The Pagan Who Witnessed to the Living God

Envious rulers under King Darius of Persia frame blameless Daniel for breaking a king’s decree which could not be revoked. In accordance with the decree, Darius reluctantly has Daniel cast and sealed in the den of lions, hoping that Daniel’s God would deliver him. Darius returns first thing in the morning and calls to Daniel if the living God has been able to deliver him. Daniel affirms that his God sent His angel to close the lions’ mouths, and he is unharmed. King Darius has the false accusers thrown into the same den and climatically decrees throughout the whole earth that “people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel for He is the living God who (1) endures forever; (2) has an eternal dominion; (3) delivers, rescues, and works signs and wonders; and (4) delivered Daniel from the hand of the lions.” [The LORD is the God whose praises can be proclaimed through donkeys, pagans, enemies, and rocks.] As Psalm 138:4-5 eschatologically declares, “All kings of earth will praise you, Yahweh…they will sing of the ways of Yahweh, for great is the glory of Yahweh!” Even if not a full-blown testimony born from faith in the Living God, Darius’s words point to the homage that every person - king and littlest - will offer at the last.