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the sleepless night

Daniel 6:17-19
17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions."

The sleepless night.
It's interesting that the Daniel narrative follows King Darius here. The king doesn't eat. He doesn't listen to music. His mind is consumed with worries. He is not able to sleep. Probably restless. Maybe pacing the floor. Likely has all his servants and staff worked up and stressed out! It's a VERY long night.

Daniel's night was not any shorter. He had to understand that, his friend, the king, was bound by law to punish him by casting him into the LION'S den. This is a profound betrayal, Daniel has served the king honorably for decades and this is how he is treated. These LIONS are man eaters. This was not an uncommon form of capital punishment. No doubt the LIONS are hungry and they are ready to pounce on any morsel of meat dropped into their DEN!!! And, Daniel is that morsel. These LION'S are experienced at attacking and ripping a full grown man to pieces! There is no defense for their teeth and claws. These LION'S are the KING of BEASTS!

King Darius' words have to echo in Daniel's mind; "Your GOD will deliver you." Probably it's part of the prayers Daniel says all night long. Daniel is FAITHFUL through all of this! Everything he did was in service to the Lord in a land and culture hostile to him. Daniel's FAITH is SO INCREDIBLE not only does King Darius notice it, the KING of Kings notices it too! 

"Then the king arose VERY EARLY in the morning, and went in HASTE unto the den of lions..."

The good parts of these daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg Texas. You can watch it by following this link... https://youtu.be/mwukJbyKbuI
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