Dilemma in the Den of Lions – PART 4

Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:11-15) – PART 4

Once the decree had been declared, the conspirators didn’t waste time. Daniel's enemies were watching and waiting to report Daniel's behavior to the king. These men knew Daniel would never pray to any man, nor would he ever cease from praying to God. They knew it would happen quickly. And when it did, they first reminded Darius of his decree. These conspirators were counting on Daniel to be true to his conviction (Acts 5:29). It should be noted that when there is a conflict between human law and divine law, God’s law always takes precedence.

They did not want Daniel, a Jew, being promoted. They knew obviously that the king favored Daniel. In fact, that was why they wanted to get rid of Daniel. It was after the Scripture says that the king "thought to set him over the whole realm" (Daniel 6:3), that the plotters took action. Proverbs 29:27, “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”

Once Daniel had prayed to the Lord as he had done many times before, the conspirators did not waste any time at all. With urgency they went straight to King Darius and reminded him of the law he executed. It was now time to promptly carry out the sentence and take Daniel directly to the lions.

Instantly, Darius knew he had been set up and duped! He clearly understood his mistake and serious error in judgment. Why hadn't he asked these men if Daniel had agreed to this proposal? Better yet, since he had such respect for Daniel, why hadn't he consulted him before he issued this disastrous decree? Perhaps the answer is pride. After all, no man could pray to any man or god except King Darius for thirty days. King Darius was probably thinking, "How could I have been so foolish? Why did I not see this?" Darius realized what had been done and how he had been made an unknowing and unwilling part of the plot of Daniel’s enemies. As a result, King Darius was disgusted with himself. Darius was in turmoil over this tragedy of injustice. He would lose his appetite. He did not eat or enjoy "instruments of music." His couch was like a bed of thorns. Sleep said to the king, "You shall not know me tonight, nor will you know my warm and comforting embrace."

King Darius was about to lose the best man in his administration. He responded by setting his heart diligently to find a way to deliver Daniel. Daniel’s accusers reminded the king that he could not change the law once the law was enacted. Darius was stuck. Any attempt to deliver Daniel himself was to no avail. He had no recourse but to execute sentence against Daniel. What is worth noting is the fact that Daniel was a man who had such a sweet spirit, celebrated character, and true testimony and loyalty to his LORD that a heathen king wanted to defend him and to save his life.

Daniel did not alter his ways, even to appease the king. He remained consistent in spite of the danger, the pressure to conform, and even the command of the king. God give us saints who will take their stand for the Lord and will be faithful and consistent in spite of what they face in life (I Corinthians 15:58). When you stand for Him, He will stand with you (Psalms 55:22). When faith is exercised faithfully and consistently, it has the power to move those who know us to consider the Lord for themselves!

Prayer: Lord, You have delivered me from countless circumstances. You have parted waters for me and have delivered me from fiery trials by Your sovereign hand while my enemies were encouraging me to doubt and deny You. You hastily answered my simple cry for help. Thank You for preserving me from my persecutors. In Jesus name, Amen!

This was PART 4 of the series titled “Dilemma in the Den of Lions”. Please visit the website tomorrow for Part 5.

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