Daniel 6:23
The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
The king was overjoyed
The phrase highlights the emotional response of King Darius upon discovering Daniel's safety. The Hebrew root for "overjoyed" conveys a deep sense of relief and happiness. Historically, this reflects the king's personal regard for Daniel, who had proven himself a wise and faithful servant. The king's joy also underscores the miraculous nature of Daniel's deliverance, which defied the expectations of the royal court and the laws of nature.

gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den
This phrase indicates the king's immediate action following his emotional response. The Hebrew verb for "gave orders" suggests a command with authority and urgency. Archaeologically, the den was likely a pit or cave used for executions, emphasizing the peril Daniel faced. The act of lifting Daniel out symbolizes divine intervention and the reversal of human judgment, illustrating God's sovereignty over earthly powers.

And when Daniel was lifted out
The repetition of the action emphasizes the successful rescue of Daniel. The Hebrew structure here highlights the completion of God's deliverance. Scripturally, this mirrors other instances where God rescues His faithful servants, reinforcing the theme of divine protection for those who trust in Him.

no wound was found on him
This phrase underscores the completeness of Daniel's deliverance. The Hebrew word for "wound" implies any form of harm or injury. The absence of wounds serves as tangible evidence of God's miraculous protection, akin to the preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). It signifies God's power to preserve His people physically and spiritually.

because he had trusted in his God
The phrase reveals the reason for Daniel's deliverance. The Hebrew root for "trusted" conveys a deep, unwavering faith and reliance on God. This trust is central to the narrative, illustrating the covenant relationship between God and His people. Historically, Daniel's faithfulness amidst persecution serves as an example for believers to remain steadfast in their trust in God, regardless of circumstances. This trust is not passive but an active, living faith that God honors and rewards.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A faithful servant of God and a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. Known for his unwavering devotion to God, even in the face of persecution.

2. King Darius
The ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who admired Daniel but was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den.

3. The Lions' Den
A pit where Daniel was thrown as punishment for praying to God, defying the king's decree. It symbolizes a place of trial and divine deliverance.

4. The Satraps and Administrators
Officials who were envious of Daniel and plotted against him by convincing King Darius to issue the decree.

5. The Angel of the Lord
Sent by God to shut the mouths of the lions, protecting Daniel from harm.
Teaching Points
Faith in Adversity
Daniel's unwavering faith serves as a model for trusting God in difficult circumstances. His example encourages believers to remain steadfast in their devotion, regardless of external pressures.

God's Deliverance
The miraculous protection Daniel experienced illustrates God's power to save and deliver His people. This encourages believers to trust in God's ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations.

Integrity and Influence
Daniel's integrity and faithfulness to God earned him respect and influence, even among pagan rulers. Believers are encouraged to live with integrity, knowing it can impact those around them positively.

Prayer as a Priority
Daniel's commitment to prayer, even when it was outlawed, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong prayer life. Believers are encouraged to prioritize prayer, regardless of circumstances.

God's Faithfulness
The account of Daniel in the lions' den is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him. It reassures believers that God honors and rewards faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Daniel's response to the decree challenge us to remain faithful in our own lives, especially when facing opposition?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the account of Daniel in the lions' den, and how does this encourage us in our current situations?

3. How can Daniel's example of integrity and faithfulness influence our interactions with those in authority or those who may not share our beliefs?

4. What role does prayer play in our lives, and how can we ensure it remains a priority, as it was for Daniel?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's deliverance and protection in Daniel 6:23 to our personal challenges and trials today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel's Faithfulness
Connects to Hebrews 11, which highlights the faith of Old Testament figures, including those who "shut the mouths of lions."

Divine Protection
Relates to Psalm 91, which speaks of God's protection over those who trust in Him.

God's Sovereignty
Ties to Romans 8:28, emphasizing that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
Strength of SoulH.T. Robjohns Daniel 6:1-24
The Tables TurnedJ.D. Davies Daniel 6:19-28
People
Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, Persians
Places
Babylon, Jerusalem
Topics
Believed, Commanded, Daniel, Den, Exceeding, Exceedingly, Faith, Glad, Hole, Hurt, Injury, Kind, Lift, Lifted, Manner, Orders, Pleased, Thereupon, Trusted, Untouched, Whatever, Wound
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 6:23

     8024   faith, and blessings
     8031   trust, importance

Daniel 6:19-23

     1416   miracles, nature of

Daniel 6:19-28

     5931   resistance

Daniel 6:21-23

     6738   rescue

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 Scripture

Faith 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

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