Daniel 6:6, 7
In the opening verses of chapter 6 of the book named for its chief character, we read of Daniel being considered by King Darius for a kingdom-wide promotion over all the king’s wise men and administrators. Jealousy blossomed and grew quickly, and the kingdom officials plotted for Daniel’s death! Here is described the plot from Daniel 6:6 and 7:
Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and
satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and
the king gave thought to setting him over the whole
realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find
some charge against Daniel....So these [men came]...
before the king, and said... “King Darius, live for-
ever! All the governors of the kingdom...have con-
sulted...to make a firm decree, that whoever peti-
tions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O
king, shall be cast into the den of lions.”
I have an twelve year old grandson named Daniel. He is a godly young man who reads his Bible and is interested in the things of the Lord! Because he has seen me often at the computer writing Gems for my website, Gems for Living (gemsfor living.net), Danny asked me if he could write a Gem and have me post it. I agreed ….with a little editorial privilege from Grampa!
So this Gem is from Danny B.!
In the Old Testament book of Daniel, in chapter 6 there is a plot revealed against Daniel!
Once upon a time a man name Daniel was praying to the LORD three times a day, morning, afternoon, and evening – even though he was forbidden to do so by a law pushed through by King Darius’ other offcials! The men got jealous of Daniel for being considered for a promotion to be the number one person with the king. So they thought of a way to get Daniel in serious trouble, and brought the idea to the ruler. They said, “…whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.” (Daniel 6:7). Daniel heard about the law but still prayed to God. So the men told the king and, although he didn’t want to, the king had to put Daniel in the lions’ den according to the law. All night King Darius could not sleep a wink! In morning he ran straight down to the lions den…
And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lament-
ing voice...saying...“Daniel, servant of the living God,
has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to
deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king,
“O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the
lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I
was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have
done no wrong before you.”
Daniel was still alive! The king ordered Daniel to be released from the lions’ den. And then he threw the wicked accusers – and their families – into the den! And the lions ate them! After that King Darius made this decree:
To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in
all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a
decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must
tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is
the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom
is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His do-
minion shall endure to the end. He delivers and res-
cues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on
earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the
lions. (Daniel 6:25-27).
Daniel did not do anything wrong, so that is why he did not die when he was thrown into the lions’ den! It is also why he was promoted to serve over the whole kingdom!
We must always serve our God and do what He says is right …no matter what!