At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions--they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. At the command of the kingThis phrase highlights the absolute authority of the king in the Medo-Persian Empire. The king's command was law, reflecting the irreversible nature of decrees in this period, as seen earlier in Daniel 6:8. This mirrors the unchangeable nature of God's decrees, emphasizing divine sovereignty. the men who had falsely accused Daniel
These men represent the forces of evil and deception, akin to Satan, the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). Their actions against Daniel, a faithful servant of God, illustrate the spiritual warfare believers face. This also serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that those who dig a pit for others will fall into it themselves (Proverbs 26:27). were brought and thrown into the den of lions
The den of lions symbolizes divine judgment and the consequences of sin. In a broader biblical context, lions often represent danger and destruction (1 Peter 5:8). This act of justice reflects the principle of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7). they and their children and wives
This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of collective punishment, where families shared the fate of the guilty. It underscores the seriousness of sin and its far-reaching consequences, reminiscent of Achan's family in Joshua 7. It also serves as a warning about the impact of one's actions on others. And before they had reached the bottom of the den
This detail emphasizes the immediacy and inevitability of divine justice. It contrasts with Daniel's miraculous preservation, highlighting God's protection over His faithful servants. The swift judgment serves as a testament to God's power and righteousness. the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones
The lions' ferocity underscores the reality of God's judgment against sin. This imagery of bones being crushed is a vivid depiction of total destruction, paralleling the fate of the wicked in Psalm 34:21. It serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate fate of those who oppose God's will. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who had appointed Daniel as one of the top administrators. He was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den. 2. DanielA faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the kingdom. He was targeted by his peers due to his unwavering devotion to God. 3. Accusers of DanielThese were the other administrators and satraps who plotted against Daniel out of jealousy and sought to have him killed by manipulating the king. 4. Lions' DenA pit used for executing those condemned by the king. It was a place of certain death, symbolizing the ultimate test of faith and divine intervention. 5. The LionsThese animals were instruments of divine justice, used to demonstrate God's power and protection over His faithful servant, Daniel. Teaching Points Divine JusticeGod's justice prevails even when human systems fail. The fate of Daniel's accusers serves as a reminder that God sees and acts against injustice. The Consequences of SinSin often has broader consequences than anticipated, affecting not just the sinner but also their family and community, as seen with the families of the accusers. Faithfulness RewardedDaniel's deliverance from the lions' den underscores the importance of steadfast faith and trust in God, even in the face of persecution. The Power of InfluenceThe accusers' ability to manipulate King Darius highlights the importance of discernment and integrity in leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fate of Daniel's accusers illustrate the biblical principle of reaping what one sows? Can you think of other biblical examples where this principle is evident? 2. In what ways does Daniel's account encourage you to remain faithful in your own life, especially when facing trials or opposition? 3. How can we apply the lesson of divine justice in our daily interactions and decisions, particularly when we witness or experience injustice? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are not influenced by others to act against our values and beliefs, as King Darius was? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or deliverance. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how can you use it to encourage others? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 7:15-16This passage speaks of the wicked falling into the pit they have made, which parallels the fate of Daniel's accusers. Proverbs 26:27This proverb warns that those who dig a pit for others will fall into it themselves, reflecting the outcome for Daniel's accusers. Esther 7:10Haman's fate in Esther is similar, as he is hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai, showing a recurring biblical theme of divine justice. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Accused, Along, Bones, Bottom, Brake, Broke, Broken, Cast, Command, Commanded, Crushed, Daniel, Den, Ere, Evil, Falsely, Floor, Got, Hole, King's, Lions, Lower, Maliciously, Mastery, Order, Orders, Overcame, Overpowered, Pieces, Power, Reached, Sons, Thrown, Till, WivesDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:24 4666 lion
5132 biting
5137 bones
5589 trap
6163 faults
8751 false witness Daniel 6:19-28 5931 resistance 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 6:24 NIVDaniel 6:24 NLTDaniel 6:24 ESVDaniel 6:24 NASBDaniel 6:24 KJV
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