Daniel Exposes False Gods: Understanding Bel and the Dragon

Executive Summary ✨

Daniel 14, often titled “Bel and the Dragon,” found in the Deuterocanonical books, recounts Daniel’s exposure of idolatry prevalent in Babylon. The chapter narrates two distinct episodes: the first reveals how the priests of Bel cunningly deceive the king into believing that the idol consumes vast amounts of food; Daniel proves this to be a fraud. The second tale involves a dragon, worshipped by the Babylonians. Daniel, empowered by God, slays the dragon, provoking the king’s wrath and endangering Daniel’s life. Ultimately, divine intervention through an angel vindicates Daniel, showcasing God’s power over idols and the importance of unwavering faith. This chapter teaches about discernment, the emptiness of idolatry, and the unwavering protection God offers those who trust in Him. Understanding Daniel exposes false gods highlights our need for spiritual vigilance in a world full of deceptive ideologies.

Introduction

The book of Daniel, especially this addition in the Septuagint, provides invaluable insights into the spiritual battles waged in the ancient world. Daniel exposes false gods, showcasing the futility of idolatry and the ultimate triumph of the one true God. This chapter invites us to critically examine the “gods” we may be tempted to serve today, urging us to prioritize the authentic worship of the Lord. Let us delve into each verse, seeking wisdom and guidance for our own spiritual journeys.

Commentary on Daniel 14:1-7

Verse 1: And king Astyages was gathered to his fathers, and Cyrus of Persia received his kingdom. (KJV) Then King Astyages was gathered to his fathers, and Cyrus the Persian received his kingdom. (NKJV)

This verse sets the historical context. Astyages, the last king of the Median Empire, dies, and Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, inherits his kingdom. This transfer of power highlights the shifting political landscape of the ancient Near East. Cyrus, though a pagan king, plays a pivotal role in Jewish history, as he later decrees the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). From a spiritual standpoint, it reminds us that God often uses secular rulers to accomplish His divine purposes.

Spiritual Application: We should pray for our leaders, recognizing that God can work through them, regardless of their personal beliefs. Also, we see God’s sovereignty in human affairs, reminding us that even the rise and fall of empires are within His control.

Verse 2: And Daniel conversed with the king, and was honored above all his friends. (KJV) Daniel was a close friend of the king, and was esteemed above all his friends. (NKJV)

Daniel’s wisdom and integrity earned him the king’s respect and favor. He wasn’t merely a court official; he was a trusted advisor. His position gave him influence, which he would use to defend truth and justice. This mirrors the calling of Christians to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Our lives should reflect Christ, earning us the respect needed to share our faith and challenge injustice.

Spiritual Application: Let our lives be so exemplary that we gain a hearing in the world, allowing us to speak truth to power, as Daniel did. Strive for excellence in all we do, so that we may be worthy ambassadors for Christ.

Verse 3: Now the Babylonians had an idol, called Bel, and there were spent on him every day twelve great measures of fine flour, and forty sheep, and six vessels of wine. (KJV) Now the Babylonians had an idol called Bel, and every day they provided for him twelve large measures of fine flour, forty sheep, and six vessels of wine. (NKJV)

The idol Bel represents the Babylonian god Marduk, their chief deity. The immense quantities of food offered daily underscores the extent of their idolatry. It also highlights the economic burden placed upon the people to sustain this elaborate ritual. This mirrors the empty promises of false religions that demand much but deliver nothing. The absurdity of feeding an inanimate object exposes the folly of idolatry. Archaeological evidence from Babylonian temple complexes confirms the practice of offering vast quantities of food to idols, although the exact amounts are debated.

Spiritual Application: Guard against the idols of our modern age: materialism, careerism, popularity, etc. Recognize that these empty pursuits offer no true satisfaction and ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness.

