THE BOOK OF DANIEL
CHAPTER SIX

THE LION’S DEN

Chapter six is one of the greatest chapters for study the personal life of Daniel. It is somewhat a biography of his life.

Daniel in chapter six is around 80 years of age, and we see in this part of his life what he had practiced all of his life. As we learn to practice godly principals daily, then they will be come natural to us as we grow older.

How this ought to teach us that what is practiced every day in our lives for the Lord will become natural for us when things seem to be going wrong.

Every Christian should never have to stop to think what they would do in adverse circumstances, they should already have their life programmed in the things of God.

In other words, we should not have to stop and question ourselves, should I pray or shouldn’t I, but that we would pray ought to follow naturally.

The events in chapter six takes place within the 30 day period that was written into law that no one would pray unto their gods ( or to Daniel’s God) unless they were requesting a request pf the king.

The key to the study of this chapter would be the words “as he did aforetime.” (10) knowing that their aim was against Daniel not benefit the people.

So this study will follow the thought of “A day in the life of Daniel.”

Remember: That Daniel is not a teenager in this chapter, but he is a man in his 80’s.

That Daniel is not just a citizen of the Medo-Persian Empire, but that he is the Prime Minister, a man of great authority.

That Daniel is a Jew in the midst of a Gentile government.

With these thoughts, a day in the life of Daniel ought to be a blessing to our Hearts, as we know that we can pattern our life after Daniel and not go wrong.

We will study this chapter in the following manner:

1. Daniel, a man of power. 6: 1—3

2. Daniel, a man with problems. 6: 4—9

3. Daniel, a man of prayer. 6: 10—13.

4. Daniel, a man facing persecution. 6: 12—17

5. Daniel, a man of perfect peace. 6:18—24

6. Daniel, a man with great pleasure. 6:25—27

7. Daniel, a man of prosperity. 6:28

I. DANIEL, A MAN OF POWER. Daniel 6:1—3

Darius set up the kingdom with princes to rule over certain areas, and these princes were to answer to presidents, and these presidents were to answer ‘to Daniel, and Daniel to the king.

Daniel was a good man;
Daniel was a great man;
Daniel was a gifted man.

Thus, Daniel was the first man over the other leaders. The position given to him by Darius was greater than that which was promised by Belshazzar in chapter 5:29.

Daniel became the Prime Minister in the land, not the third in authority.

A. Daniel, a man of great knowledge.

We have Daniel now being in captivity for about seventy years. He was from the very beginning of captivity and it seems that he lives through the whole period of captivity which was seventy~ years, and then died, as far as I know, he never was able to return back home.

As to the time of this chapter, we believe that Daniel has served under at least five different kings. He was well acquainted with the government and was a great help to Darius in getting the new government going.

B. Daniel, a man of great strength.

Daniel in chapter six is about 80 years old. He has remained faithful and strong in the Lord from the very beginning of captivity and even now, he is without wavering in the things of the Lord.

His seventy years in captivity were years to strengthen his relationship with God, not to hinder.

Our relationship with Christ ought to strengthened day by day, and especially through the heartaches of life that we have to face.

C. Daniel, a man of great character.

Daniel maintained an excellent spirit year after year. The trials of life only developed his excellent spirit, he never became bitter.

Excellent - abounded; honorable. Properly, that which hangs over, or which is abundant, or more than enough, and then anything that is very great, excellent, pre-eminent

Paul’s words were real in Daniel’s heart and life:
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Phil. 1:29

D. Daniel, a man of great leadership.

Daniel was a leader among the people and within the government, almost from day one.

Remember what Daniel said: “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever ha will, and setteth up over it the basest of men
Daniel 4:17

Daniel was placed in the position of authority by God, and Daniel becoming a great man was a Work of His grace, for Daniel had permitted it to be so in his own heart. Daniel 1:8

This ought to teach us that our greatness is only in the Lord.

James said, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10

II. DANIEL, A MAN WITH PROBLEMS.  Daniel 6:4—9

It is easy to see that Daniel’s life was full of problems, and they did not cease in his old age.

When a believer thinks that his or her life is to be sweet and pain free always, they are totally mistaken.

