Daniel Chapter 6 · Verse 16
Then 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.
Original Language Analysis
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
8 of 21
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
עָנֵ֤ה
spake
H6032
עָנֵ֤ה
spake
Strong's:
H6032
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
15 of 21
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
Cross References
Job 5:19He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.Daniel 3:28Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.2 Samuel 3:39And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.Daniel 3:17If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.Daniel 6:20And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?Acts 25:11For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.Proverbs 29:25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Acts 25:9But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?Acts 24:27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings rarely expressed confidence in foreign gods, making Darius's statement remarkable. The timing matters—spoken as Daniel descends into the lion's den, this represents either desperate hope or genuine faith. Ancient lion dens were typically pits or caves used for keeping lions for royal hunts. Throwing someone into a den of multiple hungry lions normally meant certain death. Darius's words show he recognizes Daniel's God might accomplish what the king's power couldn't—deliverance from impossible circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does consistent ('continual') faithfulness create testimony that even unbelievers recognize and respect?
- What does Darius's statement teach about how our faithful service to God can provoke faith (or at least hope) in observers?
Analysis & Commentary
The king's hopeful word to Daniel shows both desperation and dawning faith: 'Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.' This statement combines acknowledgment of Daniel's faithful service ('whom thou servest continually') with hope in divine deliverance. Darius doesn't say 'may deliver' but 'will deliver'—expressing either politeness to a doomed man or genuine faith that Daniel's God is powerful. The phrase 'continually' recognizes Daniel's consistent devotion. This contrasts with the king's own failure—he served pride and self-interest by signing the foolish decree.