Verse 4: And the king worshipped it, and went daily to adore it: but Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said unto him, Why dost not thou worship Bel? (KJV) The king worshiped it and went every day to pay homage to it; but Daniel worshiped his God. Then the king said to him, “Why do you not worship Bel?” (NKJV)

The king’s daily adoration of Bel showcases the pervasive nature of idolatry in Babylonian society. Daniel’s refusal demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the one true God. The king’s question reveals his inability to comprehend Daniel’s faith. It’s a stark contrast between blind devotion and conscious conviction. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and steadfastness in the face of pressure to compromise our beliefs. St. Athanasius, in his defense against Arianism, exemplified this steadfastness, proclaiming, “Athanasius contra mundum” (Athanasius against the world), highlighting the need to stand firm for truth even when isolated.

Spiritual Application: Be prepared to stand alone for your faith, even when facing opposition or ridicule. Let your life be a testament to the truth of Christ, as Daniel’s was.

Verse 5: Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made with hands, but the living God, who hath created the heaven and the earth, and hath sovereignty over all flesh. (KJV) He answered and said, “Because I do not worship idols made with hands, but the living God, who created heaven and earth and has dominion over all flesh.” (NKJV)

Daniel articulates the core reason for his refusal: he will not worship idols made with human hands, but only the living God, the Creator of all things. This verse echoes the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). It emphasizes the fundamental difference between idolatry, which is the worship of created things, and true worship, which is directed to the Creator. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of iconography. While we venerate icons, we do not worship them; they are windows into heaven, reminders of the saints and of Christ, helping us to direct our worship to God.

Spiritual Application: Ensure that your worship is directed to God alone, and not to any created thing or human-made construct. Cultivate a deep reverence for God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life.

Verse 6: Then said the king unto him, Thinkest thou not that Bel is a living God? seest thou not how much he eateth and drinketh every day? (KJV) The king said to him, “Do you not think that Bel is a living god? Do you not see how much he eats and drinks every day?” (NKJV)

The king’s question exposes his naivety and spiritual blindness. He equates the consumption of food with divine power, failing to recognize the manipulation orchestrated by the priests of Bel. This shows how easily people can be deceived by outward appearances and rituals, without discerning the underlying truth. This kind of thinking is addressed by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, who wrote extensively on the nature of truth versus deception, warning against relying on sensory perceptions rather than divine revelation (“Contra Julianum”).

Spiritual Application: Cultivate spiritual discernment, seeking wisdom from God to distinguish truth from falsehood. Do not be easily swayed by outward appearances, but examine things critically in the light of Scripture and Tradition.

Verse 7: Then Daniel smiled, and said, O king, be not deceived: for this is but clay within, and brass without, and did never eat any thing. (KJV) Then Daniel smiled and said, “Do not be deceived, O king; for this is only clay inside and bronze outside, and it never eats or drinks anything.” (NKJV)

Daniel’s smile suggests his amusement at the king’s gullibility. He bluntly exposes the reality of the idol: it is merely clay and bronze, incapable of eating or drinking. This underscores the emptiness and futility of idolatry. Daniel’s confidence stems from his knowledge of the truth, which empowers him to challenge the prevailing deception. This truth-telling can be linked to Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but faithful people are his delight.”

Spiritual Application: Seek the truth, and let it set you free (John 8:32). Do not be afraid to expose falsehood, even when it is popular or widely accepted. Speak the truth in love, with gentleness and respect.

Commentary on Daniel 14:8-22

Verse 8: Then was the king exceeding wroth, and called for his priests, and said unto them, If ye tell me not who this is that devoureth these things, ye shall die. (KJV) Then the king was very angry and called for his priests, and said to them, “If you do not tell me who is devouring these things, you shall die.” (NKJV)

The king’s anger reflects his wounded pride and his fear of being exposed as a fool. He immediately resorts to threats, revealing his authoritarian nature. He demands that the priests reveal the truth, highlighting his growing suspicion. This is a common reaction when confronted with truth that challenges deeply held beliefs.

