A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed. A stone was broughtThe use of a stone to seal the den is reminiscent of ancient practices where stones were used to secure tombs or important sites. In Hebrew, the word for stone is "אֶבֶן" (even), which often symbolizes strength and permanence. This act of placing a stone over the den signifies the finality and seriousness of Daniel's situation, echoing the sealing of Jesus' tomb in the New Testament, which was also secured with a stone. and placed over the mouth of the den
The "mouth of the den" refers to the entrance of the lions' den, a pit or cave-like structure. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such dens were used for executions or imprisonments. The imagery of a "mouth" suggests a consuming force, yet it is also a place where God's miraculous deliverance is about to be revealed. This phrase sets the stage for God's intervention, highlighting the contrast between human intentions and divine power. and the king sealed it with his own signet ring
The act of sealing with a signet ring was a common practice in ancient times to authenticate documents or secure objects. The king's signet ring, a symbol of authority and power, indicates that the decree concerning Daniel was irrevocable. In Hebrew, the word for seal is "חָתַם" (chatham), which conveys the idea of finality and unchangeability. This action underscores the seriousness of the situation and the king's reluctant compliance with the law he was manipulated into enforcing. and with the rings of his nobles
The involvement of the nobles' rings in sealing the den suggests a collective agreement and shared responsibility among the ruling class. This detail highlights the political dynamics at play, where the nobles' influence over the king is evident. It also serves to emphasize the human opposition against Daniel, setting the stage for God's intervention to be even more dramatic and undeniable. so that nothing would be changed regarding Daniel
This phrase underscores the intent to make Daniel's fate certain and unalterable. The use of the word "changed" (Hebrew: "שָׁנָה" - shanah) implies a fixed decree, reflecting the Medo-Persian law's reputation for being unchangeable. However, this sets up a powerful contrast with God's sovereignty, as the unchangeable human decree is about to be overturned by divine intervention. This highlights the theme of God's ultimate authority over human affairs, a central message in the Book of Daniel. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God, known for his unwavering devotion and integrity. He was thrown into the lions' den due to a decree that targeted his prayer life. 2. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who, despite his respect for Daniel, was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel's predicament. 3. The Lions' DenA pit used for executing those condemned by the king. It symbolizes a place of trial and divine deliverance. 4. The Stone and the SealThe stone placed over the den's mouth and the seal of the king and his nobles represent the finality and authority of the king's decree, emphasizing the impossibility of human intervention. 5. The NoblesOfficials who conspired against Daniel, representing opposition to God's people and His purposes. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty Over Human AuthorityDespite human attempts to control and seal Daniel's fate, God's sovereignty prevails. Trust in God's ultimate authority over earthly powers. Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering faith serves as a model for maintaining devotion to God, even when facing severe trials or persecution. The Power of PrayerDaniel's commitment to prayer, despite the decree, underscores the importance of prayer as a source of strength and divine intervention. God's DeliveranceThe sealing of the den highlights the impossibility of human rescue, setting the stage for God's miraculous deliverance, reminding us of His power to save. Integrity and InfluenceDaniel's integrity influenced even King Darius, demonstrating how a life of faithfulness can impact those around us, including those in authority. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the sealing of the lions' den with a stone and a seal reflect the finality of human decisions, and how does this relate to God's ability to intervene? 2. In what ways does Daniel's faithfulness in prayer challenge us to prioritize our spiritual disciplines, even in the face of opposition? 3. How can we draw parallels between Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den and Jesus' resurrection from the sealed tomb? 4. What lessons can we learn from King Darius' response to Daniel's situation about the influence of godly character on those in authority? 5. How can we apply the theme of divine sovereignty in Daniel 6:17 to current situations where we feel trapped or powerless? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 29:3The sealing of the stone over the den can be compared to the stone over the well, symbolizing a barrier that only divine intervention can overcome. Matthew 27:66The sealing of Jesus' tomb with a stone and a seal parallels Daniel's situation, highlighting themes of divine deliverance and resurrection power. Revelation 5:1-5The sealed scroll in Revelation signifies authority and the need for divine intervention, similar to the sealed den. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Changed, Daniel, Daniel's, Decision, Den, Got, Hole, King's, Laid, Lords, Mouth, Nobles, Nothing, Placed, Purpose, Regard, Ring, Rings, Sealed, Signet, Situation, Stamp, Stamped, StoneDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:17 5176 ring
5518 seal Daniel 6:16-17 4366 stones Daniel 6:16-22 1320 God, as Saviour
5203 acquittal Library A Tribute from Enemies
Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.'--DANIEL vi. 5. Daniel was somewhere about ninety years old when he was cast to the lions. He had been for many years the real governor of the whole empire; and, of course, in such a position had incurred much hatred and jealousy. He was a foreigner and a worshipper of another God, and therefore was all the more unpopular, as a Brahmin would be in England if he were …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFaith Stopping the Mouths of Lions
'Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee. 17. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Story of the Fiery Furnace
There was in the land of Judah a wicked king-named Jehoiakim, son of the good Josiah. While Jehoiakim was ruling over the land of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, a great conqueror of the nations, came from Babylon with his army of Chaldean soldiers. He took the city of Jerusalem, and made Jehoiakim promise to submit to him as his master. And when he went back to his own land he took with him all the gold and silver that he could find in the Temple; and he carried away as captives very many of the princes …
Logan Marshall—The Wonder Book of Bible Stories The Jordan: the Decisive Start. Matthew 3:13-17. Mark 1:9-1Luke
3:21-22. The Anvil of Experience: knowledge only through experience--the Fourth, Daniel 3:25.--three Hebrews, Daniel 3.--Babylonian premier, Daniel 6:16-23.--George Mueller--Jesus made perfect through experience, Hebrews 2:10. 5:8, 9. 7:28, l.c.--all our experiences, Hebrews 2:14-18. Philippians 2:7. Hebrews 4:15, except through sin, Hebrews 4:15, l.c. 7:26. 2 Corinthians 5:21, f.c. 1 Peter 2:22. 1 John 3:5, l.c.--Jesus' suffering, Philippians 2:6-8. Hebrews 2:9, 17, 18. 4:15. His obedience, Luke …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 6:17 NIVDaniel 6:17 NLTDaniel 6:17 ESVDaniel 6:17 NASBDaniel 6:17 KJV
Daniel 6:17 Commentaries
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