Daniel 6:20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel: and the king spoke and said to Daniel, O Daniel… I. THE KING'S DENOMINATION OF DANIEL is worthy of remark. He does not address him as first of the presidents; but says, "O Daniel, servant of the living God." This was an honour above any official station — angels and archangels can occupy no higher position. It was better for Daniel to have been a servant of the living God than to have been the first president of Persia. His piety was not a sickly, fitful, feverish, fashionable thing; his devotion was deeply rooted; he served God continually, not occasionally. His religion was so natural to him that he could not hide it; everything he did proved him to be a man that feared and loved God. O, what a living power there would be in religion if it were acted out in our social walks and public conduct, and not shut up to mould all week within the walls of our churches! Why should your labour and talents, influence and time, be principally devoted to the world which is passing away? The surest way to peace, and honour, and usefulness, is in the service of God. II. THE REASON FOR GOD'S INTERFERENCE IN DANIEL'S BEHALF WAS NOT THAT HIS CONDUCT REALLY MERITED SUCH AN INTERPOSITION. The meaning is, that God, being a witness of his innocence, indicated it by this interposition. You may learn, therefore, from this case, that God is the vindicator of his people. III. THE PERSONAL PROPERTY IN GOD, referred to both in the king's words and in Daniel's reply, is remarkable. The king said to Daniel, "Is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" And Daniel replies, "My God hath sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." Mark the difference. Darius had heard of God by the hearing of the ear, Daniel was acquainted with him as a friend and father. (W. A. Scott.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? |
    |