Spiritual Application: Be wary of those who resort to threats and intimidation to silence opposing voices. True leaders are willing to listen and engage in open dialogue.

Verse 9: But if ye can show me that Bel devoureth them, Daniel shall die: and Daniel said unto the king, Let it be according to thy word. (KJV) But if you can show me that Bel is devouring them, Daniel shall die.” Daniel said to the king, “Let it be according to your word.” (NKJV)

The king sets up a challenge: if the priests can prove that Bel consumes the offerings, Daniel will die; otherwise, the priests will face the consequences. Daniel, confident in God’s power, accepts the challenge without hesitation. His willingness to risk his life demonstrates his unwavering faith and his conviction that God will vindicate him. Such faith aligns to the account of the Three Holy Children in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), where their unwavering belief in God protected them. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of martyrdom as a testament to faith, as seen in the lives of countless saints who willingly faced death rather than renounce Christ.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a faith that is willing to stand firm, even in the face of death. Trust in God’s protection and provision, knowing that He will never abandon those who trust in Him.

Verse 10: Now the priests of Bel were threescore and ten, beside their wives and children. And the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel. (KJV) Now the priests of Bel were seventy, besides their wives and children. And the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel. (NKJV)

The sheer number of priests underscores the scale of the idolatrous system. The mention of their wives and children emphasizes the deeply entrenched nature of idolatry in Babylonian society. The king and Daniel enter the temple, setting the stage for the exposure of the priests’ deceit. The “temple of Bel” would have been a massive structure, a focal point for the entire city. Imagine the opulence and the overwhelming sense of religious authority that it projected. Modern archaeological finds at sites like Babylon confirm the grandeur of these ancient temples.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the subtle and pervasive ways in which false ideologies can infiltrate society and even our own hearts. Seek to purify your mind and heart from all forms of idolatry.

Verse 11: So Bel’s priests said, Lo, we go out: but thou, O king, set on the meat, and make ready the wine, and shut the door fast, and seal it with thine own signet; (KJV) Then Bel’s priests said, “See, we are going outside; but you, O king, set out the food and prepare the wine, shut the door tightly, and seal it with your own signet; (NKJV)

The priests, confident in their scheme, instruct the king to prepare the food and wine, seal the temple door, and leave them alone. This secrecy is a hallmark of deception. They believe their actions will remain hidden, but God sees everything. The use of the king’s signet ring to seal the door adds an element of official validation to their deception.

Spiritual Application: Beware of secrecy and hidden agendas. Truth is always transparent and open. Seek to live a life of integrity, where your actions are consistent with your words.

Verse 12: And to morrow when thou comest in, if thou findest not that Bel hath devoured up all, then let us die; or else Daniel, that speaketh falsely against us. (KJV) and when you come in the morning, if you do not find that Bel has devoured it all, then let us die; otherwise Daniel, who is speaking falsely against us.” (NKJV)

The priests boldly assert that Bel will devour the offerings, staking their lives on their claim. This reveals their arrogance and their unwavering belief in their own deception. They frame the situation as a test of Daniel’s credibility, attempting to discredit him if their scheme succeeds. Note the audacity of trying to control divine revelation!

Spiritual Application: Be wary of those who make extravagant claims and promises. True faith is not based on sensationalism, but on the solid foundation of God’s Word.

Verse 13: And they little regarded it: for under the table they had made a privy entrance, whereby they came in privily, and devoured up all. (KJV) For they thought nothing of it, because under the table they had made a secret entrance through which they came in secretly and devoured everything. (NKJV)

This verse reveals the mechanism of the priests’ deception: a secret entrance under the table, allowing them to sneak into the temple and consume the offerings. This highlights the deceitfulness and the elaborate lengths to which they went to maintain their charade. It’s a tangible example of how religious institutions can be corrupted by greed and power. The existence of such hidden passages in ancient temples has been suggested by archaeological findings, though direct confirmation is rare.

