Daniel-The March to the Lions' Den

By Mary Vee
Daniel 6

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel. I am a prophet of God and a prisoner in the land of Babylon with many other Jews.

King Darius the Mede agreed to set up a rule saying no one in the kingdom may pray to anyone except the king for thirty days.

The satraps and administrators had so much fun spying on me and telling the king that I had prayed to my God. 

Of course I did.

The king was upset. He realized the satraps and administrators tricked not only me but him as well. There was absolutely nothing that could be done.

He turned to me. "Daniel. I am so sorry. I will try to do everything I can, but at this moment I must follow the law."

I think I even saw tears forming in his eyes. He turned away. "Take Daniel to the lions' den as is written in the decree."

The guards did not deal harshly with me. They didn't grab my arms or drag me down the corridor. They let me walk with dignity. I think, they, too, realized the horrible thing that the satraps and administrators had done.

We had quite the parade through the city. Babylonians stopped their work to watch us go by. The lions den was a distance away. 

The satraps and administrators followed, all of them. Giggling and sniggering. They didn't hide their mocking words. Instead they tried to get the people to mock me with them.

To tell the truth, I didn't let any of it bother me. I kept in mind what God had done for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I also kept in mind what God had done for Moses and the Israelites when they escaped Egypt, Joseph while he was in captivity, David as he fled King Saul, and a host of others--all helped by God. 

God doesn't promise to spare our lives, He promises to be our tower of strength, a place to hide, a place to find joy, our Father who listens and expects to be worshipped no matter what happens.

King Darius did not join the parade. He stayed in the palace. His eyes pooling with tears showed how sorry he was for allowing the satraps and administrators to trick him. 

We walked outside the palace toward the lions' den. I could hear their roars even from this distance. The animals were kept in a starving mode for times such as this.

Because of their hunger, the lions became ruthless and violent. No one lasted more than a minute after being thrown into the den.

I am prepare to die, though. I will never, under any circumstances or threat, give up my faith in God. 

Come back next time to see what happens.

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1. What decree did the king sign into law?
2. What did Daniel do?
3. Why the the satraps and administrators tell on Daniel?
4. What was the king forced to do?
5. Where was Daniel taken?