I make
a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even to the end. He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
Daniel 6:26-27
Daniel 6 [20.] When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spoke and said to Daniel, Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever. My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; because as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. The king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions mauled them, and broke all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.
Daniel 6 [25.] Then king Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even to the end. He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Meaning:
These verses come from the proclamation of King Darius after Daniel’s miraculous deliverance from the lions’ den. They reflect a powerful moment of recognition and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty by a pagan king, highlighting the themes of divine protection, the reality of God’s eternal kingdom, and the impact of a faithful witness.
The story of Daniel in the lions’ den is one of the most well-known narratives in the Bible. Daniel, a Jewish exile serving in the court of King Darius, had distinguished himself through his exceptional character and administrative abilities, which led to his appointment as one of the top officials in the kingdom. However, his success provoked jealousy among the other officials, who conspired to bring him down. Knowing that Daniel was faithful to his God, they persuaded King Darius to issue a decree forbidding anyone to pray to any god or man other than the king for thirty days, under penalty of being thrown into the lions’ den.
Daniel, unwavering in his devotion, continued to pray to God as he always had, despite the decree. His enemies caught him in the act and reported him to the king, who, despite his regret, was bound by the irrevocable law of the Medes and Persians to carry out the punishment. Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, but God miraculously delivered him by shutting the mouths of the lions.
The next morning, Darius rushed to the den and found Daniel unharmed. Overjoyed, the king issued a new decree, the one found in Daniel 6:26-27, praising the God of Daniel and declaring that all people in his kingdom should "tremble and fear" before Him.
- The Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty
"For he is the living God, and steadfast forever": In these words, Darius recognizes that the God of Daniel is not like the idols worshiped by many in his kingdom. He is the "living God," a God who is active, powerful, and eternal. Unlike the lifeless idols, God is steadfast, unchanging, and enduring through all generations.
"His kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even to the end": This proclamation is significant because it comes from a pagan king who ruled one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world. Yet, Darius acknowledges that God’s kingdom is greater and more enduring than any earthly empire. This statement reflects the biblical theme of God’s eternal kingdom, which is unshakeable and will ultimately prevail over all human powers.
- The Divine Acts of Deliverance
"He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions": Darius’s decree not only acknowledges God’s sovereignty but also His ability to deliver and rescue. Daniel’s miraculous survival in the lions’ den is presented as evidence of God’s power to save His people from seemingly impossible situations. This theme of deliverance is central to the book of Daniel, where God repeatedly saves His faithful servants from danger and demonstrates His control over the events of history.
- The Impact of a Faithful Witness
Daniel’s unwavering faith and God’s miraculous intervention led to a public acknowledgment of God’s greatness by a pagan king. This story illustrates how a faithful witness to God, even in the face of persecution, can lead others to recognize and honor Him.
A Witness in a Hostile Environment: Daniel’s faithfulness in prayer, despite the threat of death, serves as a powerful example of steadfast devotion to God. His commitment to prayer, even when it was illegal, shows the importance of maintaining our spiritual disciplines regardless of external pressures. Daniel’s actions also remind us that our witness is most powerful when we remain true to God in difficult circumstances.
Influencing Those in Power: Daniel’s influence reached the highest levels of the Persian Empire, showing that God can use His people to impact those in authority. By living out his faith with integrity, Daniel became a vessel through which God revealed His power and sovereignty to the king, leading to a public proclamation that honored God. This encourages us to live out our faith boldly, knowing that our actions can have far-reaching effects, even influencing those who may not know God.
The Application of the Passage
The message of Daniel 6:26-27 is both encouraging and challenging for us today:
Confidence in God’s Sovereignty: We are reminded that God’s kingdom is unshakeable and eternal. In a world where earthly powers rise and fall, we can have confidence that God’s reign will never end. This truth should give us peace and assurance, knowing that God is in control, no matter the circumstances.
Trust in God’s Deliverance: Daniel’s deliverance from the lions’ den is a powerful testimony to God’s ability to save and protect His people. While we may not face literal lions, we do encounter situations that seem impossible. This story encourages us to trust in God’s power to deliver us from our trials and to believe that He is working for our good, even when the odds are against us.
Living as Faithful Witnesses: Daniel’s example challenges us to live out our faith with boldness and integrity, even in the face of opposition. Our commitment to God, especially in difficult circumstances, can have a profound impact on those around us, leading others to recognize God’s greatness. We are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting that God can use our lives to reveal His glory to the world.
Cross-References:
Psalm 145:13: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Your dominion endures throughout all generations." This psalm echoes the recognition of God’s eternal kingdom, similar to Darius’s proclamation about God’s unending dominion.
Isaiah 43:11-13: "I, even I, am the Lord; and besides me there is no savior. I have declared, I have saved, and I have shown, and there was no strange god among you. Therefore you are my witnesses," says the Lord, "that I am God." This passage emphasizes God’s role as the only Savior and deliverer, aligning with Darius’s acknowledgment of God’s power to rescue.
Acts 26:22-23: "Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen, that the Christ must suffer and that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles." Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa shows the continuation of the theme of faithful witness before powerful rulers, similar to Daniel’s experience.
Conclusion: Daniel 6:26-27 captures a moment of divine revelation and acknowledgment from a pagan king, highlighting the themes of God’s sovereignty, deliverance, and the power of a faithful witness. Darius’s proclamation about the God of Daniel serves as a reminder that God’s kingdom is eternal, His power to save is unmatched, and our faithfulness to Him can influence even the most powerful people. As we reflect on this passage, we are encouraged to trust in God’s control over all things, to rely on His deliverance, and to live as bold witnesses for His glory.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible