Daniel the prophet was taken into captivity by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in 606 BC, and then marched from Jerusalem to Babylon. Daniel served in the king’s court and became a trusted advisor. The king grew to like Daniel and his friends. Those who came from the nation of Judah were looked upon with derision from the Persians serving the king.
They hatched a plan to remove Daniel from his position in the government. They persuaded the king into signing a decree that prohibited anybody in the kingdom from praying to anyone or any god except the king! If one was caught praying to anyone other than the king, they were to be thrown into the lion’s den and eaten! They knew Daniel prayed three times a day to God, and brought this to the king’s attention. The king could not change the decree, nor could he help Daniel. Daniel was summarily arrested and scheduled to be placed in the lion’s den!
The king was distressed, he said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16) Daniel was sealed into the den overnight. The king returned to the palace, but he couldn’t eat, and he couldn’t sleep! At the first light of dawn, the king hurried to the lion’s den. The king called to Daniel, and Daniel answered. Daniel told the king that God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. The king was ecstatic!
What happened next? The ‘rest of the story’ is for mature audiences only. In accordance with Persian custom, this cruel punishment was transferred to those who had conspired against the king by provoking him into unjust action (see also Ester 7:9-10).
“The king’s command,
the men who falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den,
along with their wives and children.
And before they reached the floor of the den,
the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.”
Daniel 6:24
The Bottom line
God, who delivered Daniel, will deliver you. Evil deeds often backfire on those who plan cruelty.
No comments:
Post a Comment