Life is a battle, for within it, there are enemies without number striving to destroy and to wreck the life of the child of God.

A. Daniel, was faced with the problem of envy. 6:4—5

Envy is a dreadful sin to have and a very dangerous sin to face.

“Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Proverbs 27:4

1. He was envied for his good works:

“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault;” (4)

2. He was envied for his loyalty:

“ - forasmuch as he was faithful,  (4)

3. He was envied for his good character:

-“neither was there any error or fau1t found in him.” (4)

We all have to walk upright as we have those who are observing our ways -
some for good; some for evil. (4)

B. Daniel was faced with the problem of his religion. 6:5

Daniel had kept to his religion from the beginning of his captivity unto the present day (1:8)1, thus, he was not subject to the king’s religion.

His faith in God was very offensive to the men who knew not God.

1. His religion was not of Babylon.

Daniel held to the teachings of Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

He never associated himself with  the religions of man, nor did he ever compromise his stand for the true God.

2. His religion was not of man, nor unto man.

Daniel never bowed in worship to man nor gave his glory to the gods of man.

The idols of Babylon were never worshipped by Daniel, in fact, he spoke out against them and openly declared the True and Living God. Daniel 2:28; 2:44

3. His religion was real and unchanging.

What Daniel held to in chapter one, he held to in chapter six, some 70 years 
later. Babylon with all of her religions and her gods never changed Daniel’s faith in God at all.

When you know what you believe and why you believe it, and you know that it is the absolute truth, nothing will change it.

The precepts, practices and principals of Daniel’s God were contrary to, as well, as totally against the precepts, practices and principals of the gods of the Babylonians.

Note: Daniel’s religion wasn’t a problem to Daniel, it was to the rulers for they couldn’t control Daniel and he was so much greater than they were.

It will be well for us to write on our own hearts, that our faith in Christ is our blessing and joy, it is our life, but to the world it is hated.

C. Daniel was faced with the problem of deception. 6: 6—9

Works of deception sometimes are hard to spot and to see that they are set for our destruction.

Deception is the master work of Satan for he is the master deceiver and is working to deceive people day in and day out, especially the people of God.

Always remember that Satan and all of his workers are against God in every way. He will only compromise to deceive.

1. The purpose of the new law. 6:7

The purpose of this law was not to benefit the country nor the king, but to trap Daniel.

Many new laws are being written daily, not to help the people, but to trap and to hinder the work of God.

2. The lies that the new law was based on. 6:7

The rulers stated that everyone was in. agreement with this new law, but notice carefully, Daniel was by—passed.

3. The new law. 6:7—9

The new law was only good for thirty days.

These men knew that Daniel prayed daily for they had already observed him

Not only was it deceptive in nature against Daniel, it was deceptive to the king also, as the king greatly respected and loved Daniel.

God’s people needs to be very careful and examine all things by the Word of God in order not to be deceived.

I John 4:1

A believer in Christ has many problems to face, for the Devil is busy trying to hinder, to discourage, and to stop the work of the Lord..

III. DANIEL, A MAN OF PRAYER. Daniel 6:10—11

Daniel was a man of prayer and when problems arose in his life, he continued in his daily practice of praying.

A. Daniel was a faithful man of prayer.  6:10

“as he did aforetime.”

Prayer was a daily activity in Daniel’s life.

A believer should be a person of prayer, not only when things are going bad, butt also, when things are going well.

B. Daniel was a fearless man of prayer. 6:10

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, Daniel knew the law and knew the consequences of the law, but his loyalty to God was greater.
Believers are to be law abiding citizens as long as the laws of man doesn’t violate the laws of God.

Man ought to fear God more so than man, and man nor circumstances should rob one of his prayers.

C. Daniel was a fervent man of prayer. 6:10—11

“ -find Daniel praying and making supplications before his God.”

Note these thoughts that are found in Daniel’s prayer life:

	1. He prayed in his house. (10)

Daniel’s home was a place of prayer.

We as believer’s are to have prayer in our homes, if not, then the prayers in church will not be of any value.

	2. He prayed on his knees. (10)

Daniel, was a man who kneeled before God.

