“And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him…So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.””
Daniel 6:14, 16 NKJV
Like most people, I’ve read the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den many times. But when I read it today, I saw a perspective I’ve never grasped before – King Darius’ perspective.
King Darius trusted Daniel – so much so that he considered promoting Daniel. A plot ensues, and the King unknowingly places Daniel’s life on the line. The King did not consider the impact of his decisions – it sounded good and he made what was likely an emotional decision.
Fast forward to the moment his eyes were opened and the King understood the impact his decision had upon Daniel. It devastated the King, yet he”set his heart” on Daniel to make it right. In other words, the King was determined or fixated on a resolution. The King eventually gave the order, and as Daniel was placed in the lions den, the King encouraged him by declaring, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” I imagine the King was also encouraging himself. As the story continues I can imagine the angst of the King and his joy the following morning when Daniel was found alive and uninjured.
As a leader and a mom who’s made many mistakes, it’s King Darius who I identify with today. I’ve made decisions without counting the cost. I’ve uttered harsh words that held weighty consequences. I’ve wrestled and worried for those in my care and how decisions impact them. I’ve found myself far too often in shoes like the King’s, and in the end, G-d has always shown Himself to be faithful and merciful. In the end, He rights what I wrong and He mends what I break. And I declare the words of the King: “…He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Daniel 6:26-27 NKJV
He’s delivered me over and over – and He will do it again. He who has the power to shut the mouth of the lions has the power to meet and exceed every need I have. For that, I give thanks.
Father – thank You for Your Word and Your mercy. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Daniel 4-6
September 15, 2022