Spiritual Application: Expose hidden agendas and deceptive practices. Shine the light of truth on all that is done in darkness. Remember, God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7).

Verse 14: So when they were gone forth, the king set meats before Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, and those they strewed throughout all the temple in the presence of the king only: then went they out, and shut the door, and sealed it with the king’s signet, and departed. (KJV) When they had gone out, the king set out the food for Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, and they scattered them throughout all the temple, only in the presence of the king. Then they went out, shut the door, sealed it with the king’s signet, and departed. (NKJV)

After the priests leave, Daniel cleverly instructs his servants to scatter ashes throughout the temple. This act is crucial to exposing the priests’ deception. The ashes will reveal their footprints, proving that they entered the temple secretly. Daniel’s wisdom and foresight are evident in his planning. The ashes are a simple but effective tool for uncovering the truth. Consider the symbolic power of ashes, often associated with mourning, repentance, and humility. In this context, they become instruments of revelation, exposing the pride and deceit of the priests.

Spiritual Application: Be wise and discerning in your actions, seeking God’s guidance in all that you do. Use the resources available to you to expose falsehood and promote truth.

Verse 15: Now in the morning when the king arose, and Daniel with him, (KJV) Now in the morning when the king arose, and Daniel with him, (NKJV)

The king and Daniel return to the temple in the morning, eager to see the outcome of the challenge. This sets the stage for the dramatic unveiling of the priests’ deception. The anticipation is palpable. The inclusion of “Daniel with him” underscores Daniel’s key role in the unfolding drama.

Spiritual Application: Always be ready to witness to the truth, even when facing opposition or uncertainty. Trust that God will reveal His glory in His own time.

Verse 16: The king said, Daniel, are the seals whole? And he said, Yea, O king, they be whole. (KJV) the king said, “Daniel, are the seals unbroken?” He said, “Yes, O king, they are unbroken.” (NKJV)

The king’s first concern is whether the seals are intact, confirming that the temple door remained closed. This highlights his reliance on physical evidence and his initial belief in the priests’ claims. Daniel confirms that the seals are unbroken, intensifying the mystery and raising the stakes. The unbroken seals reinforce the illusion of an impossible feat, further emphasizing the need for divine intervention to expose the truth.

Spiritual Application: Do not rely solely on outward appearances or superficial evidence. Seek to understand the deeper truth behind every situation, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 17: And as soon as he had opened the door, the king looked upon the table, and cried with a loud voice, Great art thou, O Bel, and of great power, and there is no deceit in thee. (KJV) As soon as he had opened the door, the king looked at the table, and cried out in a loud voice, “Great are you, O Bel! Great is your power! There is no deceit in you.” (NKJV)

Upon opening the door and seeing the empty table, the king exclaims his admiration for Bel, convinced that the idol has indeed consumed the offerings. This highlights his continued spiritual blindness and his eagerness to believe in the priests’ deception. His exclamation is ironic, given the truth that is about to be revealed. This is a poignant illustration of how easily people can be led astray by false beliefs and propaganda. The king is completely taken in by the charade.

Spiritual Application: Be careful not to be blinded by your own preconceived notions or biases. Be open to the possibility that you may be wrong, and be willing to change your mind when confronted with the truth.

Verse 18: Then Daniel laughed, and held the king that he should not go in, and said, Behold now the pavement, and mark well whose footsteps are these. (KJV) Then Daniel laughed and restrained the king from going in, and said, “Look at the floor now, and notice whose footprints these are.” (NKJV)

Daniel laughs again, perhaps out of amusement at the king’s naivety or out of joy at the imminent exposure of the priests’ deception. He restrains the king from entering the temple, directing his attention to the footprints on the pavement. This is the moment of truth. Daniel’s laughter is not disrespectful, but rather a sign of his confidence and his anticipation of the revelation of God’s truth. It echoes the laughter of Sarah when she was told she would conceive in her old age (Genesis 18:12-15), a laughter of disbelief giving way to faith.