Kneeling is a begging position and we are to come to God as beggars, beggars for our lives, it is a heart of pleading.

	3. He prayed toward Jerusalem. (10)

Jerusalem being the center of his worship, his home.

Jerusalem was the place that God had chosen to place His name.

In doing so, Daniel was declaring: that there is no other God, but the God of Israel.

	4. He prayed regularly. (10)

Three times a day, morning, noon, and evening was Daniel’s prayer time.

David wrote: “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17

	5. He prayed before an open window. (1O)

That is, he kept his eye on heaven, the dwelling place of His God.
When we pray, we must look up, for looking up is the act of faith.

	6. He prayed with thanksgiving. (1O)

Daniel, even in the midst of a trouble time prayed with a thankful .heart.

How can we pray differently, as all of our blessings are from the Lord?
	7. He prayed without shame. (1O)

	“as he did aforetime.”

Daniel was a busy man,. but nothing hindered him from his prayer time.

Not only that, but he was open about his prayer life, that others knew of his scheduling.

If Daniel teaches us nothing more, may by the grace of the Almighty, we learn to be men and women of prayer.

IV. DANIEL, A MAN FACING PERSECUTION. Daniel 6:12—17

Paul wrote: “Yea, and all that will live godly lb Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” II Tim. 3:12

Jesus spoke: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Daniel had lived in captivity for some 70 years, and he has served under some five different kings, and he was a man of great integrity to the degree that they could not lay any fault at his door, but instead of the people honoring the man, they hated him the more.

Think of all the miracles that Jesus did, the people’s lives that were blessed because of Him, but yet they crucified Him.

America has been blessed because of God, and the presence of the Lord’s church, but yet, they are trying their best to wipe away the influence and teachings of Christ.

A. The complaint to the king. 6:11—13

These men, after the law was signed, waited until they found Daniel praying and then they mad~ their move in making their complaint to the king.

1. He was accused of a right thing.

It was right for Daniel to pray, and his praying was not a secret, nor done behind a closed door, thus, Daniel was doing that which was right and lawful. Daniel 3:9: Daniel 4:37

2. He was accused of doing a wrong thing.

The wrong thing was that he was praying to His God, not regarding the king, nor his signed decree. (13)

Now the king sees the wickedness of the men and what their motives were.

It is a shame that we much of the time are liken unto this king, we don’t see the motive of wickedness most of the time until we are looking at the back side of it.

The wrong thing was only in the eyes of the men. We as believers need to weight out carefully and slowly, with the Scriptures as being our guide, what is right and what is wrong.

We have not the ability inourselves to, see and to knowthe works of wickedness.

3. He was accused of being one of the children of captivity. 6:13

Here is the very heart of their accusations, that Daniel was a Jew, and he wasn’t one of them.

They were very much prejudice against the Jewish people.

Nothing has really changed in the world has it?

B. The concern of the king. 6:14—15

He now perceived that, whatever they pretended, it was not to honour him, but in spite to Daniel, that they had proposed that law, and now the king has to carry the law out, as he stated, “The thing is true, according to the law of Medes and Persians, which altereth not.” (12)

This teaches us the importance of making right decisions that are led by the Lord, for the~’ will never back fire on us and cause us great heartaches.

1. Be careful that you are not deceived into making decisions that later on you will be sorry for.

2. Be careful that you are not hasty in making a decision that you haven’t had time to think through and to pray through.

3. Be careful that you will make decisions that are based on prayer and the Bible, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

—
C. The comment made by the king. 6:16—17

The king worked until the sun went down trying to reverse the law and to deliver Daniel, but to no avail.

The king used some kind and encouraging words to Daniel concerning his fate. Darius greatly respected and loved Daniel.

1. He justifies Daniel from guilt showing that his only crime was the serving of his God, and serving Him continually.

“Thy God whom thou servest continually, —“ (6:16)

How blessed it is, for the world to know that we serve Him and only Him, and that we are faithful in that service. The world can only read our faith in our faithfulness.

2. He leaves the fate of Daniel into God’s hands since he was unable to deliver him.

“…he will deliver thee.” (6:16)

Darius had the up most faith in Daniel, and because of the faithfulness of Daniel to His God, the king knew that Daniel would not be forsaken.

