INTRODUCTION: Every child in church soon learns the story of Daniel in the den of lions. It is a riveting tale of courage and supernatural deliverance. Central to the story is the faithfulness of Daniel. His only weakness was that his faithfulness was so strong that it could be used to trap him. But, as we all know, God rewards faithfulness and Daniel was delivered from the mouth of the lions.

1. DANIEL’S PROMOTION (Daniel 6:1-3 [1] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; [2] And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. [3] Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
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1. The Selection of Princes (Daniel 6:1It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
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1. Darius determined to set princes over the kingdom.
2. He selected 120 princes.
2. The Selection of Presidents (Daniel 6:2And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
   See All...; Psalm 75:6-7 [6] For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. [7] But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
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1. Darius selected three presidents to supervise the princes.
2. The princes had to give accounts to the presidents.
3. Daniel was the first president.
3. The Preference of Daniel (Daniel 6:3Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
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1. The man of Darius’ preference - Daniel
2. The foundation of Darius’ preference
1. Daniel’s excellent spirit
2. Darius’ desire to set Daniel over the whole realm
2. THE ENEMIES’ PLOTTING (Daniel 6:4-9 [4] Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. [5] Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. [6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. [7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. [8] Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. [9] Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
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1. They Looked for Fault (Daniel 6:4Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
   See All...; 1 Peter 2:12-15 [12] Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. [13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; [14] Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. [15] For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
   See All..., 19-20; 1 Peter 4:12-16 [12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. [14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. [16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
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1. The focus of their plotting - Daniel
2. The area of attack – They tried to find something Daniel was doing wrong in the kingdom.
3. The failure to find fault
1. They could find none occasion nor fault.
2. Daniel was faithful to the kingdom.
2. They Attacked His Faith (Daniel 6:5Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
   See All...; Acts 4:18-20 [18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
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1. They knew they could find no fault against him in the kingdom.
2. They knew they could only find fault in the fact that he faithfully adhered to the law of God.
3. They Fooled the King (Daniel 6:6-9 [6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. [7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. [8] Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. [9] Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
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1. They baited him to their side (Daniel 6:6-7 [6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. [7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
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1. With flattery (Daniel 6:6-7 [6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. [7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
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1. “King Darius, live for ever” (Daniel 6:6Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
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2. No man should ask a petition of any God or man, save of thee (Daniel 6:7All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
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2. By suggesting the crowd was united (Daniel 6:7All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
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1. The presidents; Note: This would include Daniel.
2. The governors
3. The princes
4. The counsellers
5. The captains
2. They suggested a decree (Daniel 6:7All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
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1. The contents of the decree – None “shall ask a petition of any God or man . . . save of thee.”
2. The time of the decree – “for thirty days”
3. The punishment for failure to heed the decree – “he shall be cast into the den of lions.”
3. They convinced Darius to sign (Daniel 6:8-9 [8] Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. [9] Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
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1. They encouraged him to put in place an unalterable decree (Daniel 6:8Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
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2. Darius signed the writing and the decree (Daniel 6:9Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
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3. DANIEL’S PRAYER (Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
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1. His Perception (see Luke 14:28-30 [28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
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1. He knew the content of the decree.
2. He knew the punishment for failure to comply.
3. He knew the king approved of the decree.
2. His Place
1. He went into his house.
2. He went into his chamber. A chamber is a room within the house, perhaps a bedroom.
3. His windows were open toward Jerusalem. Note: Some have suggested Daniel specifically opened his window at this point, but the scripture seems to indicate the window was already open.
3. His Position
1. He kneeled upon his knees.
2. Position is largely a matter of preference or practicality.
1. Lower positions are usually associated with repentance and pleading.
2. Upright positions tend more to conversational prayer.
4. His Pattern
1. He knelt in prayer three times a day.
2. These times are identified as evening, morning, and noon (Psalm 55:17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
   See All...); Jews start their calendar day with evening (Genesis 1:5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
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5. His Praise
1. He gave thanks before his God.
2. This was something he had done “aforetime.”
4. DANIEL’S PROSECUTION (Daniel 6:11-15 [11] Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. [12] Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. [13] Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. [14] Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. [15] Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
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1. The Sight of Daniel Praying (Daniel 6:11Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
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1. The men assembled and found Daniel praying.
2. In order to do so, they would have needed to enter into his chamber or spy on him from without.
2. The Accusation of Daniel (Daniel 6:12-13 [12] Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. [13] Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
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1. The leaders reminded Darius of the decree (Daniel 6:12Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
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2. The leaders informed the king of Daniel’s rebellion (Daniel 6:13Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
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3. The Pressure on the King (Daniel 6:14-15 [14] Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. [15] Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
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1. The king’s frustration (Daniel 6:14Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
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1. He was sore displeased with himself.
2. He was upset that his decree affected Daniel.
3. He set his heart on Daniel to deliver him.
2. The leaders’ resolve (Daniel 6:15Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
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5. DANIEL’S PERSECUTION (Daniel 6:16-18 [16] Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. [17] And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. [18] Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
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1. The Den of Lions (Daniel 6:16Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
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1. The punishment instituted – Daniel was cast into the den of lions.
2. The king’s faith – He knew Daniel’s God would deliver him.
2. The Sealed Door (Daniel 6:17And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
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1. A stone was brought to the mouth of the den.
2. The stone was sealed with the signet of the king and his lords.
3. The Long Night (Daniel 6:18Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
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1. The king spent the night in fasting.
2. The king brought in no instruments of musick.
3. The king’s sleep went from him.
6. GOD’S PROVISION (Daniel 6:19-22 [19] Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. [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? [21] Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. [22] My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
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1. The King’s Concern (Daniel 6:19-20 [19] Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. [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?
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1. He rose up early and went in haste unto the den (Daniel 6:19Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
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2. He cried out to Daniel to see if God delivered him (Daniel 6:20And 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?
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2. Daniel’s Answer (Daniel 6:21-22 [21] Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. [22] My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
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1. He praised God’s deliverance (Daniel 6:22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
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2. He spoke of his own innocence (Daniel 6:22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
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7. DANIEL’S PROSPERITY (Daniel 6:23-28 [23] Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. [24] And the king commanded, and they brought those men 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. [25] Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. [26] I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. [27] He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. [28] So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
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1. His Release (Daniel 6:23Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
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2. His Enemies Destroyed (Daniel 6:24And the king commanded, and they brought those men 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.
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1. At the king’s commandment
2. Their families were also cast into the den of lions.
3. The lions had the mastery of them.
3. His Faith Honoured (Daniel 6:25-27 [25] Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. [26] I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. [27] He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
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1. Darius made another decree – this time in favour of God (Daniel 6:25-26 [25] Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. [26] I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
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2. Darius praised the God of Daniel (Daniel 6:27He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
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4. His Life Rewarded (Daniel 6:28So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
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1. He prospered in the reign of Darius.
2. He prospered in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

CONCLUSION: God wants us to be faithful as was Daniel. We need to learn to be faithful in the spiritual practices of love and obedience to the Lord. We need especially to be faithful in our time of prayer with the Lord.