Daniel 6

Chapter Summary

Daniel chapter 6 begins with King Darius appointing 120 satraps to rule over his kingdom, with three administrators, including Daniel, overseeing them. The other administrators become jealous of Daniel's success and plot against him, convincing King Darius to issue a decree that no one can pray to any god other than the king for 30 days. Daniel, however, continues to pray to the God of Israel, and as a result, he is thrown into a lions' den. But God sends an angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel is spared. The next morning, King Darius is overjoyed to find Daniel alive and orders the administrators who plotted against Daniel to be thrown into the lions' den, where they are killed. The chapter ends with King Darius issuing a decree that all people in his kingdom must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

Context for the Chapter

Daniel chapter 6 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Daniel, which tells the story of the Israelites' exile in Babylon. The chapter shows how God is still at work in the lives of His people, even in the midst of persecution and opposition. This chapter also points forward to the ultimate deliverance of God's people through Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to remain faithful to God, even in the face of persecution or opposition. We can trust in God's power and faithfulness to deliver us from difficult circumstances, just as He delivered Daniel from the lions' den. Let us prioritize prayer and commitment to God, just as Daniel did.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of Daniel, who was thrown into a lions' den because he refused to stop praying to God. But God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel was spared. This shows that God is powerful and faithful to those who trust in Him. As Daniel 6:22 says, God can deliver us from the power of sin and death.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord can deliver us from the jaws of the lion, and from the teeth of the bear; and He can also deliver us from the more subtle and dangerous attacks of the enemy.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The deliverance of Daniel from the lions\' den is a remarkable example of the power and goodness of God, and it should encourage us to trust in Him at all times.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Plot Against Daniel (Daniel 6:1-9) — The other administrators plot against Daniel because of their jealousy, and they convince King Darius to issue a decree that no one can pray to any god other than the king for 30 days.
2. Daniel's Commitment to Prayer (Daniel 6:10-15) — Daniel continues to pray to God, despite the king's decree, and he is thrown into the lions' den as a result.
3. God's Deliverance of Daniel (Daniel 6:16-24) — God sends an angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel is spared. The next morning, King Darius is overjoyed to find Daniel alive.
4. The Punishment of the Administrators (Daniel 6:24) — The administrators who plotted against Daniel are thrown into the lions' den, where they are killed.
5. The King's Decree (Daniel 6:25-28) — King Darius issues a decree that all people in his kingdom must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

Core Doctrines

The Power of God

This chapter demonstrates the power of God to deliver His people from difficult circumstances, as seen in Daniel's rescue from the lions' den.

The Faithfulness of God

The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to Daniel, who remains committed to His God despite the persecution he faces.

The Importance of Prayer

Daniel's commitment to prayer is a key aspect of his faithfulness, and it shows the importance of prioritizing prayer in our own lives.

The Sovereignty of God

The chapter shows how God is sovereign over all things, including the actions of kings and governments.

Lessons from Daniel 6

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter shows how Daniel remains faithful to God, despite the persecution he faces, and how God rewards his faithfulness.
2. The Power of Prayer — Daniel's commitment to prayer is a key aspect of his faithfulness, and it shows the importance of prioritizing prayer in our own lives.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates how God is sovereign over all things, including the actions of kings and governments.
4. The Deliverance of God — The chapter shows how God can deliver His people from difficult circumstances, as seen in Daniel's rescue from the lions' den.
5. The Encouragement of God's Faithfulness — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, even in the face of persecution or opposition.

Themes from Daniel 6

1. Faithfulness in the Face of Persecution — The chapter shows how Daniel remains faithful to God, despite the persecution he faces, and how God rewards his faithfulness.
2. The Power and Faithfulness of God — The chapter demonstrates the power and faithfulness of God, as seen in Daniel's rescue from the lions' den.
3. The Importance of Prayer — Daniel's commitment to prayer is a key aspect of his faithfulness, and it shows the importance of prioritizing prayer in our own lives.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter shows how God is sovereign over all things, including the actions of kings and governments.
5. The Deliverance of God — The chapter demonstrates how God can deliver His people from difficult circumstances, as seen in Daniel's rescue from the lions' den.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from Daniel's commitment to prayer, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
2. How does the chapter demonstrate the power and faithfulness of God, and what encouragement can we take from this?
3. What are some ways that we can remain faithful to God, even in the face of persecution or opposition?
4. How does the chapter point to the ultimate deliverance of God's people through Jesus Christ?
5. What are some practical ways that we can prioritize prayer and commitment to God in our daily lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Daniel 6

	Sermon	Description
	Hell-Shaking Prayer by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, focusing on the story of Daniel who prayed fervently despite facing opposition and the threat of the lion's den. It highlights the
	(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b
	Acts of the Apostles by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not substituting service for worship with the Lord. He encourages the audience to remember the secret to a fulfilling spir
	Learning to Be a Minister by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about John Wesley and his commitment to spending time with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker emphasizes the importance of dedic
	(John - Part 49): He That Believeth on me... Greater Works Than These Shall He Do by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God for the deliverance from sin, lies, and addiction. He urges the congregation to recognize the miracu
	(Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t
	More Than Conquerors - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans chapter 8, specifically verse 37, which states that believers are more than conquerors through Christ's love. The preacher explains t
	Quiet Time by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the word of God and maintaining a life of victory. He encourages the audience to avoid seeking other way
	The Living Christ by W.A. Criswell	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. He references biblical stories such as the three Hebrew children in the fiery
	Thursday #1 Revival in the Late 1800's by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of sharing the stories of God's work with future generations. He also mentions two significant awakenings that occurred in the

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Daniel 6

In this chapter, we see the remarkable deliverance of Daniel from the lions' den, which is a testament to the power and faithfulness of God. The chapter also shows how God can use even the most difficult circumstances to bring about His purposes and to demonstrate His glory. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord can deliver us from the jaws of the lion, and from the teeth of the bear; and He can also deliver us from the more subtle and dangerous attacks of the enemy.' The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and faithfulness, even in the face of persecution or opposition, and to remain faithful to Him, just as Daniel did. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?