Dk – Dani’el Saved in the Lion’s Den 6: 1-28

Dani’el Saved in the Lion’s Den
6: 1-28

One of the most familiar stories in the Bible is found in the chapter: Dani’el in the lions’ den. This event took place in the days of Darius the Mede. This in itself is intended to be an indication of the message of the chapter, and indeed, of the entire book. Another king comes along with another kingdom; kingdoms will rise and fall but Dani’el, the symbol of the Kingdom of God, remains. He has seen Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar come and go. Now Cyrus and Darius had arrived (to see link click Ag – Cyrus and Darius), and Dani’el was still serving the King of kings. The way the lions’ mouths were shut stirs from Darius the final confession of the book: Dani’el’s God is the living God whose Kingdom will never be destroyed (see Dp – Darius’ Wise Decree). Only by faith in such a God could anyone have stopped the mouths of the lions (Hebrews 11:33).³²⁴

This chapter, verses 1 through 28 can be broken down in chiastic fashion, resulting in a mirror effect as the ideas are “reflected” back in the passage: A to A, B to B, with C being the climax of the chiasm.

A. Dani’el is Promoted – 6:1-3 (Dl)

B. The Conspiracy of the Royal Administrators – 6:4-9 (Dm)

C. The Prayer of Dani’el – 6:10-15 (Dn)

B. Dani’el in the Lion’s Den – 6:16-24 (Do)

A. Darius’ Wise Decree – 6:25-28 (Dp)