Daniel 6:22

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.

My God {H426} hath sent {H7972} his angel {H4398}, and hath shut {H5463} the lions {H744}' mouths {H6433}, that they have not {H3809} hurt {H2255} me: forasmuch as {H3606}{H6903} before {H6925} him innocency {H2136} was found {H7912} in me; and also {H638} before {H6925} thee, O king {H4430}, have I done {H5648} no {H3809} hurt {H2248}.

My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths, so they haven't hurt me. This is because before him I was found innocent; and also I have done no harm to you, your majesty."

My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, and 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.

Commentary

Commentary on Daniel 6:22

Daniel 6:22 captures Daniel's remarkable declaration of deliverance to King Darius after a night spent in the lions' den. This verse is a powerful testament to God's protective hand over His faithful servants.

Context

This verse is the climax of one of the Bible's most famous narratives. Daniel, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Darius, faced a politically motivated plot. His jealous colleagues persuaded the king to issue a decree forbidding prayer to any god or man except the king for thirty days. Knowing the penalty was the lions' den, Daniel continued his customary practice of praying to God three times a day, openly and unashamedly. Consequently, he was thrown into the lions' den. King Darius, who respected Daniel, sealed the den and spent a sleepless night, only to find Daniel unharmed the next morning. Daniel's calm and confident response in this verse confirms the divine intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: The central message is God's absolute power to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable dangers. Daniel attributes his survival directly to God sending "his angel," supernaturally shutting the lions' mouths. This echoes other biblical accounts of miraculous salvation, such as the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace.
  • Innocence and Integrity: Daniel emphasizes his blamelessness, stating that "innocency was found in me" before God, and he had "done no hurt" before the king. This highlights that his suffering was not due to wrongdoing but due to his unwavering faithfulness to God. His integrity before both divine and human law was vindicated.
  • Faithfulness Under Persecution: Daniel's actions throughout chapter 6 demonstrate profound faith and obedience even when facing death. His deliverance serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to maintain their devotion to God regardless of the threats or pressures they face.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shut the lions' mouths" clearly denotes a supernatural act. The Hebrew verb for "shut" (Χ‘ΦΈΧ’Φ·Χ¨ - sagar) implies a complete and effective closure. It wasn't a natural occurrence but a direct intervention by God's messenger. Daniel's declaration "innocency was found in me" refers to his blamelessness regarding the specific accusation that led to his punishment; he had committed no crime against the king or the kingdom, only continued his devotion to God.

Practical Application

Daniel's experience in the lions' den provides profound lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when circumstances seem dire and human efforts are exhausted, Daniel's testimony reminds us that God is sovereign and capable of delivering in ways we cannot imagine.
  • Live with Integrity: Daniel's blamelessness, both before God and the king, was crucial to his vindication. Living a life of integrity, even when it is costly, honors God and can lead to powerful testimonies.
  • Courage in Conviction: Daniel did not compromise his faith. His courage in continuing his prayer life despite the decree encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, trusting that God will uphold those who honor Him.

This verse stands as a monument to God's power and faithfulness, assuring His people that He is with them even in the most perilous situations.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 4:17 (20 votes)

    Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

  • Hebrews 11:33 (19 votes)

    Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

  • Acts 12:11 (13 votes)

    And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

  • Psalms 91:11 (12 votes)

    For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

  • Psalms 91:13 (12 votes)

    Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

  • Acts 24:16 (10 votes)

    And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

  • Psalms 84:11 (9 votes)

    For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.