This chapter contains the well-known account of ‘Daniel and the lions’ den’.
“Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel… but they could find no… fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him… Then Daniel said… ‘…My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.’ …Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples… that dwell in all the earth: ‘…I make a decree, that… people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever… and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…’ ” (v4, 21-22, 25-27 abr)
This account very closely resembles that of Jesus’ trial:
– people filled with jealousy, malice, pride, and various sins wish harm upon God’s devoted and humble servant (persecution)
– the innocent person cannot be found at fault for they have done no wrong
– the people seek to entrap the innocent party via any means necessary, creating deceptive grounds for incrimination
– the people petition the governing powers to execute them
– the governing power seeks to free the innocent party, knowing they are faultless
– the governing power eventually gives in due to persisting pressure from the people
– the innocent party is sentenced to be executed
Here’s where the main difference between Daniel and Jesus lies:
– God was glorified through Daniel’s rescue, and many came to Him
– God was glorified through Jesus’ death and resurrection, and many came to Him
God’s moral will desires all people would be saved from their sin. Sometimes that means He will allow someone to die a horrible physical death (eg. Jesus) so other may come to Him; sometimes He delivers people from a specific circumstance (eg. Daniel) for the same reason. God’s will and ways are often beyond human understanding. We need to have faith like Daniel, be found faultless before people and God (possible since we’re cleansed through the blood of Christ), and trust that even when we die physically, God can be glorified through the way we lived our lives.
Father God, our Most High and Living Lord, You alone are worthy of glory and praise. Please teach us how to remain humble, and to serve You faithfully. Please cleanse us with Jesus’ blood so we may be faultless in Your sight, and please guide us on the paths of righteousness so we may also be faultless in the world’s eyes. May You be honored and glorified in our lives and deaths, so many more may seek Your kingdom. In the awesome and holy name of Jesus, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training