Daniel
Category: Integrity in exile & perseverance in prayer
Could avoid: Eat Babylon’s food, blend in, stop praying to avoid danger.
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.” (Daniel 1:8)
Cross-Refs: Romans 12:2; Acts 5:29.
Chose: Faithful obedience to God’s law.
“He went home to his upstairs room… Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed.” (Daniel 6:10)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 55:17; Matthew 6:6.
Endured: Pressure to conform, jealousy, lion’s den.
“Then the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.” (Daniel 6:16)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 11:33; 2 Timothy 3:12.
Why: Believed God was sovereign over kings and nations.
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever… He deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:20–21)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 75:6–7; Romans 13:1.
Result: Delivered from lions, honoured by kings, visions of God’s kingdom given.
“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.” (Daniel 6:22)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 34:7; Revelation 22:6.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Category: Endurance in fiery trial & loyalty to God
Could avoid: Bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image.
“If you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.” (Daniel 3:15)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 20:3–5; Matthew 4:10.
Chose: Remained faithful, refused to bow.
“We will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18)
Cross-Refs: Joshua 24:15; Acts 4:19.
Endured: Threats, furnace heated seven times hotter.
“They tied them up and threw them into the blazing furnace.” (Daniel 3:21)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 43:2; 1 Peter 4:12.
Why: Trusted God’s power whether He saved or not.
“The God we serve is able to deliver us… But even if he does not, we want you to know… we will not serve your gods.” (Daniel 3:17–18)
Cross-Refs: Habakkuk 3:17–18; Hebrews 11:34.
Result: Delivered by God’s presence, God glorified among nations.
“The fire had not harmed their bodies… not even a hair of their heads was singed.” (Daniel 3:27)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 91:9–10; Revelation 2:10.
Nebuchadnezzar (Transformed by Humbling)
Category: Endurance through discipline & restoration
Could avoid: Persist in pride and self-exaltation.
“Is not this the great Babylon I have built by my mighty power?” (Daniel 4:30)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 16:18; Acts 12:23.
Chose: Finally acknowledged God’s sovereignty.
“I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored.” (Daniel 4:34)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 121:1–2; James 4:10.
Endured: Loss of kingdom, madness, humiliation.
“He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox.” (Daniel 4:33)
Cross-Refs: Job 5:17; Hebrews 12:11.
Why: Learned God alone rules over kingdoms.
“The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth.” (Daniel 4:17)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 103:19; Romans 14:11.
Result: Restored to power, praised the King of heaven.
“Now I… praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven.” (Daniel 4:37)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 15:3–4; Philippians 2:10–11.
Darius the Mede
Category: Endurance in justice & faith in Daniel’s God
Could avoid: Abandon Daniel to the lions without regret.
“Then the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.” (Daniel 6:16)
Cross-Refs: Esther 1:19; John 19:12.
Chose: Fasted, prayed, and hoped for Daniel’s deliverance.
“The king said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!’” (Daniel 6:16)
Cross-Refs: Jonah 1:14; Acts 27:23–24.
Endured: Sleepless night, anxiety for Daniel.
“The king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating… and he could not sleep.” (Daniel 6:18)
Cross-Refs: Esther 6:1; Luke 22:44.
Why: Respected Daniel’s integrity, feared Daniel’s God.
“Your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 34:15; Hebrews 11:6.
Result: Saw God’s deliverance, decreed reverence for the living God.
“For he is the living God and he endures forever.” (Daniel 6:26)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:18.