Topical Encyclopedia
The theme of divine protection is vividly illustrated in the life of Daniel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament. Daniel's experiences, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, highlight God's sovereign ability to protect His faithful servants amidst trials and adversities.
Early Life and CaptivityDaniel was among the young men of Judah taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon during the early 6th century BC. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. His resolve is first tested when he and his friends are offered the king's food and wine.
Daniel 1:8 states, "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine." God honored Daniel's faithfulness by granting him favor and compassion in the sight of the officials, ensuring his protection and well-being.
Interpretation of DreamsDaniel's ability to interpret dreams further exemplifies divine protection. When King Nebuchadnezzar demanded the interpretation of his troubling dream, Daniel sought God's mercy.
Daniel 2:19 records, "During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven." Through God's revelation, Daniel not only saved himself but also the lives of the wise men of Babylon, demonstrating God's protective hand over those who seek Him.
The Fiery FurnaceAlthough not directly involving Daniel, the account of his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—being thrown into the fiery furnace is closely related to Daniel's narrative of divine protection. When they refused to worship the golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar, they were cast into the furnace. Yet, as
Daniel 3:25 describes, a fourth figure, "like a son of the gods," appeared with them, and they emerged unharmed. This miraculous deliverance underscores the protective power of God over His faithful.
The Lion's DenOne of the most iconic accounts of divine protection is Daniel's deliverance from the lion's den. Under King Darius, Daniel's unwavering devotion to God led to a conspiracy against him, resulting in his being thrown into a den of lions.
Daniel 6:22 recounts Daniel's testimony: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, and they have not harmed me, because I was found innocent before Him." This miraculous event not only preserved Daniel's life but also led to the king's acknowledgment of God's power.
Visions and PropheciesThroughout his life, Daniel received visions and prophecies concerning future events, which were often accompanied by divine protection. In
Daniel 10, an angelic being reassures Daniel, saying in verse 19 , "Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious. Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong." These encounters highlight God's ongoing protection and encouragement to Daniel as he fulfilled his prophetic role.
Legacy of FaithDaniel's life serves as a testament to the protective nature of God over those who remain faithful and obedient. His experiences illustrate that divine protection does not always mean the absence of trials but rather God's presence and deliverance through them. Daniel's unwavering faith and God's miraculous interventions continue to inspire believers to trust in God's protective power.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Daniel 6:22My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: for as much as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no hurt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Divine Support andProtection
... For who, or what, can injure those who are under theprotection of Omnipotence?... So
Daniel: though he was cast into the den of lions, he received no more harm...
Prayer Essential to God
... that den of vicious, cruel lions and closed their mouths and preserved His servant
Daniel, who had been true to Him and who had called upon Him forprotection....
Excerpts of Theodotus;
... who lookest on the abysses as Thou sittest on the cherubim," saysDaniel, in agreement...
baptism is performed by water and the Spirit as aprotection against the...
The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
... Isaiah 61:1-3. a teacher, Isaiah 9:6 (counsellor)."the kingdom,Daniel 2:34... 4,
5."broken-hearted, poor and imprisoned, Isaiah 61:1-3."protection from all...
The Captivity of Judah.
... 1) From the first invasion and the carrying into captivity ofDaniel and others...
44:1), a frontier town where many foreigners lived under theprotection of Egypt...
Epistle Lvii. To Lucius the Bishop of Rome, Returned from...
... they came forth safe from the fiery furnace; nor didDaniel stand forth... diminish
the merits of confession, but show forth the greatness of divineprotection....
Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.....
... of lions, sadly though he did it, yet he had the conviction that he would be safe
through the help andprotection of his God. Accordingly, whenDaniel, by the...
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
... of perplexity and danger they had always turned to Him for guidance andprotection,
and He... The Spirit of the Lord rested upon them, and toDaniel, "in a night...
Agency of Evil Spirits
... the little town where he was shut in by his foes; toDaniel, while seeking... If God
has granted to His children promise of grace andprotection, it is because...
The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
... with Israel for seven years, under which he guarantees themprotection and allows...
his reign, or certainly, at the very commencement ofDaniel's seventieth week...
Resources
What are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Aaronic Blessing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is holy magic hair? | GotQuestions.orgProtection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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