“Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.”
Daniel 6:17
Darius and Daniel’s accusers have seen Daniel thrown into the lions’ den. Darius has spoken to Daniel. Now he has to authorize the death
of Daniel, a death he knows he is responsible for. Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den After Daniel is placed into the first chamber of the lions’ den a large stone is rolled in front of the opening. There is no way out for Daniel as the heavy stone blocks his exit. This reminds us of the stone rolled in front of the tomb of our Lord. The Pharisees were concerned that the body of Jesus may be taken out of the tomb by His disciples and a claim made that He had risen from the dead. Remember Pilates taunt at the
Jews? “Make it as secure as you can.”
The king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords The king must go to the door of the lions’ den and seal it with his ring. It is the symbol that the punishment is authorized and is just – it is approved by the king. Again this reminds us of the stone in front of the Lord’s tomb that would have the seal of Rome on it. The seal served as a warning – no one could open that door upon
punishment of death by the government (except God!). The unbroken seal is also a confirmation that no one has entered the den and interfered with the punishment after the seal is applied. In
addition to the king’s signet ring the lords (the 122 administrators and satraps) had to place theirseal the stone with their signet rings as well. Their responsibility does not go undocumented. (Remember Pilates taunt at the Jews? “Make it as secure as you can”?)
That the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed The signet rings signify that Daniel’s punishment cannot be changed. It has been sealed in stone. Judgment is certain and final (at least by sinful men who reject God).
What can we learn? We see two great lessons in this verse. First, we see the futility of man to render judgment on God’s servants. The king tried to seal Daniel in the lion’s den, the religious leaders and the government tried to seal Christ in the tomb. All the world can rise up against God and his servants and testify they are guilty and worthy of death but their judgment will not stand. Death and the grave could not hold the Lord and it cannot hold His followers. This should encourage us despite whatever the world threatens to do to us. Their threats mean nothing, Almighty God is in control. Never forget that truth.
Second think of the great judge of the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ at the judgment of Satan and his demons. Today many demons are imprisoned in the abyss. Some will be released during the tribulation. At the end of those 7 years Satan and all demons will be imprisoned by God’s angel with chains and a key to the bottomless pit. At the end of the millennium they will be released for a short time after which God will send them into the Lake of Fire for eternity. This judgment is sealed, not with a rock and a signet ring, but with God’s word that stands forever.
There is no escape from God’s judgment for Satan or any of his followers who will join him. This is the judgment Christ told all men to fear. Matthew 10:28