Both Darius and the Lord preferred Daniel because of his
integrity. Daniel had shown himself to be loyal to the Lord over the king, and
the king respected that. It meant that Daniel understood loyalty, and was not afraid
of men who challenged it.
I think that Darius also saw that Daniel was not
ambitious, so that he didn't have to worry about being surrounded by “yes-men.”
Darius knew that Daniel was honest, and would die before he betrayed what he
believed in. these are qualities that a valuable to both God and men.
“Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.”
This is kind of an amazing thing. We learn more in Daniel 6:18-20
“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.
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?”
What happens next is perhaps more amazing, when Daniel’s
protection from the lions has been verified:
“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 steadfast 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.”
It is good to remember this, as we go about our lives. We serve
this same god. He is a living God, and he works actively on our behalves to
deliver and save each of us.
Here's a link to a 5 minute clip that mentions Daniel near the end. It's pure gold!
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