Daniel was carried off to Babylon around 602 B.C. It’s acknowledged by sources that he was in his teen years at the time, probably around 16. That would make him around 80 (538 B.C.) when he was thrown into the lion’s den. He was old. Darius was king at the time and had no choice but to throw him into the den to be eaten by the lions.
That’s what happens when people get it in for you. The story is recited in Daniel Chapter 6. The presidents and princes got it in for him mostly because he was so well liked by Darius. Hard as they tried, the only thing they could find against Daniel was that he prayed three times a day to his God. So they put their heads together and came up with a law that anyone caught making a petition to any god or man, other than Darius, should be thrown into the lions’ den. Without thinking Darius okayed it.
Law is law and there are consequences when they are broken. Daniel did the same as he had done all along. He opens the windows and prays toward Jerusalem. Just what they wanted. Off he is taken to Darius to suffer the consequences. Darius has to carry out the law. Off Daniel goes to the lions’ den. Darius, in verse 16, says “Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” Truth is, God did deliver Daniel.
It’s a good story that makes a very important point. There are so many other choices Daniel could have made. But he didn’t. He held fast to his faith. There are many people down through history who have remained faithful to our living God. Examples such as General Stonewall Jackson who refused to march or fight on Sundays, Corrie ten Boom who hid Jews during WW II because she believed she was doing God’s will, Thomas Jefferson who is responsible for the Declaration of Independence and was willing to challenge policies regarding religious tolerance, and Churchill who refused to deal with Hitler and chose to fight.
“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,” (Hebrews 11:33) It’s all about faith.
That’s what happens when people get it in for you. The story is recited in Daniel Chapter 6. The presidents and princes got it in for him mostly because he was so well liked by Darius. Hard as they tried, the only thing they could find against Daniel was that he prayed three times a day to his God. So they put their heads together and came up with a law that anyone caught making a petition to any god or man, other than Darius, should be thrown into the lions’ den. Without thinking Darius okayed it.
Law is law and there are consequences when they are broken. Daniel did the same as he had done all along. He opens the windows and prays toward Jerusalem. Just what they wanted. Off he is taken to Darius to suffer the consequences. Darius has to carry out the law. Off Daniel goes to the lions’ den. Darius, in verse 16, says “Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” Truth is, God did deliver Daniel.
It’s a good story that makes a very important point. There are so many other choices Daniel could have made. But he didn’t. He held fast to his faith. There are many people down through history who have remained faithful to our living God. Examples such as General Stonewall Jackson who refused to march or fight on Sundays, Corrie ten Boom who hid Jews during WW II because she believed she was doing God’s will, Thomas Jefferson who is responsible for the Declaration of Independence and was willing to challenge policies regarding religious tolerance, and Churchill who refused to deal with Hitler and chose to fight.
“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,” (Hebrews 11:33) It’s all about faith.
