A Look at Daniel:
The exact age of Daniel when he was thrown into the lions’ den is not specified in the Book of Daniel. However, we can make an educated guess based on some chronological markers and historical references.
- Daniel’s Arrival in Babylon: Daniel was taken to Babylon in the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, which would be around 605 B.C. (Daniel 1:1). It’s traditionally believed that Daniel was a young man, possibly in his teens, when he was taken to Babylon.
- Medo-Persian Reign: The events of the lions’ den occurred during the reign of Darius the Mede, following the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 B.C.
Given these references:
- If Daniel was, for instance, 15 years old in 605 B.C., he would be 81 years old in 539 B.C.
- If he was 18 in 605 B.C., he would be 84 years old in 539 B.C.
Thus, Daniel was likely in his early to mid-80s during the incident in the lions’ den. This also underscores his remarkable faith; as an elderly man, he displayed unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of potential death.
Context and Lessons with Scripture References
The story unfolds in Daniel 6. Here’s a summarized breakdown with references:
- Daniel’s Favor with the King: Daniel had distinguished himself among the administrators by his exceptional qualities (Daniel 6:3).
- The Plot Against Daniel: The administrators and satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs (Daniel 6:4-5).
- The Decree by King Darius: King Darius is tricked into signing a decree that no one could pray to any god or human besides him for 30 days (Daniel 6:7-9).
- Daniel’s Faithful Response: Knowing about the decree, Daniel still prays three times a day (Daniel 6:10).
- Daniel’s Faithful Response: Knowing about the decree, Daniel still prays three times a day (Daniel 6:10).
- The Consequence: Daniel is thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:16).
The Message (Daniel’s Response)
Daniel 6:10, 25-28 NIV 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
- Psalms 34:4-7 NIV I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Note: Daniel lived the majority of his life in exile.
- He was taken from Judah as a young man, possibly in his teens, during the first wave of Babylonian deportations around 605 B.C. (Daniel 1:1-6).
- From that point onward, he remained in Babylon and subsequently served in the Medo-Persian government after the Babylonian Empire was conquered.
Throughout the Book of Daniel, we see him serving under multiple kings:
Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:19-20; 2:46-49; 3:12-30; 4:8-37): Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams and was promoted to high positions in his kingdom.
Belshazzar (Daniel 5): Daniel interpreted the handwriting on the wall, which foretold the fall of the Babylonian Empire.
Darius the Mede (Daniel 6): Under Darius, the incident of the lions’ den took place. After God delivered Daniel from the lions, he continued to prosper in Darius’s reign.
Cyrus the Persian (Daniel 1:21; 6:28; 10:1): Daniel’s service extended into the reign of Cyrus, the king who eventually allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple.
Despite living in a foreign land and serving pagan kings:
- Daniel maintained his commitment to the God of Israel.
- He was a living testament to God’s faithfulness, proving that even in exile, God’s presence and favor could be with His people.
- The enduring faith and integrity that Daniel demonstrated serve as a powerful example of how believers can remain committed to God, even in less than ideal circumstances.
The Outcome
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly! 26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
What Can We Learn?
- Integrity and Consistency: Daniel’s daily habit of praying three times was known and became the basis for the plot against him (Daniel 6:10-11).
- God’s Protection Doesn’t Mean Absence of Trials: God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths, thus protecting Daniel (Daniel 6:22).
- The Consequences of Peer Pressure: Negative Influenced by his officials, King Darius made a decision without considering its implications (Daniel 6:9, 14).
- God’s Vindication: God’s intervention led to Daniel’s release and the punishment of the wicked officials (Daniel 6:24). Following this, Darius decrees that every part of his kingdom must fear and reverence the God of Daniel (Daniel 6:26-27).
- The Power of Jealousy and Deception: The administrators and satraps conspired against Daniel because they were envious of his favor with the king (Daniel 6:4).
- The Universality of God’s Sovereignty: King Darius, at the end of the story, acknowledges the sovereignty and eternal nature of Daniel’s God (Daniel 6:26).
The story of Daniel in the lions’ den provides rich lessons in faithfulness, the protective hand of God, the perils of envy, and the importance of integrity even in the face of life-threatening adversity.