Dilemma in the Den of Lions – PART 2

Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:4-9) – PART 2

It was those in high position who envied Daniel, and as a result they conspired against him. Jealously was the motive for the lions' den for Daniel. Daniel’s high position was an obstacle to the other rulers who sought to take advantage of their power. His testimony was like salt and light to their evil ambition (Matthew 5:13-14; John 3:20). Daniel’s profession was matched by his practice. These conspirators could find no ground for complaint or any fault against him (Daniel 6:4). His books were in order. His numbers all added up. No bribes had been taken and witnesses to the contrary could not be found. These men investigated Daniel's performance, but could find no fault in his work. These men hated Daniel because he was a righteous man who would expose their corruption and would not let them unjustly profit from their position (John 3:19-21). Few men in high places have much character, so Daniel would not be liked by his peers.

Jealousy is a powerful and destructive force. These men felt that the only way they could entrap Daniel was in the matter of his worship of God. The Word of God had a huge impact in Daniel's life, and will impact your life, too. Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Daniel was a man of godly character and consistency. Could this be said of you? What kind of example are you to others? The challenge of God's Word is to have a sterling life that is right with God and with men.

The Bible says in Daniel 6:6, they assembled together with the king.
1. They fibbed (lied) to the king (Daniel 6:7a)
They told the king it was unanimous – but Daniel (the chief) was not with them. The ungodly will seek to use their power to destroy the innocent, and if they have no information on them that can bring them down, they will make up lies (I Kings 21:13).

2. They flattered the king (Daniel 6:7b)
They appealed to the king’s pride. This is always the design of flattery. Three times these 120 men gathered behind closed doors to conspire against Daniel (Daniel 6:6, 11, 15). It was their intent on removing Daniel from his position in the kingdom.

Daniel performed so well at his job that the plotters concluded the only way they could "get him” was through his relationship with his God—that is, make some law that he would violate in his faithfulness to God. It was an ingenious though insidious plot—and it worked just as they had planned. His conspirators were depending on Daniel being true to his convictions. They were correct. Daniel was going to pray to God even if it cost him his life. They suggested that prayers or petitions be made only to the king for thirty days. He was looked upon as a god. The plotters played on the pride of Darius with their petition by making him so great that people had to forgo any petition to anyone except him for thirty days. They told the king that all the presidents and princes were in agreement on this law. This was a lie because Daniel was not a part of this.

These ungodly men finally came to the conclusion in their diligent search that they had no “dirt” on Daniel and that he was clean. They had nothing that they could go to the king about and accuse him of. They could not find any fault or wrong doing in his conduct. What a testimony that Daniel had! These men deeply hated him like the Pharisees hated Jesus, but they could not find anything wrong with him. It was not because they did not look, but they found nothing that they were looking for. Daniel was consistent in his conduct, consecrated in his character, and conquered in his calling. There are some principles that we need to remember as Christians.

Prayer, Father in Heaven, I humbly seek Your grace and guidance that I might honor and please You in all I do. Help me as I encounter daily challenges at work that I may glorify You in all my activities with honesty, integrity, character, and fairness. I pray Your blessings on all I do. In Jesus name, Amen.

This was PART 2 of the series titled “Dilemma in the Den of Lions”. Please visit the website tomorrow for Part 3.

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