Daniel 6: On the Menu at the Lions' Club
DANIEL IN THE lions' den is a story that we never get tired of hearing. As a child, I was impressed by this story because Daniel was not thrown into the lion's den for being bad. He was thrown in for being godly! That is an important point to keep in mind as we study. We usually expect that when we do wrong we ought to be punished, and when we do right we ought to be praised. That is certainly the ideal, but it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes those who do wrong are rewarded, and those who do right are persecuted. This chapter demonstrates that godliness can be costly.
Warming Up to God
How would you feel if the people you work with decided to watch everything about your public and private life?
Read Daniel 6. »
Discovering the Word
- What do we learn about Daniel's character from the results of the investigation by his enemies (vv. 1-5)?
- King Darius willingly signed the document prohibiting prayer to anyone but him (vv. 6-9). How does this action resemble the sins of his predecessors?
- What specific evidences do you find in verse 10 of Daniel's consistent obedience to God?
- How do verses 14-20 underscore the impact Daniel's life had on the king?
- In what ways would the miracle Darius witnessed have reinforced Daniel's personal example (vv. 21-24)?
Applying the Word
- How has Daniel encouraged you to be a more Christlike example to those around you?
- Think back over the first six chapters. How can the fact that God "holds in his hand your life and all your ways" (5:23) help you to honor and obey him as Daniel did?
Responding in Prayer
Make your prayer one of praise for the qualities of God you have been learning about like Daniel did (vv. 25-27).
For Further Study
Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 4: A Guide to the Prophets by Gordon McConville