13 Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day." 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.15 Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues 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 serve continually, rescue you!"17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I feel that the King fears God's presence and guidance in Daniel's life. Despite that, he still carries out his decree and throws Daniel into the lion's den. I wonder if the King's statement to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!", was said sarcastically or sincerely....Nevertheless, we can see that the king is troubled and not at peace after imprisoning Daniel.He is probably aware that Daniel is a very righteous man who has done nothing wrong. However, he still decides against Daniel because of peer pressure by his administrators and the satraps, and he fears that authority could diminish by not carrying out his decree. In some way, he is very similar to Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Jesus to death fearing the Roman regime, though he knew Jesus was an innocent man....
I believe this king was very sincere speaking to Daniel "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"
His action follows his words clearly. "Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep."
He definitely valued and respected Daniel and wanted him to survive. If his words were just mere words, he would've gone and did his usual routine.
I can't imagine what Daniel felt going into the lion's den. But one thing is that he probably had complete trust in God and even if he were to be torn apart and die, he would still fully trust in Him.
Even when I say I follow Christ, I don't know what my reaction will be when I'm faced death. Would I deny Christ in that situation?
I pray that my trust in God will continue to grow daily.
Post a Comment