“And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.” Daniel 6:24
Every concept in the New Testament has a story in the Old Testament that serves as an illustration or example. In the Sermon on the Mount the Lord is teaching about judging others when He makes this
statement. “For with what judgment you judge, you will be
judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured
back to you.”
In Daniel 6 we read of the Administrators and Satraps writing a
law to ensnare Daniel and provide the basis on which to accuse
him of illegal behavior. Then they demand the law of the Medes
and Persians be invoked to ensure there is no way out for Daniel
to escape being punished. He must be silenced forever!
Darius comes to the lion’s den and much to his great joy found
that God has protected Daniel. We don’t know how much time
passes before Darius begins to move against his accusers. The
accusers now feel the law of the Medes and Persians applied to
them and their families. Some believe Darius executed only the other two administrators (Daniel’s peers) who had accused him falsely. If true, all the satraps would have to report to Daniel.
And the king gave the command The king now issues another law which cannot be altered.
They brought those men who had accused Daniel The words indicate the men who had maliciously slandered Daniel were taken into custody. Imagine their shock when their discover their plan did not work. Daniel is alive, they are arrested, accused and face the death they desired for Daniel. The tables have turned.
They cast them into the den of lions Darius commanded the men be cast into the same lions’ den that they had prepared for Daniel. Cast them means “to be deposited unceremoniously” into the midst of the pit. They were thrown over the top into the den full of roaring lions below. The wording indicates the den is filled with hungry, angry lions.
Them, their children, and their wives These malicious accusers find that Persian law requires their families be destroyed with them for their sin. Likely they are screaming for fairness and mercy, two things they denied Daniel but which they now seek.
The lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces God makes sure we see the ferocity of the lions. They are hungry (they were hungry when God protected Daniel too). They are so fierce that they not only attack and eat those thrown into the den, they break their bones to pieces (not a normal act for lions) as they devour them.
Before they ever came to the bottom of the den The people thrown to the lions are caught and killed in mid-air. There is wailing and gnashing of teeth but it was to no avail. What they expected to happen to Daniel now happens to them. Nothing could save Daniel’s accusers at this point. Do you see the Great White Throne Judgment in this?
What can we learn? Like Haman, who was hanged on the very gallows he prepared for Mordecai, God’s justice comes to those who rebel against Him and His followers. We see the truth of God’s
word. “Be sure your sin will find you out.” God never lies!