Faith, Influence and Divine Protection.
Daniel’s Position
Daniel 6:3 CSB Daniel distinguished himself above the administrators and satraps because he had an extraordinary spirit, so the king planned to set him over the whole realm.
cf: Daniel 5:14 CSB – 14 “I’ve heard that you have a spirit of the gods in you, and that insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom are found in you.
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Daniel’s Rivals
Daniel 6:4 CSB The administrators and satraps, therefore, kept trying to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom. But they could find no charge or corruption, for he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.
cf: Psalm 37:12 CSB – 12 The wicked person schemes against the righteous and
gnashes his teeth at him.
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A Treacherous
Daniel 6:7 CSB – “All the administrators of the kingdom — the prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors — have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an edict that, for thirty days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions’ den.
cf: Psalm 59:3 CSB – 3 Because look, LORD, they set an ambush for me. Powerful men attack me, but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine.
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Daniel’s Faith
Daniel 6:10-11 CSB – 10 When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God.
cf: Psalm 34:1 CSB – 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
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to the Lions’ Den & Divine
Daniel 6:15-16 CSB – 15 Then these men went together to the king and said to him, “You know, Your Majesty, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no edict or ordinance the king establishes can be changed.” 16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you! “
cf: Isaiah 43:2 CSB – 2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.
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Daniel is
Daniel 6:20-21 CSB – 20 When he reached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” the king said, “has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions? ” 21 Then Daniel spoke with the king: “May the king live forever.
cf: Psalm 71:15 CSB – 15 My mouth will tell about your righteousness and your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up.
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and Decree
Daniel 6:24 CSB – The king then gave the command, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the lions’ den — they, their children, and their wives. They had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
cf: Proverbs 11:8 CSB – 8 The righteous one is rescued from trouble; in his place, the wicked one goes in.
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King Darius’s
Daniel 6:25-27 CSB – 25 Then King Darius wrote to those of every people, nation, and language who live on the whole earth: “May your prosperity abound. 26 “I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For he is the living God, and he endures forever; his kingdom will never be destroyed, and his dominion has no end. 27 “He rescues and delivers; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for he has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
cf: Daniel 2:20 CSB – 20 and declared: May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him.
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While situations shout despair, faith proclaims: God’s movement is sure, and His proof will be seen.
Community Life Group Questions (Take Your Pick)
- (Daniel 6:3) – Daniel’s “extraordinary spirit” earned him favor. What qualities do you think contributed to this? How can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives?
- (Daniel 6:3) – The text mentions that Daniel was used by King Darius for what he could get out of him. What does this reveal about the nature of worldly power? How can we maintain our integrity when in positions of influence?
- (Daniel 6:4) – “There will always be something or someone who wants to bring you down.” How does this statement resonate with your own experiences? How do you respond?
- (Daniel 6:7) – Why was the decree specifically designed to target Daniel’s faith? What does this reveal about the enemy’s strategy?
- (Daniel 6:15-16) – King Darius was trapped by his own decree. How does this illustrate the consequences of pride?
- (Daniel 6:20-21) – How does Daniel’s calm response demonstrate his trust in God? How can we cultivate this kind of peace in the midst of trials?
- (Daniel 6:24) – The punishment of the accusers illustrates the principle of “you reap what you sow.” How does this concept apply to our lives today?
- (Daniel 6:25-27) – How can we use our own experiences of God’s faithfulness to impact those around us?
- (Daniel 6:25-27) – How does the end of this chapter reinforce the big idea that God remembers his people even in the worst of times?
How can we pray for you?
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