Spiritual Application: Have confidence in God’s power to expose falsehood and vindicate the truth. Do not be afraid to challenge the status quo when you know that something is wrong.

Verse 19: And the king said, I see the footsteps of men, women, and children. And then the king was angry, (KJV) The king said, “I see the footprints of men, women, and children.” Then the king was angry, (NKJV)

The king’s observation of the footprints of men, women, and children immediately reveals the priests’ deception. He realizes that they and their families had secretly entered the temple and consumed the offerings. The king’s anger erupts, fueled by his realization that he has been duped. The inclusion of “children” adds a particularly jarring element to the deception, highlighting the extent to which the priests were willing to involve their families in their scheme.

Spiritual Application: Be vigilant against those who exploit religious authority for personal gain. Protect the vulnerable from those who seek to deceive them.

Verse 20: And took the priests with their wives and children, who showed him the privy doors, where they came in, and consumed such things as were upon the table. (KJV) and he seized the priests with their wives and children, who showed him the secret doors through which they came in and consumed what was on the table. (NKJV)

The priests, along with their families, are apprehended and forced to reveal the secret entrance. This exposes the full extent of their deception and their greed. The king’s actions demonstrate his newfound commitment to truth and justice. The phrase “consumed such things as were upon the table” emphasizes the mundane and materialistic nature of their deception. They were willing to compromise their integrity for mere food.

Spiritual Application: Do not be tempted by the allure of wealth or power. Seek true riches in Christ, which are eternal and unfading.

Verse 21: Therefore the king slew them, and delivered Bel into Daniel’s power, who destroyed him and his temple. (KJV) Then the king killed them, and gave Bel over to Daniel, who destroyed it and its temple. (NKJV)

The king executes the priests, demonstrating the severity of their crime. He then hands Bel over to Daniel, who destroys the idol and its temple, signifying the triumph of the one true God over idolatry. This act of destruction symbolizes the dismantling of false ideologies and the establishment of true worship. This act is not merely destructive; it’s a symbolic cleansing, purifying the land from the contamination of idolatry. The destruction of the temple is a powerful statement, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

Spiritual Application: Root out all forms of idolatry from your own life and from the world around you. Be a force for truth and justice, dismantling the structures of oppression and deception.

Verse 22: And from that day forward there was no more worshipping of Bel. (KJV) And from that day forward Bel was no longer worshiped. (NKJV)

The abolition of Bel worship marks a significant victory for Daniel and for the true God. It signifies a shift in the spiritual landscape of Babylon. This victory serves as a testament to the power of truth and the faithfulness of God. While this verse suggests the end of Bel worship, it’s important to remember that idolatry often takes new forms. The spirit of Bel may be suppressed, but it can resurface in different guises.

Spiritual Application: Be vigilant against the subtle forms of idolatry that may creep into your life or into society. Continually reaffirm your commitment to the one true God.

Commentary on Daniel 14:23-42

Verse 23: And in that same place there was a great dragon, which they of Babylon worshipped. (KJV) Now in that same place there was a great dragon, which those of Babylon worshiped. (NKJV)

This verse introduces a new object of Babylonian worship: a great dragon. This dragon, often interpreted as a representation of chaos or evil, symbolizes another form of idolatry. The worship of animals was common in ancient cultures, reflecting a fear of the natural world and a desire to appease powerful forces. It’s important to note that the term “dragon” in ancient texts can refer to various creatures, including large reptiles like crocodiles or snakes. The Nile crocodile, for example, was worshipped in ancient Egypt and could easily be imagined as a fearsome dragon.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the tendency to fear and worship things that are beyond your control. Trust in God’s power to overcome all evil.

