The Politics of Jealousy: A Trap for the Righteous

The events of Daniel chapter 6 occur much later in Daniel's life, after the Babylonian Empire had fallen and the Medo-Persian Empire had taken control. Daniel, now an aged man, was esteemed for his wisdom and faithfulness and was one of the three highest administrators in the new government under King Darius.

• The Plot: Daniel's exceptional competence and integrity made the other officials intensely jealous. They recognized that the only way to get Daniel removed was to attack him through his faith. They famously concluded: “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” (Daniel 6:5)

• The Decree: The jealous officials tricked King Darius into signing an irrevocable decree that, for thirty days, no one in the kingdom could make a petition to any god or man except to the King himself. The penalty for violation was to be thrown into the lion’s den.

I. Unwavering Prayer and Open Obedience

Daniel knew the decree had been signed, but his devotion to God was non-negotiable.

• The Daily Discipline: Daniel did not try to hide his practice. He went to his house, where his windows were open toward Jerusalem (the direction of the temple, which symbolized God's dwelling place). He then “knelt down three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10)

• The Priority: Daniel’s commitment was simple: he would rather face the consequence of the King's law than violate the command to worship and pray to the true God alone. He valued his relationship with God above his status, comfort, and even his life.

• The Accusation: The jealous men quickly found Daniel praying and reported him to the distraught King Darius, forcing the King to execute his own law.

II. The Rescue and the Witness

The King, who greatly admired Daniel, was unable to save him. He was forced to cast Daniel into the den of hungry lions.

• King's Hope: As Daniel was lowered into the pit, the King uttered a final word of hope: “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” (Daniel 6:16) A stone was then placed over the den's mouth and sealed with the royal signet.

• The Miracle: The next morning, the anxious King rushed to the den and called out to Daniel. Daniel answered: “O King, live forever! 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.” (Daniel 6:21–22)

• The Consequence and the Decree: Daniel was brought out unharmed. His accusers were thrown into the den and immediately devoured. King Darius then issued a decree commanding all people in his vast empire to “tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever.” (Daniel 6:26) Once again, one man's faithfulness led to the public glorification of the true God.

Applying the Truth Today

The story of Daniel reminds us that consistent, open devotion to God is the key to courage in times of crisis. Daniel's rescue was not merely a reward for his good behavior; it was the result of a lifelong discipline of prayer that made compromise unthinkable.

Our "lion's den" may be a challenging workplace, a hostile social climate, or simply the pressure to conform. We are called to imitate Daniel: prioritize our prayer life, honor God openly, and trust that the God who shuts the mouths of lions can protect us from every threat.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Daily Discipline. Daniel’s prayer was a daily habit. What practices in your life (daily reading, prayer, worship) ensure that your commitment to God remains uncompromising in times of pressure?

2. Open Faith. Daniel prayed by a window facing Jerusalem. Is your faith a private secret, or is it lived openly and consistently, even when it might invite opposition or mockery?

3. Divine Rescue. How does the miracle of the angel shutting the lions’ mouths reassure you that God is personally active and involved in protecting those who refuse to compromise their integrity for Him?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp the nature of the plot, read Daniel 6:4–9. Next, focus on Daniel’s courageous obedience in Daniel 6:10. Finally, read Daniel’s testimony of deliverance and the resulting decree in Daniel 6:21–27.