Daniel had been thrown to the lions because the king had been duped into an entangling legislation by Daniel’s jealous co-workers. However, Daniel must have shared that his God could do great things as the king still hoped that God could save Daniel.
Daniel 6: 19 At daybreak the king got up and ran to the pit. 20 He was anxious and shouted, “Daniel, you were faithful and served your God. Was he able to save you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered, “Your Majesty, I hope you live forever! 22 My God knew that I was innocent, and he sent an angel to keep the lions from eating me. Your Majesty, I have never done anything to hurt you.”
23 The king was relieved to hear Daniel’s voice, and he gave orders for him to be taken out of the pit. Daniel’s faith in his God had kept him from being harmed.[1]
The king must have had an idea that God could protect Daniel, or he wouldn’t have bothered to check the lion’s den. The reply of Daniel proves that his God is indeed living and has been able to save him. The implication that God is and that He rewards those who trust Him is the most important discovery that King Darius could make. His idols were made of stone and wood and were not able to save anyone. Even though Daniel’s enemies had framed him unfairly, God saved him.
Jesus Himself was framed and treated unfairly, just like Daniel was. God brought Jesus back from the dead. It was Jesus’ death on the cross that defeated sin and His resurrection defeated death. Col. 1:13 God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who forgives our sins and sets us free.[2] This allows us to have a relationship with God, the Creator of the universe. This relationship begins when we believe and continues into eternity. If you have questions about this, click the new believer tab on this webpage.
To hear more of Daniel’s story, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/daniel-a-man-of-character/daniel-in-the-lions-den
[1,2] Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society