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26 administrator, but he had a fatal flaw—pride. By appealing to his vanity, the men talked Darius into signing a law effectively making himself a god for 30 days. This law could not be broken—not even by an important official like Daniel. Another example of the irrevocable nature of the laws of the Medes and Persians appears in Esther 8:8. “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. Daniel stood alone. Although he knew about the law against praying to anyone except the king, he continued to pray three times a day as he always had. Daniel had a disciplined prayer life. Our prayers are usually interrupted not by threats, but simply by the pressure of our schedules. Do not let threats or pressures cut into your prayer time. Pray regularly, no matter what, for prayer is your lifeline to God.” Daniel did not attempt to hide his daily prayer routine from his enemies in government, even though he knew he would be disobeying the new law. Hiding his daily prayers would have been futile because surely the conspirators would have caught him at something else during the month. In addition, hiding would have demonstrated that he was afraid of the other government officials. Daniel continued to pray because he could not look to the king for the guidance and strength that he needed during this difficult time. Only God could provide what he really needed. “The officials went together to Daniel's house and found him praying and asking for God's help. So they went back to the king and reminded him about his law. "Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days anyone who prays to anyone, divine or human— except to Your Majesty—will be thrown to the lions" "Yes," the king replied, "that decision stands; it is a law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked." Then they told the king, "That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is paying no attention to you or your law. He still prays to his God three times a day." Hearing this, the king was very angry with himself for signing the law, and he tried to find a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. In the evening the men went together to the king and said, "Your Majesty knows that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed." 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 worship continually, rescue you." Lions roamed the countryside and forests in Mesopotamia, and the people feared them and greatly respected their power. Some kings hunted lions for sport. The Persians captured lions, keeping them in large parks where they were fed and attended. Lions were also used for executing people. However, God has ways of delivering his people (Daniel 6:22) that none of us can imagine. It is always premature to give up and give in to the pressure of unbelievers, because God has power they know nothing about. God can even shut the lions’ mouths. 26
27 Even unbelievers witnessed to Daniel’s consistency. By his continual service, Daniel had demonstrated his faithful devotion to God. What can unbelievers determine about your life “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 from the lions. 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. Very early the next morning, the king hurried out to the lions' den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you worship continually, able to rescue you from the lions" Daniel answered, "Long live the king! 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." The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him because he had trusted in his God. The man or woman who trusts in God and obeys his will is untouchable until God takes him or her. To trust God is to have immeasurable peace. God, who delivered Daniel, will deliver you. Do you trust him with your life 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. In accordance with Persian custom, this cruel punishment was transferred to those who had conspired against the king by provoking him into an unjust action (see also Esther 7:9-10). The king’s great anger resulted in the execution of the evil officials and their families. Evil deeds often backfire on those who plan cruelty. “Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: "Peace and prosperity to you! "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. 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." 27
Page 2 and 3: 2 Introduction to the Book of Danie
Page 4 and 5: 4 THEME: God is in Control God is a
Page 6 and 7: 6 young men”, he said. "Make sure
Page 8 and 9: 8 Daniel and his friends learned al
Page 10 and 11: 10 answered before the king, and sa
Page 12 and 13: 12 If you ever think that you have
Page 14 and 15: 14 him to go beyond his own authori
Page 16 and 17: 16 possibilities. (1) He may have b
Page 18 and 19: 18 degree of autonomy find this dif
Page 20 and 21: 20 “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise a
Page 22 and 23: 22 His loyalty was to God, not mone
Page 24 and 25: 24 hung around his neck, and he was
Page 28 and 29: 28 Nebuchadnezzar had come to belie
Page 30 and 31: 30 is Medo-Persia. The three ribs i
Page 32 and 33: 32 completely destroyed. Then the s
Page 34 and 35: 34 Alexander the Great died in his
Page 36 and 37: 36 Daniel Chapter 9 The vision in D
Page 38 and 39: 38 wretchedness. See how your city
Page 40 and 41: 40 Daniel Chapter 10 This is Daniel
Page 42 and 43: 42 Daniel Chapter 11 “I have been
Page 44 and 45: 44 “After this, he will turn his
Page 46 and 47: 46 god there is, even blaspheming t
Page 48 and 49: 48 “Time, times and half a time

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