Today, I’m putting an adult spin on the often-told children’s story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den recorded by Daniel himself in chapter six.

Daniel was one of the captives taken to Babylon after King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem in 597 BC. You may remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of the fiery furnace story were also taken captive.

During the time Daniel was captive in Babylon, he was given the interpretation by God of a dream the king had that none of his magicians or counselors could interpret. Because of this as well as his honesty and responsible character, he was appointed to serve in the royal court.

Years later when the Babylonian region was taken over by the Persians, he was still given positions of great responsibility. So much so that during the reign of King Darius, he was appointed one of three commissioners over all of the satraps (governors that were over all the Persian territory). They had to report revenues imposed by King Darius as well as other administrative projects to one of these commissioners. However, the king was so impressed with his trustworthiness that he was appointed the top commissioner over all governors and commissioners.

Apparently, this honesty was a problem for the other administrators, and they wanted him out. They could find no fault with which to accuse him or figure a way to legally remove him from office. So, they devised a plan to trap him. Since it was well known to all that Daniel prayed to his God every day, three times a day, they devised a plan to approach the king with a decree that no one could pray to a god or human for 30 days. If they were found guilty, they would be thrown into the pit of lions as punishment. Because they all agreed, the king made it into a decree. His ego, their persuasion? Nevertheless, it happened.

Daniel’s reaction was to go to his rooftop chamber and pray. Of course, the men knew that he would and so they brought it to the attention of the king with the added warning that the king had put it into a law of the Medes and the Persians.

“Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” Daniel 6:16

A stone was placed over the top of the pit and sealed with the king’s signet ring. With a troubling night of no sleep and fasting, the king went at dawn to the pit to see if indeed Daniel’s God had saved him. His inquiry brought a response from the pit.

“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” V.22

Now, I find it interesting to note that the seal had not been broken and no injury at all was found on him. Proving that whatever happened was not of man. King Darius was so overwhelmed with the protection Daniel’s God gave him that he gave orders that all the men who had accused Daniel were to be thrown into the lion’s pit as well as their wives and children.

I love the next few verses that give the impact of Daniel’s steadfast faithfulness to God and that witness to others. Look at what King Darius did as a result of Daniel’s witness of the saving power of his God:

“I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion will be forever He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:26-27

Gain strength and encouragement and assurance of God’s love and protection for those who serve Him!