We, I believe, are to do all that we can, but at the same time, we are to be found faithful in trusting Him.

Daniel knew that all would be well, for he had walked long and faithfully with God and God had been faithful to Daniel in all things.

Why should he doubt Him now?

The blessings of God upon our lives yesterday, ought to cause us to trust Him more today.

The king realized what a fool he had been, but even his power and wealth could not alter the law of the Medes and Persians. Butt God didn’t want Darius to deliver Daniel, that was a privilege God was reserving for Himself.

Daniel was not depending upon man~, nor the king, nor the king’s wealth to deliver him, he had learned long ago to trust the Living God.

God didn’t want to save Daniel from the Lion’s den, but He wanted to deliver him out of the den.

How true that this could be in our lives today.

V. DANIEL, A MAN OF PERFECT PEACE. Daniel 6:18—24

Daniel is about 80 years old as he now is faced with the possibility of death. Troubles he had faced many times during his captivity, but as far as we know, this is the first time he has been confronted with death.

Daniel faced this serious threat with the greatest of peace.

The Bible declares a man to be at peace wit~ himself and with God, when God has first place in his life this is possible.

“Great peace have thy which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165

A. Darius restlessness. 6:18

We see Darius the king living like a slave; We see Daniel the slave living like a king; Note the contrast of the king and of Daniel
Darius in his palace:
Daniel in the lion’s den.

Darius was unable to find comfort the long night through;
Daniel was at perfect peace, fellowshipping with the angel of the Lord.

Darius could have easily been killed by his enemies in the palace;
Daniel could not have been hurt even by the demons of hell.

The safest place in all the world, even out of this world, is in the very center of God’s kill.

B. Daniel’s restfulness. 6:19—22

While the king walked the floor, and his sleep went from him, Daniel was at rest in the will of his God.
		1. Note Daniel’s positive attitude.
		 “0 king, live for ever.” (21)

Daniel had been faithful and had serve the king well, but now, he had been falsely accused and thrown in the den of lions Pit to face death.

He never permitted his heart to become bitter.
		2. Daniel’s visitor.
		 “My God hath sent his angel -“  (22)

While the king was walking the floor, Daniel was visiting and fellowshipping with God’s angels.

(Personally, the verse says “his angel” and it is singular, thus, I think it is speaking of Jesus, while the king had the best music program of the kingdom, but no peace, Daniel had the Master of all comfort Himself. GLORY)

3. Daniel’s victory.

“and hath shut the lions mouths, that they  have not hurt me:” (22)

The lions became as pets to Daniel for God’s angel was in their midst watching over God’s servant.

Remember that Daniel was a student of Jeremiah the prophet:
Jeremiah wrote: “Thus saith the Lord, Stand up in the way, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good ways, and walk therein, and ye shall find jest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16

This Daniel did all the days of his life.

C. Daniel’s enemies. 6:24

The enemies of Daniel became subjects of their own wickedness.

Note how easy it is for God to reverse the wickedness of the wicked man upon his own head.

1. A man reaps what he sows. Gal. 6:9

They sowed wickedness’ toward Daniel, and reaped the same.

2. A transgressor’s ways are hard ways. Proverbs 13:15

How serious was their judgment when it involved their wives and their children

3. A man’s rebellion brings death. Romans 6:23

How sad when one plays with sin for it brings death.

Daniel won the battle.

Christians today face many temptations to compromise, and it often appears that the safest course to take is to go with the crowd.

But this is the most dangerous way!

The safest way to go is in the perfect will of God. Daniel knew it was wrong to worship the king for he knew the truth of the Word of God.

Remember —That Satan comes as a roaring lion against God’s people: I Peter 5:8—9

That men will try to devour the believer: II Tim. 4:17

It is not always God’s will to deliver His children from danger; many Christians have given their lives in the place of duty.

But in it all, God is glorified and the believer blessed!

VI. DANIEL, A MAN OF GREAT PLEASURE. Daniel 6:25—27

The only pleasure that a man of God could have in such circumstances is that His God is glorified and exalted, in fact, that ought to be his pleasure.

Now we can see why God permitted Daniel to go through this experience, it brought great glory to His Name.

