Faith in Impossible Times: A 4-Day Study in DanielSample

DAY 4 Daniel 6 - Faithfulness in Persecution: Lion’s Den

The Babylonian Kingdom undergoes significant leadership transitions, as recorded in Daniel 4-5. Both chapters depict instances of rebellion by successive Babylonian kings. In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar rebels against God in pride, leading to a humbling experience and subsequent restoration. In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar, who succeeds Nebuchadnezzar, also rebels in pride and faces divine judgment. Daniel, who rebukes him for not learning from Nebuchadnezzar's example, foretold this. Belshazzar is killed, and at the chapter's end, Darius the Mede is introduced as the new king.

Amidst all these changes, what remains consistent in the story is Daniel himself. His character and leadership endure through the transitions of power. Daniel consistently demonstrates faithfulness to Yahweh, wisdom in interpreting dreams and visions, and courage in speaking truth to power, regardless of who sits on the throne of Babylon.

Henri Nouwen's insight resonates deeply with Daniel's story in the Bible. Despite living under his third king in Babylon, Daniel maintains an exemplary reputation not by seeking favor or approval from earthly rulers but by faithfully following Yahweh. This consistency in Daniel's character illustrates his understanding that his life is part of a larger journey of humanity, guided by Yahweh's purpose and plan.

Daniel's unwavering faith and commitment to Yahweh enable him to navigate through political changes, cultural pressures, and personal challenges without compromising his beliefs. His interior life is shaped by the understanding that he plays a role in God's unfolding plan for his people and the world. His character earned him a reputation.

Power Behind Impossible

To undermine Daniel and the power he held over them as their superior, the other administrators and high officers began to plot his downfall by manipulating the king.

Daniel 6:1–5 (NLT) — 1 Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2 The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. 3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. 4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”

• No longer a young man, do you think Daniel’s reputation was well known in the land?
• How would this have impacted his work and his relationships with pagans?
• What position did Daniel hold under King Darius, and why did the king favor him?
• How does Daniel’s integrity and faithfulness to God serve as an example for believers?

King’s Rule

To undermine Daniel and the power he held over them as their superior, the other administrators and high officers began to plot his downfall by manipulating the king.

Daniel 6:6–15 (NLT) — 6 So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, “Long live King Darius! 7 We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions. 8 And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” 9 So King Darius signed the law. 10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. 11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. 12 So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. “Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions?” “Yes,” the king replied, “that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” 14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. 15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.”

• What do you think motivated the officials to plot against Daniel?
• How did Daniel respond to the decree prohibiting prayer to any god or man except the king?
• What does Daniel’s commitment to prayer, despite the king’s decree, teach about the importance of regular devotion and prayer?
• Daniel had a habit or a rhythm of praying three times a day every day. What spiritual rhythms do you practice?

In Daniel 6, we observe that Daniel's actions are not driven by overthinking or complex rationale but rather by his steadfast commitment to his regular daily rhythms, which are essentially his traditions. Daniel's story highlights the importance of obedience to simple spiritual disciplines. In our own lives, we might find ourselves caught up in overthinking or striving for authenticity at the expense of neglecting spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation, or regular worship.

Long Live the KING

Daniel 6:16–28 (NLT) — 16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. 19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. 24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. 25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! 26 “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

• Why do you think the king was so distraught over Daniel's situation?
• What is seemingly known about the God of Daniel from observing Daniel’s life?
• How might Daniel’s silence be evidence of his hope in God?
• What situation are you in right now where your silent assurance and faith may speak louder than your words?
• How did Daniel’s assurance in God impact King Darius and the entire kingdom?

Spreading Hope

Unlike King Nebuchadnezzar, who threw Daniel's friends into the fire and declared no god could save them, King Darius almost anticipated Daniel's survival and success by the hand of his God. He hoped his God would rescue him despite being manipulated into issuing a decree that no one should pray to any god or man except the king for thirty days. Daniel’s long and consistent walk with God, his steadfast hope in God, and his faith that God was the greatest of all authorities impacted those around him. It made some jealous and unreasonable, but others came to know something of the true Yahweh. Daniel’s life made an impact on an entire kingdom.

Personal Application

• In what areas of your life can you begin to demonstrate courage and conviction in standing up for your faith?
• How can you incorporate more consistent and devoted prayer into your daily routine?
• Like Daniel and his friends, are you certain your hope is in the one and only true and Living God?