Many of you are familiar with the story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den (Daniel chapters 1-6).
As a recap of the story:
Daniel was an Israelite living in exile in Babylon (in the sixth century B.C). Wicked men come to King Darius and, appealing to his pride, they convince him to pass a law that people could only pray to the King. Whoever broke this new law would be thrown into a lion’s den. Daniel regularly prayed to God and he continued to pray to God three times a day. He was not afraid that people would see him or report him.
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before. 11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.”
Daniel’s actions were reported to the King and he was arrested and thrown into the Lion’s Den.
Let’s pause and take a moment to look at the painting below that is a depiction of this story:
Daniel in the lion’s den is a painting by Robert Ambrose Dudley
What do you see in this picture? Obviously we see Daniel and the hungry lions.
However, did you notice where Daniel’s eyes are focused?
Daniel is looking up to God. He is not looking at the lions.
As we continue the story….
After Daniel was thrown into the Lion’s Den the King did not sleep all night and was troubled in His heart. In the morning King Darius took his guards and rushed to the Lion’s Den. The King rejoiced when he saw that he was alive and had him pulled him out of the den unharmed. The King then passed an order that the wicked men would be thrown into the den with the lions.
As soon as these evil men were thrown in the den they were immediately eaten by the lions. This shows that the lions were hungry. When Daniel was thrown into the den the lions left him alone not because they weren’t hungry but because God sent an angel for protection.
“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me…” (Dan 6:22)
Daniel prayed and looked to God alone for his deliverance. He trusted that God would take care of Him. Daniel showed commitment to obeying God’s law despite the consequences. He prayed and believed in God for his deliverance.
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
Where Are Your Eyes Looking?
Every Christian will face their own “lion’s den” their lifetime. We too will be tested and face consequences for standing up for our beliefs and obedience to God. Satan and his forces are always trying to destroy us. “The thief comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy;…” (John 10:10)
This Bible story should bring us great encouragement. Just like Daniel fixed his eyes on God–not on the lions in front of him–we need to keep our eyes fixed on God.
“But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)
Related:
- Keep Your Eyes On Jesus
- Courage Is What We Need
- Stories of Courage
- Encourage One Another
- God Will Take Care of You
Watch: Daniel’s Prayer
Song: Look to God
Song: He WIll Keep You (Psalm 121)
Lee
THANKS Cynthia!! This is a truly inspirational story put there by a loving Creator for our ENCOURAGEMENT!! “For all the things that were written before were written for our instruction, so that through patient endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) interestingly; I noticed that the lions were not looking at Daniel in the picture; either. 😊 Their attention was focused elsewhere. THANKS for sharing this post!! 👍👍
Cynthia Greene
Good for you noticing that Daniel was not looking at the lions…. That would be quite challenging if we were faced with the same situation. Daniel faced alot of trials in his life including being thrown into the firey furnace. But he continued to show is trust in God for deliverance.