Daniel Chapter 6
Daniel Chapter 6 — The Faithful Servant and the Lion's Den
Daniel 6:1–3 (NKJV) — "It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm."
Daniel's Promotion and Integrity
Though Babylon fell, Daniel remained. Under Darius, likely the appointed ruler Gubaru, Daniel rose again to prominence. His exceptional spirit set him apart — not mere talent, but character empowered by faith. The favor he received stirred envy, not from pagans unfamiliar with God, but from peers threatened by righteousness.
Daniel 6:4–9 (NKJV) — Daniel’s enemies sought to accuse him but found no fault — only his faith could be weaponized. They deceived Darius into signing an irrevocable decree forbidding prayer to any deity except the king.
A Trap Set Through Pride and Policy
Daniel’s blameless conduct left his enemies with no recourse but to attack his devotion. Their scheme depended on Darius’ vanity and the immutable laws of the Medes and Persians. Though the decree seemed nationalistic, it was diabolically specific — designed to silence one man’s prayer.
Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) — "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Daniel 6:10 (NKJV) — "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days."
Faith That Does Not Flinch
Daniel did not panic or protest — he prayed. The same windows, the same posture, the same Jerusalem-facing supplication continued unaltered. He would rather face lions than abandon his God. His prayer life was not seasonal or reactionary — it was habitual, a lifeline of trust.
1 Kings 8:30 (NKJV) — "Hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place."
Daniel 6:11–15 (NKJV) — His enemies caught him praying and exposed the trap to the king. Darius, grieved, sought to deliver Daniel but could not reverse the law.
The Cost of Compromise and the Weight of Regret
Darius realized too late that vanity clouded his judgment. Though he loved Daniel, the decree bound him. This moment reveals the danger of unwise laws — the innocent suffer while the wicked exploit.
Daniel 6:16–18 (NKJV) — Daniel was cast into the den of lions. Darius spoke words of hope: "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you." The king fasted all night, distressed and sleepless.
A Night in the Den and a King in Distress
The real peace was in the pit — not the palace. Daniel, sustained by God, likely prayed and rested under divine protection. Darius, despite power and privilege, was tormented by guilt and concern.
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV) — "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Daniel 6:19–23 (NKJV) — At dawn, Darius rushed to the den. Daniel answered joyfully, testifying that God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths. No injury was found on him, "because he believed in his God."
God Honors Faithful Trust
Daniel’s deliverance was not from political maneuvering but divine intervention. His innocence before God and loyalty to the king were vindicated. Hebrews 11:33 celebrates this moment — "through faith… stopped the mouths of lions."
Daniel 6:24 (NKJV) — Daniel’s accusers were thrown into the same den and perished instantly.
The Trap Reverseds
Justice came swiftly. The lions’ immediate response to the conspirators proved that Daniel’s deliverance was miraculous, not coincidental. God repaid wickedness in full.
Psalm 7:15–16 (NKJV) — "He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made."
Daniel 6:25–28 (NKJV) — Darius issued a royal decree declaring the greatness of Daniel’s God: "For He is the living God… His kingdom shall not be destroyed."
God Glorified Through Faithful Witness
Once again, a pagan king acknowledges Yahweh as sovereign. Daniel’s consistency, even under threat, turned hearts and kingdoms. His faith influenced kings, shaped empires, and glorified God across nations.
Final Observations
Daniel was plotted against, but prayed without fear.
He was condemned unjustly but preserved supernaturally.
His enemies perished, but he prospered.
This chapter prefigures Christ: a righteous man condemned, delivered from death, and exalted.
Daniel 6:27 (NKJV) — "He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."
Theme: Faithfulness Under Pressure — God's Sovereignty and Human Integrity
Overview
Daniel 6 recounts one of the most well-known episodes in Scripture—Daniel’s deliverance from the lions' den. This chapter is not a children’s tale about bravery; it is a theological portrait of godly integrity, spiritual warfare in political systems, and God’s vindication of His faithful servant. It reinforces the central message of the book: God is sovereign over kings and kingdoms, and His people are called to uncompromising faithfulness.
I. Historical and Literary Context
Daniel 6 shifts from the reign of Belshazzar to Darius the Mede, marking the transition from Babylonian to Medo-Persian rule (cf. Daniel 5:30–31). The political reorganization under Darius sets the stage for a bureaucratic trap aimed at Daniel. This narrative maintains the chiastic structure of the Aramaic section of Daniel (chapters 2–7), with chapters 3 and 6 mirroring each other as stories of faithful individuals under state-imposed idolatry or worship laws.
II. Theological Themes
1. Divine Sovereignty Over Kings and Kingdoms
Daniel’s elevation to power (v. 3) and his deliverance from death (v. 22) reinforce the overarching theme of the book: God rules over all human empires.
Daniel 6:26 — “For He is the living God… His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed.”
Baptist Application: God's sovereignty calls the believer to confidence even under unjust rulers (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13–17). Baptists emphasize religious liberty and soul competency, and Daniel models civil disobedience when state laws violate divine command.
2. The Integrity of the Godly
Daniel’s “excellent spirit” (v. 3) and his consistent prayer life (v. 10) reveal unwavering devotion. His faith was visible, regular, and unashamed.
Daniel 6:10 — “He knelt down… three times that day… and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom.”
Baptist Application: The doctrine of sanctification demands visible holiness. Daniel demonstrates personal piety rooted in habitual devotion. He did not adjust his walk with God to avoid consequences—he trusted God with the outcome.
3. Religious Liberty and the Lordship of God
The edict forbidding prayer to anyone but the king (v. 7) was a direct attack on biblical faith. Daniel's disobedience was not political rebellion but spiritual fidelity.
Baptist Distinctive: Baptists historically defend freedom of conscience under God. Daniel models the Baptist principle that no state authority may override the lordship of Christ in the believer’s life.
4. Persecution and Vindication
Daniel’s faithfulness leads to persecution (v. 16), but God vindicates him miraculously (v. 22). His deliverance is not a guarantee for all believers, but a sign that God honors those who trust Him fully.
Hebrews 11:33 — “…who through faith… stopped the mouths of lions.”
Graduate Reflection: The lions' den foreshadows the New Testament motif of suffering before glory. Daniel is a type of Christ—falsely accused, unjustly sentenced, placed in a sealed tomb (v. 17), and vindicated by God.
III. Christological Foreshadowing
Daniel as a Type of Christ:
Accused falsely (v. 4–5)
Condemned by political manipulation (v. 7–9)
Committed to God in prayer (v. 10)
Thrown into a den sealed by a stone (v. 17)
Delivered alive as a sign of God’s power (v. 22–23)
This anticipates Christ’s perfect innocence, His burial, and His resurrection—an early shadow of redemptive triumph.
IV. Missional Outcome
Darius’s Decree (vv. 25–27):
Daniel’s deliverance leads to global proclamation: “Men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.” (v. 26)
Baptist Mission Focus: God’s deliverance of His people can open doors for gospel witness. This calls the Church to view suffering as a stage for God’s glory.
V. Summary Applications
Maintain spiritual habits even when they cost you politically or socially.
Civil disobedience is warranted when human laws violate divine laws (Acts 5:29).
God is not obligated to deliver, but He is always able to vindicate His faithful ones.
Religious liberty is essential to biblical faith; the state must not legislate conscience.
Personal godliness in public office is a powerful witness.
Persecution often precedes proclamation—God uses trials to declare His glory.
Typology matters—Daniel is not just a moral example but a prophetic picture of Christ.
