The story of Daniel in the lion's den is regularly featured in Children's Bible Story books.
However, many of these books 'sanitise' the story, airbrushing its rather 'unsavoury' ending; Daniel 6:24: 'And the king commanded, and they brought those man which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.'
This text reveals:
1. A Study In Contrasts:
Daniel – and his accusers (representative of the two classes in modern society);
2. A Sense Of Community:
• in Suffering (both saint and sinners were thrown into the den: however, the key question is ... Who would you rather be when in the den of lions - Daniel, or his enemies?!)
• and in Sin (the wives and children of the accusers were also punished);
3. A Sight Of Condemnation:
the judgement of Daniel's accusers is an illustration of the biblical law of retribution. It was commanded by the king, consented to by the common people, and executed swiftly and decisively.
This message brings comfort to God's people as they face heavy trials in their lives. It also sends out a warning to all who oppose the ways and Word of the God of Daniel! |
