1. Daniel Chapter 6 Daniel in the Lion’s Den

2. Setting & Background Belshazzar’s rule has now ended, and Darius is now the king 539 BC Daniel is now an old man (>70) Daniel had been the third highest in the Babylonian empire. Darius re-appoints him as one of the three administrators over the satraps of Medo-Persia Darius is the first king mentioned Biblically of the Medo-Persian empire of this time Darius and Cyrus had a co-regency or a shared kingdom. Cyrus is mentioned in v28.

3. Recap Daniel is excellent in character and the king puts his eye on him to put him over the entire kingdom (v3) In knowing this, the satraps and administrators set out to frame him (v4) Daniel was so blameless, they could not find anything against him (v4) They knew the only way to “frame” him would be to make his faith be in conflict with the kingdom’s laws (v5)

4. Daniel in Prayer

5. Recap The satraps get the king to issue a law that anyone who prays to a god besides the king should be thrown to the lions (v9) Knowing this, Daniel continues to pray to God (v10) The satraps catch him praying and hold the king to his law (v11-v12) Daniel is thrown to the lions and is miraculously delivered (v16-21)

6. The Lions’s Den

7. What can we learn about God from Chapter 6? God is able to deliver His people from otherwise hopeless circumstances God uses us to show His miraculous power as a witness to all God can influence even a pagan king to praise Him and realize He is God.

8. Integrity One predominant trait of Daniel’s is personal integrity Some passages about Integrity: ◦ Psalm 7:8 ◦ Psalm 26:1 ◦ Proverbs 10:9 ◦ Proverbs 11:3 ◦ Job 2:1-10 ◦ Titus 2:2-8 ◦ 2 Corinthians 1:12

9. How important is our integrity? If we do not have integrity, our ways will be exposed If we do have integrity, we’ll be vindicated (found blameless, set free) We only have integrity by the Lord Himself

10. Discussion What are some safeguards for integrity? How can we have better integrity? Do you know anyone who is challenged with integrity? How do you think about him/her? Would you want others to see you the same way? If you are willing, the Lord is willing to forgive you for your lack of integrity: 1 John 1:9