DANIEL: THE MAN THE LIONS COULDN'T TAME

THE MAN THE LIONS COULDN'T TAME

(Daniel 6)

Daniel of Judah was captured,

When God’s remnant refused to obey.

Taken to Babylon, now Iran,

For 70 years they would stay.

Daniel was taught to serve the king;

He was strengthened in every way.

But when brought the king’s food and wine,

He refused to eat that day.

The food and wine he was offered,

God had deemed “unclean.”

So Daniel was defiant —

Not unusual for one just sixteen.

Daniel discussed with his captors;

What he would put in his gullet.

When the veggie-only diet worked,

One could say he dodged a bullet.

At the end of the set 10 days,

Daniel was smarter and stronger.

So he was admired by many,

And he feared his food no longer.

Daniel was liked by the king;

He was handsome, smart and strong.

He could also interpret visions and dreams;

In fact, he could “do no wrong.”

So the king declared him prime minister;

His appointment caused much strife.

Jealous men devised a plan,

Intended to end his life.

Administrators and lesser rulers—

The king was duped by them.

They convinced him to make a decree:

Bow and pray only to him.

Daniel’s foes had him in mind,

They knew his worship routine.

He prayed to God three times a day,

In a place where he could be seen.

Daniel was on his knees praying;

His faith was being tested.

Through his window he was observed,

And the onlookers had him arrested.

His arrest troubled the king,

For Daniel was the best of all men.

Tho’ tricked, the king was obliged,

To throw him in the lion’s den.

Daniel knew he’d be thrown to the lions,

If he disobeyed the king,

But the lions couldn’t tame him;

He bowed to no one or no thing.

The lions were extremely ravenous;

They hadn’t been given food.

But God shut their hungry mouths,

And put them in a good mood.

So when the time was up,

And the king had searched his own soul,

He ran to the den and to his surprise,

Daniel was alive and whole.

Daniel was restored again,

To his previous place of honor.

And the men who sought to have him killed,

Were each considered “a goner.”

Daniel was in a bad circumstance,

But God gave him great success.

Tho’ far from home and a slave to the king,

The king he would impress.

So no matter what your circumstance,

Therein be content.

Despite where you are or who you’re with,

Be faithful and obedient.

Becky L. Wall