Daniel and the Lion’s Den – Daniel 6

A story of Continuity

law of the Medes and Persians – mentioned in verses 8 and 12 with the phrase “which altereth not”

unalterable;  immutable - unchanging through time; unalterable; ageless

This law of the Medes and Persians stands out to me for a number of reasons.  If you read through the story, you find that this law held even King Darius to the standard of compliance (it is thought to have been an ordinance of Darius himself).  Reluctant as he was, King Darius still threw Daniel into the lion’s den because of this law.  BUT, before he did, he said (verse 16)

“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.”

                In this verse, we have a reference to the long-term commitment of Daniel to God.  Even the King recognized this.  Daniel knew what was being plotted against him, yet he remained steadfast and loyal to God. (verse 10)

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.

                So we know that Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, and was protected and unharmed.  Following this divine protection, the King made a decree.   This is actually the best part of the story.  God showed Himself through Daniel to everyone (King Darius had pull – meaning he was the man).

Daniel 6:26-27
²⁶I 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.
 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.
           
            So we have three things that symbolic of continuity in this particular story, (which I argue attest to continuity on a larger scale):    the “extreme, but consistent” law of the Medes and the Persians, the unwavering commitment to God from Daniel, and the declaration of God’s steadfast, undeniable reign.
Hebrews 13:8 - “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
How’s that for CONTINUITY?