Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
Divine vindication is complete: 'Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.' The king's joy ('exceeding glad') shows genuine affection. The detail 'no manner of hurt' emphasizes total protection—not injured, not bitten, completely unharmed. The causal clause 'because he believed in his God' identifies faith as the critical factor. Deliverance came not from Daniel's merit but from his faith in God's power and faithfulness.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern executions were designed to demonstrate royal power through spectacular death. Daniel's survival with zero injuries represented stunning reversal—the execution method became platform for demonstrating God's superior power. The phrase 'no manner of hurt' parallels the three friends emerging from the furnace without even smell of smoke (3:27). Both miracles demonstrate God's comprehensive protection of faithful servants. Archaeological evidence of lion's power makes the miracle's magnitude clear—lions were fearsome predators.
Questions for Reflection
How does Daniel's complete protection (no hurt at all) demonstrate God's comprehensive care for those who trust Him?
What does the explicit connection to faith ('because he believed') teach about trust as the instrument through which we receive divine protection?
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Analysis & Commentary
Divine vindication is complete: 'Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.' The king's joy ('exceeding glad') shows genuine affection. The detail 'no manner of hurt' emphasizes total protection—not injured, not bitten, completely unharmed. The causal clause 'because he believed in his God' identifies faith as the critical factor. Deliverance came not from Daniel's merit but from his faith in God's power and faithfulness.