Daniel 6:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} the king {H4430} commanded {H560}, and they brought {H858} Daniel {H1841}, and cast {H7412} him into the den {H1358} of lions {H744}. Now the king {H4430} spake {H6032} and said {H560} unto Daniel {H1841}, Thy God {H426} whom thou {H607} servest {H6399} continually {H8411}, he will deliver {H7804} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the king gave the order, and they brought Dani'el and threw him into the lion pit. The king said to Dani'el, "Your God, whom you are always serving, will save you."

Berean Standard Bible

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:16 captures the dramatic moment of Daniel's condemnation and the king's conflicted decree. Despite King Darius's deep respect and affection for Daniel, the unchangeable Medo-Persian law compelled him to cast Daniel into the den of lions. Yet, in a remarkable display of faith, or perhaps desperate hope, Darius pronounces a prophetic declaration, expressing his belief that Daniel's God, whom Daniel served without ceasing, would indeed deliver him from certain death. This verse sets the stage for a profound demonstration of divine power and faithfulness in the face of human decree and mortal peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 6:16 stands as the narrative climax of the chapter, immediately following the king's agonizing but ultimately futile attempts to rescue Daniel (cf. [Daniel 6:14-15](/daniel/6-14 "Daniel 6:14-15 - Darius's Distress")). The preceding verses detail the jealous machinations of Daniel's administrative rivals, who exploited his unwavering devotion to God by crafting an unalterable law forbidding prayer to anyone but the king for thirty days (cf. [Daniel 6:6-9](/daniel/6-6 "Daniel 6:6-9 - The Malicious Decree")). Daniel's deliberate and public continuation of his daily prayers, even with his windows open towards Jerusalem, directly defied this decree, demonstrating his supreme allegiance to God over human authority (cf. [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Unwavering Prayer Life")). The king's reluctant command to cast Daniel into the den underscores the inescapable nature of Medo-Persian law, setting the stage for a divine intervention that would transcend human limitations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Medo-Persian Empire, under King Darius (likely Darius the Mede, possibly a viceroy or a historical figure associated with Cyrus's conquest of Babylon), was renowned for its administrative efficiency and, crucially, its unchangeable laws. Once a decree was signed by the king and sealed, it became immutable, even for the monarch himself (cf. [Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "Daniel 6:8 - The Unchangeable Law")). This legal rigidity is a critical element in the narrative, highlighting the king's powerlessness despite his desire to save Daniel. Lions were kept in dens, often as a form of royal entertainment or as a brutal method of execution for those who defied imperial authority. The act of casting someone into such a den was a public spectacle designed to assert the king's absolute power and the finality of his judgment. Daniel's situation was not merely a legal predicament but a cultural and political statement against his perceived insubordination.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Daniel and biblical theology. First, it exemplifies **Faithfulness Under Persecution**, showcasing Daniel's unyielding commitment to God even when faced with a death sentence. His steadfastness in prayer, despite the decree, is a testament to his priority of divine obedience over personal safety (cf. [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Devotion")). Second, the king's declaration, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee," introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**. This statement, coming from a pagan king, foreshadows God's miraculous intervention and underscores His ultimate authority over human rulers and their laws. It echoes earlier deliverances in Daniel, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (cf. [Daniel 3:17](/daniel/3-17 "Daniel 3:17 - Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace")), reinforcing God's power to save. Finally, the narrative highlights the **Impact of Godly Living**, demonstrating how Daniel's consistent righteousness and integrity profoundly influenced King Darius, leading him to acknowledge and even hope in the power of Daniel's God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **den (Aramaic, _gôb'_):** This term (H1358) refers to a pit, specifically one cut out for wild animals. It emphasizes the grim reality of Daniel's predicament—a deep, inescapable pit where lions were kept, designed for certain death. The use of this specific term highlights the King's full awareness of the lethal nature of the punishment.
* **servest (Aramaic, _pᵉlach'_):** This word (H6399) means "to serve or worship." When coupled with "continually" (Aramaic, _tᵉdîyrâ'_ H8411, meaning "constantly" or "permanence"), it paints a vivid picture of Daniel's unwavering, habitual, and lifelong devotion to God. It's not a sporadic act but a deeply ingrained pattern of worship and obedience that King Darius himself had observed and recognized.
* **deliver (Aramaic, _shᵉzab'_):** This term (H7804) means "to leave" or, causatively, "to free" or "to rescue." It signifies a supernatural intervention, a release from bondage or peril. The king's use of this word expresses a desperate hope and an almost prophetic utterance, acknowledging that only a divine power could extricate Daniel from such a dire situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast [him] into the den of lions":** This clause describes the king's reluctant but legally bound action. Despite his personal anguish and efforts to save Daniel, the unchangeable nature of the Medo-Persian law forced him to issue the command. The act of casting Daniel into the den signifies the finality of the human judgment and the seemingly inescapable nature of Daniel's fate.
* **"[Now] the king spake and said unto Daniel":** This transition highlights the king's direct address to Daniel at this critical moment. It's not merely a command but a personal interaction, revealing the king's emotional investment and his respect for Daniel. The words that follow are not a casual remark but a significant declaration before the execution.
* **"Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee":** This is the heart of the verse, a profound statement from a pagan monarch. It acknowledges Daniel's consistent devotion to his God and expresses a belief, or at least a fervent hope, in the power of that God to intervene miraculously. This declaration elevates the narrative from a simple account of persecution to a testament of divine power, setting the expectation for God's miraculous intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 6:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as King Darius's declaration, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee," directly anticipates the miraculous deliverance that unfolds in the subsequent verses. This statement functions almost as a prophetic utterance from an unexpected source, building suspense and highlighting the king's recognition of Daniel's God. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the very law designed to entrap Daniel and assert human authority ultimately becomes the stage for a magnificent display of divine power, humbling the king and exalting God. Furthermore, the king's words can be seen as a form of **Divine Declaration through a Human Agent**, where a pagan ruler, perhaps unwittingly, becomes a mouthpiece for the truth of God's power and faithfulness, underscoring the theme of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:16 is a pivotal verse that underscores the profound theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness to His devoted servants and His ultimate sovereignty over human affairs. Despite the seemingly insurmountable power of human law and the certainty of death, King Darius's declaration points to a higher authority—the God whom Daniel served continually. This moment highlights that even in the darkest valleys, when human efforts fail, divine intervention is possible. It teaches us that our consistent walk with God, marked by unwavering devotion, can serve as a powerful witness, even to those outside the faith, and can set the stage for God to display His glory in miraculous ways.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalm/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Without faith it is impossible to please God.")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:16 serves as a powerful reminder of the call to unwavering faithfulness in the face of adversity. Daniel's commitment to God was so evident that even a pagan king acknowledged it and hoped for divine intervention. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine the consistency of our own walk with God. Are we serving Him "continually," or only when it is convenient or safe? When faced with pressures to compromise our faith, whether from societal norms, professional demands, or personal fears, Daniel's example encourages us to prioritize obedience to God above all else, trusting that He is sovereign over every circumstance. It cultivates a deep-seated confidence that even when human solutions fail and the "den of lions" seems inevitable, our God is capable of delivering us, not always from the trial, but always through it, for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "serving continually" look like in my daily life, especially when faced with opposition or inconvenience?**
* **How does Daniel's unwavering faith challenge my own priorities and allegiances in a world that often demands compromise?**
* **In what "dens of lions" (difficult or seemingly impossible situations) do I need to trust God for His deliverance today, even if that deliverance is spiritual rather than physical?**

