A Witness in the Den

Scripture Basis: Daniel 6:1-23, NIV

Daniel was a faithful servant of God, living in a foreign land under the rule of King Darius. Even though Daniel was far from home, he stayed close to God. He prayed three times a day, thanking and praising God for His goodness. Daniel’s faithfulness earned him great respect, and the king appointed him as one of the top officials in the kingdom. But not everyone was happy about this.

The other officials and advisors became jealous of Daniel. They wanted to find a way to get rid of him, but Daniel was honest and trustworthy, and they couldn’t find anything wrong with him. Finally, they realized that the only way to trap Daniel was through his faith. They came up with a plan and went to the king with a suggestion. “O King Darius, we think you should make a law that says no one can pray to any god or person except you for the next 30 days. If anyone disobeys, they should be thrown into the lions’ den.”

The king, not realizing their true intentions, agreed and signed the law. According to the custom, the law could not be changed once it was signed. The jealous officials were pleased because they knew Daniel would continue to pray to God no matter what. 

When Daniel heard about the new law, he didn’t panic or hide. Instead, he went to his room, opened the windows that faced Jerusalem, and knelt down to pray, just as he always did. He thanked God and asked for His help. The officials were watching and quickly reported him to the king.

King Darius was heartbroken when he heard the news. He respected Daniel and didn’t want to punish him, but the law couldn’t be undone. Reluctantly the king gave the order for Daniel to be thrown into the lions’ den. “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you,” the king said as Daniel was lowered into the den.

That night King Darius couldn’t eat or sleep. He worried about Daniel and hoped his God would save him. Meanwhile, in the lions’ den, something miraculous was happening. God had sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths. The hungry lions didn’t touch Daniel at all! He spent the night safe and unharmed.

At the first light of dawn the king hurried to the lions’ den. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” he called out, “has your God been able to rescue you from the lions?”

Daniel’s voice came back, strong and clear. “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel, and He shut the lions’ mouths. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I done any wrong before you, O king.”

The king was overjoyed and ordered Daniel to be lifted out of the den. There wasn’t a single scratch on him, because he had trusted in God. King Darius then made a new decree, declaring that everyone in the kingdom should honor the God of Daniel, for He is the true and living God who rescues and saves. Daniel’s unwavering faith was a witness to the king he worked for!

Something to Think About
How do you think Daniel felt when he was thrown into the lions’ den? What gave him the courage to trust God?