“Now 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.” Daniel 6:10
Daniel had been taken from his home in Jerusalem and carried captive to Babylon. Right from the start, he held fast to the teachings that he had received as a young man. He, along with his friends, refused to eat the rich food that was given but asked for a simple diet. As he rose to prominence in the king’s court, he still maintained his worship of Jehovah.
No doubt the writings of David had been part of his education as a child, and he had taken to heart how David served God. It appears he had committed to memory Psalm 55:17: “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.”
The other leaders in the land were jealous of Daniel’s good reputation, and they sought a way to destroy him. They knew he was faithful in all his duties to the king, and that he was faithful in his worship of His God. They asked the king to make a decree that, for a period of thirty days, no prayers were to be offered to any god. Probably thinking Daniel knew about this, he signed the decree.
Daniel knew that the penalty of praying would mean he would be cast into the lion’s den. But that made no difference to Daniel. He loved and served God for who He was, and so he followed his daily habit without fear. Opening his window facing Jerusalem, he prayed as usual three times a day. The king had no choice but to follow through on his order, so Daniel ended up in the lion’s den.
We know the end of the story. Because Daniel did not change his habit of worship, the Lord sent angels to shut the lions’ mouths. Daniel had a peaceful sleep. As a result, the king issued another decree: Daniel 6:26 “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.
Thought For Today: Lord, would I be brave like Daniel? If such a law were passed today, would I still pray?
Devotion by: Anne Johnston