Verse 24: And the king said unto Daniel, Wilt thou also say that this is of brass? lo, he liveth, he eateth and drinketh; thou canst not deny this. (KJV) Then the king said to Daniel, “Will you say that this also is made of bronze? Look, it is alive; it eats and drinks. You cannot deny this!” (NKJV)

The king, still struggling to learn from his previous experience with Bel, challenges Daniel to deny the dragon’s living status. He seems determined to find something that Daniel cannot disprove. The king’s challenge reveals his persistent spiritual blindness. He clings to the notion that the dragon is alive, despite the evidence to the contrary. His words reflect a desperate attempt to preserve his old beliefs.

Spiritual Application: Do not be afraid to question your own beliefs and assumptions. Be willing to let go of false ideas, even when they are deeply ingrained.

Verse 25: Then said Daniel, I will worship the Lord my God: for he is the living God. (KJV) Daniel said, “I will worship the Lord my God, for He is the living God.” (NKJV)

Daniel reiterates his unwavering commitment to the one true God. His response is clear and unequivocal. He will not worship any creature, but only the Lord, who is the living God. This echoes the words of Jesus: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10). The Coptic Orthodox Church holds firmly to the principle of worshipping God alone, rejecting all forms of idolatry and false worship. This principle is enshrined in the Nicene Creed, which affirms our belief in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious decision to worship God alone. Let your life be a constant act of worship, expressing your love and devotion to Him in all that you do.

Verse 26: But give me leave, and I shall slay this dragon without sword or staff. So Daniel said, Give me leave, and I shall slay this dragon without sword or staff. (KJV) “But give me permission, and I will slay this dragon without sword or club.” Daniel said, “Give me permission, and I will slay this dragon without sword or club.” (NKJV)

Daniel boldly declares that he will slay the dragon without using any weapons. This demonstrates his faith in God’s power to overcome even the most formidable foe. His words echo David’s declaration before facing Goliath: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Samuel 17:45). Daniel’s statement is reminiscent of Christ’s victory over Satan in the desert (Matthew 4), demonstrating the power of faith to overcome evil.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s power to overcome the challenges you face. Do not rely on your own strength or resources, but depend on Him to guide and protect you.

Verse 27: Then said the king, I give thee leave. Then Daniel took pitch, and fat, and hair, and did seethe them together, and made lumps thereof: this he put in the dragon’s mouth, and so the dragon burst in sunder. (KJV) So the king said, “I give you permission.” Then Daniel took pitch, fat, and hair and boiled them together, and made cakes of them. And he put them in the dragon’s mouth, and the dragon burst open. (NKJV)

Daniel uses a concoction of pitch, fat, and hair to kill the dragon. This mixture, when ingested, causes the dragon to burst open. The specific ingredients are likely chosen for their toxicity and their ability to cause a violent reaction within the dragon’s digestive system. This is a symbolic representation of how evil can be defeated through unexpected means. The act of “seething them together” suggests a process of combining disparate elements to create a powerful weapon against evil. The dragon’s bursting open symbolizes the collapse of false power and the exposure of its inherent weakness.

Spiritual Application: Do not underestimate the power of simple acts of faith and obedience. God can use seemingly insignificant things to accomplish great things.

Verse 28: And said, Lo, these are the gods ye worship. (KJV) Then he said, “See, these are the gods you worship!” (NKJV)

Daniel, after slaying the dragon, mocks the Babylonians for worshipping such a powerless creature. He exposes the absurdity of their idolatry. His words are a powerful indictment of false religion. The phrase “these are the gods ye worship” drips with sarcasm and contempt. Daniel’s statement is a call to repentance, urging the Babylonians to turn away from their false gods and worship the one true God.

Spiritual Application: Be willing to challenge false beliefs and ideologies. Do not be afraid to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular.

