Daniel had distinguished himself amongst all the leaders of Darius’ court. He was getting ready to set him up over all of the empire.
The other officials were not having it.
Daniel 6:4-5
At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
Wow! They could find nothing to hold against Daniel. So, they would have to use the fact that he worshipped the God of Heaven against him.
So, they devise a plan to trap Daniel. They manipulate the king into signing an edict that everyone in all the land only worships Him for 30 days or be killed. They would be thrown into the lion’s den.
It is disturbing that people literally scheme to trap others so they can get them out of the way and they can have power. This is not new, but it still disturbs me to the core as I reflect on it.
Ok, the stage is set, the trap has been made ready and they are lerching to destroy Daniel.
What does Daniel do? He has discovered if he worships God, he will be thrown into the lion’s den. Surely, he will be intimidated and hide.
Daniel 6:10-11
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.
Caught! Caught in the act!
They brought Daniel before the king and demanded he keep his decree. The king is beside himself having to keep what he had signed. Distressed as, he sealed Daniel into the lion’s den. Unable to sleep, he ran to the lion’s den early the next morning and found Daniel alive.
Daniel 6:23
The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
Then, the king threw those who set the trap in the den and issued a decree throughout the land.
Daniel 6:26-27
I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.
“For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
It’s such an incredible story.
However, Daniel’s character still strikes me, as does his commitment to God and his faithfulness to worship God even when faced with threats to his life.
He did not change his worship of God even when told it would cost him his life.
With his windows open he was caught in the act of worship.
May that be me, though others may scheme, though we may be intimidated. Let us be faithful, and may we not stop worshipping God despite the circumstances. May we trust God no matter what.
