716. DAN 6:21, DAN 6:22. DANIEL’S PERIL AND DELIVERANCE

Dan_6:21, Dan_6:22. Daniel’s Peril and Deliverance

"Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt."’97Dan_6:21, Dan_6:22.

We have seen the holy noble course Daniel pursued. How he adhered, without the least varying, to his godly principles and practice. How he honored God, by the most uncompromising steadfastness, in the midst of imminent peril. No instance of noble-minded magnanimity is, or can be, superior to this. It is religion in its mightiest triumphs! and though Daniel had perished, as to this body and this life, he would have remained an immortal instance of true greatness, real goodness. But let us now enter on the narrative of his peril and deliverance.

Observe,

I. The occasion of his peril.

It was his steadfast piety; Dan_6:10.

Now his enemies knew him so well, that they were sure that they could ensnare him. Hence they assembled, and found Daniel praying as before; Dan_6:11. Never had he prayed under such circumstances before.

Then they refer it to the king.

Accuse Daniel; Dan_6:12, Dan_6:13.

The king is sore displeased. He sees the plot. Loves the excellent Daniel. Sincerely endeavors to save him; Dan_6:14. No doubt he wished to do this according to the laws. He reasoned, doubtless, with his accusers, &c. Surely he regretted the hasty edict he had issued. Daniel’s enemies demanded the fulfilment of the penalty’97being fully set on his ruin; Dan_6:15.

Then observe,

II. The peril itself.

It was the imminent exposure of his life. Look at Dan_6:7. To be cast into a den of lions’97hungry, roaring lions.

This was one of the cruel and barbarous modes of putting criminals to death. The godly were often thus destroyed. From this danger they had no way of escape. In the mighty amphitheatre, the victim, sometimes by his heroism and strength, so excited sympathy among the cruel spectators, that he might be released. But here was a deep, dark den: the raging lions waiting for their prey; and the poor victim was let down or cast into their midst, and was in a few minutes torn to pieces, and devoured.

To this danger Daniel was exposed. The decree had gone forth. Repeal was impossible. And the king at length yielded, and Daniel was cast into it.

Two things are to be noted here,’97

(1.) The king’s faith in Daniel’s deliverance; Dan_6:16.

(2.) And the process of security against human help, adopted; Dan_6:17.

The king retires to his palace fasting, and spent the night in sleepless anxiety; Dan_6:18. Early he arises, and hastens to the den of lions; Dan_6:19. He cries out with intense distress and fear; for though he had exhibited remarkable faith, yet fears rushed across his mind,’97"O Daniel, servant of the living God," &c.; Dan_6:20.

This leads us to consider,

III. Daniel’s deliverance from peril. Here is the king at the den of the lions, crying to Daniel, and immediately the well-known voice is heard; Dan_6:22. "My God hath sent his angel," &c. The deliverance of Daniel,

1. Was evidently supernatural.

It was God’s work’97miraculous! Not according to the course of nature, but in direct opposition to it. Nothing but God’s power could restrain the lions, and preserve Daniel.

It is stated that an angel was the instrument of it. He often employed these shining ones to deliver his saints. What a strange association in the lion’s den, the hungry, raging lions’97Daniel their intended victim’97and the shining angel in his brightness, and with the commission of God, to close the mouths of the wild beasts.

But Daniel’s deliverance,

2. Was complete.

Not injured at all. Wild beasts around; but the angel of God with him, so that even his heart failed not; but God kept both body and soul in perfect peace.

But notice,

IV. The subsequent results of the deliverance of Daniel.

1. Daniel’s piety is signally honored. Dan_6:22.

Daniel had honored God, and God fulfils his own word, and honors Daniel. Attests the value of godliness, and the truth of that religion which Daniel had professed.

2. Wickedness was publicly and awfully punished.

The enemies of religion and Daniel, were now offered in sacrifice to the furious wild beasts. Their own envy and sinful devices, now brought destruction on themselves; Dan_6:24. Skepticism may protest against the justice of the sentence, in reference to their wives and children. I only reply, that that which so appals us in a case like this, is taking place daily, in the events of the world’s history. The plague’97the pestilence’97the earthquake, just do the same with children and with parents. We are connected so closely, that in a thousand respects, the innocent child has to bear the effects of the crimes of his guilty parents.

3. The majesty and glory of God were proclaimed.

Dan_6:25. The character and glory of the true God were thus proclaimed. God elicited good from evil; and made the wrath of man to praise him.

Learn from the whole,’97

1. The importance of religious decision. A good faith must be professed, and maintained at all hazards.

2. The advantages of true godliness.

It is profitable unto all things, &c. But even if men suffer and die for religion, it is everlasting gain.

3. Who will consecrate themselves now to the Lord.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS