One of the most beloved Bible stories known from the childhood of most is the record of Daniel being cast into the lions’ den. It is a story of anger, revenge, trickery, heartbreak, deliverance, and wrath. In and of itself this account provides all of the essentials of a blockbuster hit, but unlike most movies, this story was not fiction but rather a reality. Sometimes, though, while we know, appreciate, and love this great account from the Bible we never truly put it into perspective and identify with the circumstances with which Daniel was confronted. What similarities and applications can be drawn from Daniel 6 that can strengthen the New Testament Christian?
First, notice the root of the problem was anger. Darius, the king of Babylon at the time, began to delegate portions of his kingdom and the responsibilities pertaining to those districts among 120 princes of the empire, and then over those princes he set three presidents who would answer directly to him. Instead of relying solely upon native Babylonians to fill those positions, the first to whom he turned was Daniel, a native Jew. In fact, Daniel 6:3 records that “Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” As can be imagined, this did not set well with the other presidents and the princes, and their anger and jealousy lead them to put Daniel under fire.
Similarly, Christians faithful to the charge of God are constantly under fire from the world. And it is no secret or surprise that the world’s feelings toward the church are rooted in anger and in some ways jealousy. Therefore plots are developed and unleashed upon Christianity in order to do just what the Babylonian authorities wanted to do to Daniel—destroy it. With whom did the problem lie, Daniel or the others? Obviously the others were the ones with the problem, and in the same way the problem is not with Christianity but with the world. Thus, like Daniel we must remain steadfast against opposition regardless of what may betide.
Second, look at the reason given that their agenda might be accomplished. They could not fault him in his work over the kingdom so they looked for an ulterior motive. “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 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 6:4-5). They could not raise a legitimate complaint against him so they decide to make it a matter of allegiance.
In the same way, the problem the world has with Christianity cannot be legitimately argued by disproving scriptural truth, thus you may notice that most attacks on Christianity stoop to character attacks and differences in personality. And truth be told, this is probably more irritating than simply attempting to attack truth because truth can be defended objectively. However, when an argument is lowered to the level of character attacks and personality disputes the instigators can double talk their way through it for a long time. Thus, like Daniel, sometimes we just have to suffer the hatred of our detractors with little we can do to rebut the issue and go about our business of teaching the truth, saving souls, and glorifying our God.
Third, see the retribution enacted upon Daniel for his “transgressions.” They knew they did not have a leg to stand on with their true problem, so they went before the king and manipulated him into unknowingly passing an ordinance that would automatically touch Daniel. “All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:7). Not even considering the fact that this was a decree specifically seeking Daniel’s death, the king relented. And the retribution was outright destruction.
Is the retribution the world seeks for Christianity really any different? All around us, enemies of God are seeking the outright destruction of that upon which we base our lives. And interestingly enough, it is amazing to see the manipulation they are trying to use to accomplish their agendas as well. We, though, like Daniel must persist. The world may hate, reject, and try to destroy us, but “if God be for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31).
Then, fourth, the result of the events is what makes it all worth while. The authorities got their way; Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den and left for the night with full faith that upon returning in the morning he would be gone. There was one thing, though, that these men had overlooked—God was with him. Daniel was saved from their trials and in the end they and their families were the ones who faced the bitter punishment (Daniel 6:24).
The fact is, this shall be the end for God’s children and their enemies at the judgment as well. God is and always will be with His people (Hebrews 13:5). And the very grief that the world tries to heap upon our shoulders in this life will be theirs to suffer in the next (Romans 6:23). Thus, we, like Daniel, can look to the future with hope and assurance that God will deliver and vengeance will be His.
From Daniel there is so much that anybody can learn, but one of the greatest lessons from his life is the lesson of trust. Daniel trusted God with a faith that would never relent. We must do the same, for like with Daniel, He will never disappoint.