(Read carefully I Peter 3:10—17)

A. Darius’ new writing. 6:25

The 1st decree that went out was written by the leaders who had envy in their hearts against Daniel, and was to channel all worship to the king for the purpose of framing Daniel.
(6:7)

The 2nd decree that went out was written by the king himself who had acknowledged the greatness of Daniel’s God, and declared that all worship was to be channeled to Him.
(6:26)

It is always amazing how God’s grace can make something beautiful out of such wickedness.

The men’s act against Daniel, was also against Daniel’s God, and  will always vindicate His Name.

B. Darius’ new declaration. 6:26—27

He openly and very clearly declared the greatness of Daniel’s God.

Read Daniel 4:37

God used both of these kings to evangelize the people.

1. Darius declared that Daniel’s God is the living God. (26)

This terminology is used in contrast to their dead idols.

2. Darius declared that Daniel’s God is a steadfast God. (24

This is that the God of Daniel is not always changing, He is the same.
Steadfast - means standing,. steady or established.

In all the events of the kingdom, as well, as in Daniels life, God-has established Himself as being God.

3. Darius declared that Daniel’s God is an everlasting God. (2~6)

The kingdom of men will come to naught, but God’s kingdom will be forever.

4. Darius declared that Daniel’s God is a working God.	(2~6)

The idols were gods that demanded the people to work, and the people became salves to their gods.

But the True God is a working God.

a. He delivers.
b. He rescues.
c. He worketh signs.
d. He worketh wonders both in heaven and earth.

These things no other god could do, for they are works of the True and Living God, and only works that could be done by Him.

5. Darius declared that Daniel’s God was a caring God.

He delivered Daniel, that is, He cared for Daniel, and was with Him.

Daniel’s heart must have been made double humble when he heard the declaration of the king.

How our hearts ought to be broken when we hear His precious name used in vain;

How our hearts ought to be humble when we hear His precious name being glorified.

C. Darius’ new decree. 6:26

That every person in the kingdom was to honor Daniel’s God.

1. The people were to tremble before the God of Daniel.

Tremble - to tremble, or to move, that is, with the deepest of reverence.

They were not to approach Daniel’s God as casual as they did their own gods.

2. The people were to fear before the God 4f Daniel.

Fear - to be afraid, to respect greatly. our life is to be like Daniel’s life was, a vessel meet for the Master’s use.

God was glorified in and through Daniel, may this be real in our lives even today.

VII. DANIEL, A MAN OF PROSPERITY. Daniel 6:28

Darius 1st honors the God of Daniel, this is proper and correct.

God is to be honored above all things and all people, for if there be any good in a person, it is because of God.

The key to this point would be found in these words, “So this Daniel prospered -

We see which Daniel and why he prospered in the kingdom.

A. He prospered because of His faith in the True God.

Darius knew of Daniel’s faith.

“Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” (6:16)

B. He prospered because of God’s faithfulness.

Darius knew of Daniel’s faith and God knew of Daniel’s faithfulness.

Daniel had walked with the Lord now for some 70 years plus while in captivity, and God would not forsake him now. Hebrews 13:5

“The hoary head (gray hair) is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:3t

C. He prospered because God was magnified in his life.

God was magnified in the life and the work of Daniel, thus, God blessed him.

God never forgets those who are His, especially those who walk upright to His glory.

Daniel’s attitude seemed to be displayed in Paul’s words — Read Phil. 1:19—24

Daniel had to face many trials and tribulations but each time God brought him through them a better person than he was in the beginning, and God left unto Himself a greater witness.

CONCLUSION:

This chapter shows us how a man who is faithful to God lives.

The events of this chapter all took place within a thirty day period (7), but they leave an everlasting testimony.

We see the work of wicked men, how they are envious of God’s people to the place of hating them.

Paul teaches us, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” II Tit. 3:13

We see the work of righteous men, who know God, trust God, live for God, and place their whole life into His hands.

Paul teaches us, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” II Tim. 1:12

We see the work of a Holy and sovereign God who will not have His Name polluted by the. ungodly of the world.

Paul teaches us, “It is a fearful thing to pall into the hands of the living God.”