Verse 29: When they of Babylon heard that, they were exceeding wroth, and conspired against the king, saying, The king is become a Jew: he hath destroyed Bel, he hath slain the dragon, and put the priests to death. (KJV) When those of Babylon heard it, they were exceedingly angry and conspired against the king, saying, “The king has become a Jew! He has destroyed Bel, he has killed the dragon, and he has put the priests to death.” (NKJV)

The Babylonians, enraged by Daniel’s actions and the king’s acquiescence, conspire against the king, accusing him of becoming a Jew. This reveals their deep-seated prejudice and their unwillingness to abandon their idolatrous beliefs. The accusation “the king has become a Jew” is a deliberate attempt to incite hatred and division. It highlights the power of religious bigotry to fuel violence and oppression. Their outrage is not about the loss of their gods, but about the disruption of their established power structure.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of the dangers of prejudice and religious intolerance. Stand up for those who are persecuted for their faith.

Verse 30: And they came to the king, and said, Deliver us Daniel, or else we will slay thee, and thine house. (KJV) So they came to the king and said, “Hand Daniel over to us, or else we will kill you and your household.” (NKJV)

The Babylonians threaten the king, demanding that he hand over Daniel or face death. This demonstrates the fragility of the king’s power and the intensity of the people’s anger. Their threat to kill the king and his household reveals their ruthlessness and their willingness to resort to violence to achieve their goals. This situation is reminiscent of the story of Esther, where Haman plotted to exterminate the entire Jewish population (Esther 3). It highlights the constant threat faced by those who remain faithful to God in a hostile environment.

Spiritual Application: Be prepared to face opposition and persecution for your faith. Do not compromise your principles in order to avoid suffering.

Verse 31: Now when the king saw that they pressed him sore, being constrained, he delivered Daniel unto them: (KJV) When the king saw that they were pressing him hard, he was forced to hand Daniel over to them. (NKJV)

The king, fearing for his own life, reluctantly hands Daniel over to the mob. This is a moment of weakness for the king. He prioritizes his own safety over justice and righteousness. This is a poignant reminder of the pressure that leaders face when confronted with popular dissent. The king’s decision is driven by fear, not by principle. He succumbs to the mob’s demands, demonstrating a lack of moral courage.

Spiritual Application: Pray for your leaders, that they may have the courage to stand for truth and justice, even when it is difficult.

Verse 32: Who cast him into the den of lions: where he was six days. (KJV) So they threw him into the lions’ den, where he remained for six days. (NKJV)

Daniel is thrown into the lions’ den, echoing the earlier episode in Daniel 6. This is a moment of great peril for Daniel. His life is in imminent danger. The lions’ den is a symbol of death and destruction. The fact that Daniel remains in the den for six days emphasizes the severity of his ordeal.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s protection, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Remember that He is able to deliver you from any danger.

Verse 33: And in the den there were seven lions, and they had given them every day two carcasses, and two sheep: which then were not given to them, to the intent that they might devour Daniel. (KJV) Now in the den there were seven lions, and they had been given two human carcasses and two sheep every day. But these were not given to them during those days, so that they might devour Daniel. (NKJV)

The lions are deliberately starved to increase their hunger and ensure that they will devour Daniel. This reveals the Babylonians’ cruelty and their determination to see Daniel die. This detail emphasizes the miraculous nature of Daniel’s deliverance. The lions were not merely indifferent to Daniel; they were actively seeking to devour him. The denial of food to the lions is a calculated act of malice, designed to ensure Daniel’s gruesome demise.

Spiritual Application: Be aware that your enemies may seek to harm you in subtle and unexpected ways. Remain vigilant and trust in God’s protection.

Verse 34: And there was in Judea a prophet, called Habbacuc, who had made pottage, and had broken bread in a bowl, and was going into the field, for to bring it to the reapers. (KJV) Now in Judea there was a prophet named Habakkuk, who had made stew and had broken bread in a bowl, and was going into the field to take it to the reapers. (NKJV)

This verse introduces the prophet Habakkuk, who is in Judea. He is preparing a meal to take to the reapers in the field. This seemingly unrelated detail sets the stage for a miraculous intervention.