When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?" When he reached the denThis phrase sets the scene for a moment of high tension and anticipation. The "den" refers to the lions' den, a place of execution and certain death. Historically, lions' dens were used by ancient empires as a means of punishment, symbolizing the ultimate test of faith and divine intervention. The king's approach to the den signifies his concern and hope against hope for Daniel's survival, reflecting the king's internal conflict and the gravity of the situation. he cried out in a voice of anguish
The king's "voice of anguish" reveals his emotional turmoil and desperation. The Hebrew root for "anguish" conveys a deep, heartfelt distress, indicating the king's genuine care for Daniel. This moment underscores the king's recognition of Daniel's innocence and the injustice of the situation. It also highlights the king's hope in the power of Daniel's God, despite the seemingly impossible circumstances. O Daniel, servant of the living God
By addressing Daniel as the "servant of the living God," the king acknowledges the supremacy and reality of Daniel's God over the lifeless idols of Babylon. The term "living God" emphasizes God's active presence and power, contrasting with the dead idols worshipped by others. This acknowledgment by a pagan king serves as a testament to Daniel's unwavering faith and the impact of his witness in a foreign land. has your God, whom you serve continually
The phrase "whom you serve continually" highlights Daniel's steadfast devotion and consistent faithfulness to God. The Hebrew root for "serve" implies worship and obedience, indicating Daniel's life of integrity and dedication. This consistent service is a key theme in Daniel's life, demonstrating the importance of unwavering faith and commitment to God, regardless of external pressures or threats. been able to deliver you from the lions?
The question posed by the king is one of both hope and doubt. The word "deliver" in Hebrew carries the connotation of rescue and salvation, pointing to God's power to save His faithful servants. The lions symbolize insurmountable challenges and dangers, and the king's inquiry reflects the universal question of God's ability to intervene in dire circumstances. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and deliver those who trust in Him, even in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God, known for his unwavering devotion and integrity. He was a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. 2. King DariusThe ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who respected Daniel but was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel's punishment. 3. The Lions' DenA pit used for executing those who violated the king's decrees. It symbolizes a place of trial and divine intervention. 4. The DecreeAn edict that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than King Darius for thirty days, which Daniel defied by continuing to pray to God. 5. The Living GodA term used to describe the God of Israel, emphasizing His active and eternal nature, in contrast to the lifeless idols of the time. Teaching Points Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of death, challenges us to remain faithful in our own trials. The Power of Consistent PrayerDaniel's habit of prayer was known to all, including his enemies. This consistency in prayer is a model for maintaining a strong relationship with God. God's Sovereignty and ProtectionThe account illustrates God's ability to protect and deliver His faithful servants, reminding us of His sovereignty over all circumstances. Witness to UnbelieversDaniel's faithfulness served as a powerful testimony to King Darius, showing how our lives can impact those around us. Trust in God's TimingDaniel's deliverance came in God's perfect timing, teaching us to trust in His plans and timing, even when we face seemingly impossible situations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's example of faithfulness challenge you in your current circumstances? 2. In what ways can you develop a more consistent prayer life like Daniel's? 3. How can you be a witness to God's power and faithfulness in your workplace or community? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or deliverance. How did it strengthen your faith? 5. How can the account of Daniel in the lions' den encourage you to trust in God's timing and sovereignty in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel's Faithfulness Connects to Daniel 1, where Daniel and his friends remain faithful to God by refusing the king's food, showing a pattern of devotion. God's Deliverance Relates to Psalm 34, which speaks of God delivering the righteous from their troubles, highlighting His protective nature. Servant of the Living God Echoes 1 Samuel 17, where David refers to God as the living God, emphasizing His power and presence. Anguish and Hope Similar to the anguish of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26), where hope and trust in God's will are evident. People Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Able, Anguish, Anguished, Constantly, Continually, Cried, Crieth, Cry, Daniel, Deliver, Den, Grief, Grieved, Hole, Lamentable, Lions, Loud, Mournful, O, Pained, Rescue, Safe, Save, Servant, Serve, Servest, Serving, Spake, Spoke, Tone, Troubled, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 6:20 1080 God, living
5196 voice
7160 servants of the Lord Daniel 6:16-22 1320 God, as Saviour
5203 acquittal Daniel 6:19-22 6634 deliverance Daniel 6:19-23 1416 miracles, nature of Daniel 6:19-28 5931 resistance Daniel 6:20-21 5189 teeth 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 6:20 NIVDaniel 6:20 NLTDaniel 6:20 ESVDaniel 6:20 NASBDaniel 6:20 KJV
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