HOW TO TAME THE LION – Daniel 6
1 Peter 5:8, 9 reminds us Satan roams about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may
devour; thus, Peter exhorts us, “resist him!” Daniel faces both literal and physical lions
within our text, and demonstrates through his life just how to overcome the
intimidating roars of the enemy of our soul.
(v.1-5) There are those who argue the Book of Daniel is
inaccurate because Daniel says here Darius the Mede is king when
historical records imply Cyrus of Persia was king at this time.
Scholars for years have debated this issue. However, the simplest
solution to this question, according to scholar D.L. Wiseman, is
that King Darius the Mede is merely another name for King Cyrus.
Monarchs having more than one name was a common practice.
(Commentary Daniel chapter 6 - John F. Walvoord; pg. 132-134).
The “satraps” were lieutenants (princes, mayors) governing the whole kingdom. Daniel
was one of the governors selected to oversee them. In (v.3), Daniel distinguishes
himself above the other governors; in fact, the king was considering placing him over
the whole realm.
Daniel’s integrity was a problem for the other governors and satraps. Not only were
they envious of Daniel, but also, with “Mr. Goodie Two-Shoes” around, they couldn’t
skim off the top, or take advantage of the people, by running their extortion schemes!
Daniel had to go! Thus (v.4, 5), due to Daniel’s devotion to his God, they knew the only
way to trip him up was to provide a conflict between the king and Daniel’s conscience
towards God. By placing Daniel in a politically incorrect position, and having him
labeled as an enemy of the king, they could continue to justify their wicked lifestyles.
Thus, the world’s sentiment today is, “Jesus has to go!”
(v.6-9) They appeal to the king’s ego. This 30-day piece of legislation (decree) was a
Medo-Persian decree “which does not alter” – no one can change it! However, they
failed to realize every decree of man is subject to the decree – the word – of God! The
doctor may have diagnosed cancer, but when he examined you again, he couldn’t find
it! You weren’t supposed to get the job, but you got it! You couldn’t get into college, but
now you are graduating from it! God’s decree – what He says – matters; all else is
background noise! (v.10) Daniel knew about the new legislation, but rather than call
his congressman or start a petition drive, he went home to his “upper room,” and had a
talk with Jesus first! He refused to allow the tyranny of man to divert him from his
devotion to God! In low times, it’s good to have an “upper room” – a place of refuge
and inner strength, in God! It was Daniel’s “custom” to pray three times a day. Godly
customs born out of devotion, rather than legalism, are a good thing. We must
cultivate godly customs to counter our carnal habits. Paul writes in Philippians 3:13b,
“…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead….” This is a
simultaneous action. If we are not reaching for something good, something bad will
be sure to reach us!
The opening of the windows, and praying toward the direction of Jerusalem, was
symbolic of his hope in God that someday Israel would be gathered again to Jerusalem.
Praying toward the temple in Jerusalem was a mentality adopted by Solomon, during
the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles 6. Daniel’s posture represented his utter
dependence upon the Lord, as he “knelt before God.” We need not pray toward the
temple today; Hebrews 4:16; 9:11 – Jesus is that greater and more perfect
“Tabernacle” by which we now have direct access to God!
(v.11-14) Daniel’s enemies had prearranged to gather in a place where they could see
and hear Daniel praying (v.11). They knew where they’d find him at certain times of
the day. The world should know where to find us, as well. "Why did you seek Me? Did you not
know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49 Note: If Daniel knew he was being
watched, he could have prayed silently! But true inward faith must have an outward
expression. No secret service saints! "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also
confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My
Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33
In (v.14), the king, due to his respect for Daniel, is angry with himself, as he realizes the
dilemma he created. Daniel’s enemies, smelling blood in the water, seized upon the
opportunity (v.15-17). Knowing the situation was beyond himself, the king offers a
token word of support (v.16b): “I tried to save you and failed, now your God will have
to save you.” At this point, God has Daniel exactly where He wants him; that He might
“glorify” His holy name! Where human intervention ends, God often begins His best
work! Although the legislation had been signed, and the den sealed, Daniel would be
delivered! Stevie Wonder - “Signed, Sealed, Delivered!”
(v.18-23) The king was hoping against all reasonable doubt; there was “lamenting” –
sadness – in his voice (v.20). Daniel’s response. He didn’t say, “Get me out of here!”
But Daniel believed in his God (v.23b). ”Believed” in Hebrew is aman: “permanent,
quite.” Similarly to the three Hebrew boys who were walking around in the flames,
Daniel may have been petting the lions because God tamed them! He not only
attributes his deliverance to the power of God, but also to the fact that he was
innocent of any deceitfulness towards God or the king, (v.22).
We cannot expect deliverance while dealing treacherously with others. (Priest – Malachi
2). “Mercy and truth” are the means by which we can remain “innocent” (literally, pure)
in our relationships. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the
tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 (v.24) As
with Haman in the Book of Esther 7:10, the trap Daniel’s enemies had set for him
became their own death trap! The king issues a new decree, a testament to God’s
sovereign decree over that of man! (v.25-28).
CONCLUSION: Prayer is the means by which we can tame the lion – keep Satan the
accuser of the brethren – from infiltrating our lives (Revelation 12:10). The world sees
this as foolishness. Last Thursday’s front page of the N.Y. Daily News – a day after the
San Bernardino shooting – carried this headline: “God Isn’t Fixing This.” For the
believer, God is really the only one who can fix this! There are five aspects of effective
prayer: 1) Prayer is relational. We must be born again! If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord
will not hear. Psalm 66:18 2) Prayer is trust, “faith,” without which we cannot please God
Hebrews 11:6.
3) Prayer is commitment. pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 4) Prayer is submission.
The Lord’s Prayer – “…thy will be done…” Matthew 6; Luke 11 5) Prayer is selfless.
Daniel’s effective prayers were the prelude for the return under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2-5).
Daniel selflessly prayed for the benefit of others. A word to our seasoned saints, who
may struggle with feelings of insignificance: God left you here to pray into existence
things you may never see. (Grandma Rose). Prayer is the most powerful and needed
ministry of the church! The lion has been defeated. For this purpose the Son of God was
manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8b This is the liberating message of
communion and Christmas!