth, Daniel 3:25.--three Hebrews, Daniel 3.--Babylonian premier, Daniel 6:16-23.--George Mueller--Jesus made perfect through experience, Hebrews 2:10. 5:8, 9. 7:28, l.c.--all our experiences, Hebrews 2:14-18. Philippians 2:7. Hebrews 4:15, except through sin, Hebrews 4:15, l.c. 7:26. 2 Corinthians 5:21, f.c. 1 Peter 2:22. 1 John 3:5, l.c.--Jesus' suffering, Philippians 2:6-8. Hebrews 2:9, 17, 18. 4:15. His obedience, Luke …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 6:22 NIVDaniel 6:22 NLTDaniel 6:22 ESVDaniel 6:22 NASBDaniel 6:22 KJV
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