Definition: And 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?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 6:20. It's a really interesting and somewhat dramatic passage about bravery and obedience. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: A Lion Threatens: A huge, ferocious lion is threatening to devour all the people in Jerusalem. This represents a great danger or threat. Daniel is Being Tested: Daniel is being asked to help save someone – Daniel himself. He’s being put through a really tough test. The King's Request: The king of Persia, who is powerful and has a lot of influence, wants Daniel to do something . He wants Daniel to find a way to stop the lion from attacking Jerusalem. What the Verse Says - A Closer Look: “And when he came to the den…” – This means Daniel was being brought into a special place, likely a secure and hidden location. “…he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:” - Daniel is speaking to him in a very sad and pleading way. It's not a happy conversation. “[and] the king spake and said to Daniel…” – The king is directly addressing Daniel, acknowledging his importance. “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, able to deliver thee from the lions?” - This is the core of the verse. It’s a direct question from the king. He's asking: "Daniel, are you willing to risk your life to save me?" The Meaning – It's About Obedience & Courage: This verse is about obedience . The king isn’t really asking Daniel to be brave; he’s asking him to do something. It emphasizes that: God commands us to obey. This verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions, even when it's difficult or scary. Bravery comes from obedience. It suggests that true courage isn't about being fearless – it’s about doing what is right, even when you're afraid. In short: The king is asking Daniel to be brave and risk his life to save him because he believes Daniel is the only one who can stop the lion. What does this verse teach us? It teaches us that: Trusting God is important. We should rely on God's guidance, even when things seem frightening. Taking responsibility. We have a duty to act in accordance with what God commands us to do. Courage isn’t always about physical strength. Sometimes, it’s about facing our fears and doing what is right. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the lion? Connect this story to a larger theme in the Bible (like faith or obedience)?