²¹ Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! ²² “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

6:21

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever!”

The sound of Daniel’s voice must have been a shock to Darius.  He probably expected the awful hush of death.  Daniel did not admonish the king for throwing him into the den or insist that he punish those who undermined him.  He did none of that.  He was not a malicious type.  Instead, he used normal court protocol, “O king, live forever!” 

6:22

“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

The use of the personal pronoun “my God” shows Daniel’s consciousness of his personal relationship to God.  Daniel explains to Darius that an angel delivered him from the lions.  He gave glory to God for the deliverance. 

The words “sent His angel” refer to a theophany (a manifestation of Christ in the Old Testament).  This is the Angel of Jehovah.  The presence of God was with Daniel in the den.  Daniel’s concern to tell Darius how it happened is an issue of the glory of God.  God did not shield him from the trial but in trial. 

De 31:6, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Daniel was “innocent” before God.  Actually, the word means purity.  He “was found” in purity.  The idea is that Daniel lived a consistent way of life before God.  He committed no crime or violation against the king or his kingdom. 

PRINCIPLE: 

God does not shield us from the trial but gives us grace in the trial. 

APPLICATION: 

Every believer should live his or her life unto the Lord and leave the results in His hands.  God does not shield us from the trial but gives us the grace to live in the trial.  He promises His presence in whatever we face. 

Is 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

He 13:5, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”