Daniel 6:20

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

Daniel 6:20 (KJV)

Context

Daniel’s enemies manipulated King Darius into issuing a decree that anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be cast into a den of lions. Despite the decree, Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day, as he had always done.

King Darius, who respected Daniel, went to the den and cried out to him with a lamentable voice—a cry of deep grief and anguish, more like howling than speaking. He called to Daniel before he saw or heard him, caught between hope and fear. The king’s question, “Is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” reveals his growing recognition of Daniel’s God as the true and living God, distinct from the lifeless idols of Babylon. The king’s use of “continually” emphasizes Daniel’s consistent, unbroken faithfulness in serving God, even in the face of death.

Meaning

The king’s address, “O Daniel, servant of the living God,” acknowledges Daniel’s devotion and his continual service to God. The question itself is not a doubt but a desperate hope that Daniel’s God would prove powerful to save. It underscores the theme of God’s sovereign power to deliver those who trust in Him. Daniel’s unwavering trust in God is evident as he willingly accepted the consequences of his faithfulness, fully believing that God had the power to deliver him.

While the verse does not provide an immediate response from Daniel, the subsequent verses reveal that God indeed delivered him from the lions’ den. God sent an angel who shut the mouths of the lions, protecting Daniel throughout the night. The next morning, when King Darius anxiously went to the den, he found Daniel unharmed, and the king praised Daniel’s God for His faithfulness and deliverance.

Biblical connections

This verse illustrates the importance of faithful, continual service to God, which is a witness to others, even to those in positions of worldly power. The immediate context shows that Daniel’s deliverance is a direct answer to the king’s question, as God sends his angel to shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22). This testimony leads the king to later declare that Daniel’s God is the living God who endures forever (Daniel 6:26).

Application

This example teaches several valuable lessons. First, it demonstrates the importance of unwavering faith and trust in God, even in the face of adversity or potential harm. Daniel’s commitment to prayer and his refusal to compromise his faith serve as an inspiration to believers today. Second, it reminds us that God is capable of delivering His faithful servants from any difficult situation. Finally, this verse encourages us to rely on God and seek His intervention in times of trouble, knowing that He hears our cries and has the power to deliver us.

Reflection

Daniel 6:20 showcases Daniel’s faithfulness, the king’s concern and confidence, and the underlying theme of God’s deliverance. It reminds us of the importance of unwavering faith and trust in God, and it encourages us to seek His intervention in all circumstances, knowing that He is able to deliver us.