Daniel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

DANIEL 6

GOD PROTECTS DANIEL IN THE DEN OF LIONS

With Darius as the new king, Daniel is promoted to a higher level of authority and power. Jealous of Daniel’s position, the other leaders seek to find a scandal in Daniel’s life. However, Daniel is an upstanding man, and they find no misconduct to report. Instead, they decide to use his faith in God against him.

There is a new decree that for thirty days, Darius should be the only recipient of prayer, forbidding prayers to any other idol or god. Daniel’s faithfulness does not waver due to the decree and he continues living a prayerful life that honors God.

Daniel’s conspirators catch him praying and report his actions to the king. Bound by the decree, Darius reluctantly orders Daniel to be thrown into the lions’ den, believing that Daniel’s God will deliver him.

That night, God sends an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, sparing Daniel’s life. Because Daniel trusted in God and refused to pray to Darius, he is protected from harm. The next morning, Darius finds Daniel unharmed!

The men who conspired against Daniel are thrown into the lions’ den and immediately devoured. In response to Daniel’s miraculous deliverance, Darius decrees that Daniel’s God should be worshiped and feared. Showing humility and faith, Darius proclaims that God is sovereign, and His kingdom will never fail.

Daniel’s story parallels the resurrection of Christ in several ways. Both Daniel and Jesus were innocent men persecuted unjustly. Daniel’s survival in the lions’ den mirrors Christ’s victory over the grave, as both stories highlight God’s power to deliver and redeem.

STUDY QUESTIONS

How did the other officials react to Daniel’s promotion to a higher position in the kingdom (Daniel 6:1-6)? How did they use Daniel’s faith against him?

Write out the last few words of Daniel 6:10. How did Daniel’s habit of prayer help him remain faithful in the face of danger and opposition?

After Daniel’s rescue from the lions’ den, how did Darius respond? Do you think Darius will remain faithful to God after witnessing this miracle? Why or why not?

How did the lions react to the other people thrown into the den (Daniel 6:24)? How does this refute the argument that the lions were tame or not hungry?