February 1, 2024
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 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. Daniel 6:21-22
Only the LORD knows His intentions. We can assume or speculate, but there is no one that knows the mind of God. When Daniel was placed among the lions nobody knew what would transpire, including Daniel. Everyone had to wait upon the LORD.
Most, if not all, believed Daniel would perish. How could a man escape from certain death? The mighty king endured a sleepless night hoping for a miracle, but probably not counting on one, while Daniel patiently waited upon the LORD to provide. Daniel knew his life was in God’s hands.
As the sun came up in Babylon, everyone eagerly waited to know Daniel’s fate. In that moment, God touched the hearts of those present.
Commanded the Attention of All
What happened to Daniel? Certainly he could not be alive. There is no way a man could survive a night among such vicious beasts. As the king rushed to the den his heart must have been filled with uncertainty, not knowing what he would find. Was his friend alive or dead? The king immediately called out to Daniel and to the amazement of all, Daniel answered.
His voice must have broken the silence. What a shock it must have been for those nearby. Daniel was alive. He was safe. The lions had no power over him.
Daniel’s voice commanded the attention of the gathered crowd. It proved that his God was mighty. The LORD, whom Daniel was forbidden to pray to, protected him from the penalty of death.
Comforted the King
It had been a long night for the king. He did not find peace in music, rest in sleep, or comfort in food. His concern for Daniel’s life kept him awake.
Since it was his foolish decree that placed Daniel in the den, his heart must have been encouraged when he heard Daniel’s voice. Daniel greeted him with respect and good wishes, as a friend. There was no bitterness in Daniel’s response. He was not upset with the king but was glad to see him.
Daniel held no grudges and was willing to forgive any mistakes. The king was comforted.
Convicted the Conspirators
There were some in attendance that did not want to hear Daniel that morning, those that conspired against him. These men had assembled in order to entrap Daniel and to accuse him before the king. It’s probably safe to assume they gathered at the den so that they could rejoice in their victory over Daniel.
The sound of Daniel’s voice probably deflated their arrogant minds and discouraged their wicked souls. Their failure was complete and their future death was certain.
It became clear that the LORD stood with Daniel and opposed the conspirators. Daniel’s voice pronounced guilt upon the evil men.
Confirmed that God is Almighty
Babylon, like most ancient cities, was overcome with idolatry. There was a god for just about anything, yet there lacked the Almighty God. In their religious zeal they rejected the one and only God, the LORD. This was Daniel’s God. The God he loved and prayed to three times a day.
Could Daniel’s God deliver him from the mouths of the fierce lions? Was He the Almighty God? Would His power be sufficient for the problem? Those questions and more lingered throughout the night.
When Daniel spoke from the den, all of the questions concerning God’s power and might were answered. The LORD God is Almighty!
Like Daniel, live so others might see God through you.
Thanks for reading…
Pastor Ramirez