### FAQ

**Why did King Darius, who seemed to like Daniel, still cast him into the den of lions?**

Answer: King Darius was bound by the unchangeable nature of Medo-Persian law. Once a decree was signed and sealed, it could not be altered, even by the king himself (as stated in [Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "Daniel 6:8 - The Unchangeable Law")). Despite his distress and efforts to find a loophole (cf. [Daniel 6:14](/daniel/6-14 "Daniel 6:14 - Darius's Efforts to Save Daniel")), the legal system of his empire, which he himself had ratified, compelled him to enforce the punishment. This highlights the absolute authority of the law in that culture and the king's powerlessness to overturn it once enacted, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention.

**What is the significance of King Darius's statement, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee"?**

Answer: This statement is highly significant for several reasons. First, it acknowledges Daniel's consistent and unwavering devotion to his God, a testament to Daniel's godly character and influence. Second, coming from a pagan king, it demonstrates a remarkable recognition of the power of Daniel's God, even if it was born out of desperation or awe. Third, it functions as a prophetic declaration, expressing a hope and perhaps even a conviction that Daniel's God would indeed intervene. It sets the expectation for the miraculous deliverance that follows, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human decrees and the natural order.

**Does this verse promise that God will always deliver His faithful servants from physical harm?**

Answer: While Daniel 6:16 describes a miraculous physical deliverance, it does not guarantee that God will always deliver His faithful servants from physical harm or death. The Bible presents numerous examples of faithful individuals who suffered martyrdom (e.g., Stephen in [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54 "Acts 7:54-60 - The Martyrdom of Stephen")). The promise is not always physical rescue, but rather God's faithfulness to His people, whether through miraculous preservation, strength to endure, or ultimate deliverance into His eternal presence. The primary message is God's sovereignty and His ability to act powerfully, always working for His greater purposes and the good of His people (cf. [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 6:16, with its dramatic declaration of deliverance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Daniel's descent into the den of lions, a place of certain death, and his subsequent miraculous preservation, echo the burial of Christ and His glorious resurrection. Just as Daniel was placed in a tomb-like pit and emerged unharmed by the power of God, so too was Christ laid in a tomb, only to conquer death and emerge victorious, fulfilling the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see corruption (cf. [Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Acts 2:27 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). Daniel's unwavering faithfulness, even unto death, points to the perfect obedience of Jesus, who faithfully served His Father even to the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The king's hopeful words, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee," find their ultimate fulfillment in the Father's raising of Jesus from the dead, demonstrating that God is indeed the ultimate Deliverer, not only from physical peril but from the spiritual death and bondage of sin (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness")). Through Christ, believers are delivered from the "den" of sin and death, receiving eternal life and the promise of resurrection (cf. [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 37:39

But the salvation of the righteous [is] of the LORD: [he is] their strength in the time of trouble.

Psalms 37:40

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Job 5:19

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Psalms 91:14

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Psalms 91:16

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Daniel 3:28

¶ [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.