Week 21: Fear God > Enduring < Dominion: Saved Daniel
WEEK 21 | Daniel 6:25-28
Day 1 Deeper Daniel Father, open my eyes to see the truth in Your Word that I may know and love you more deeply.
For Daniel 6, we are reading the book of Esther in parts on Day 1. For this lesson, read or listen to Esther 8-10.
1. In Daniel 6 we were reminded that the Medes-Persian law did not allow for a king to change a decree. In Esther the decree the King wrote to destroy the Jews could not be changed, but Mordecai is given permission to write another decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves.
How does this decree impact the hearts of the people in the kingdom?
How does this decree and its implementation affect the Jews?
How are Esther and Mordecai personally vindicated in a reversal?
How is the festival of Purim a “reversal” for the Jews that is celebrated annually to this day?
2. Fruchtenbaum, author of The Book of Daniel: Exposition from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, designates “the times of the Gentiles” as this book’s overarching theme. He concludes his analysis of Daniel 6 with three lessons learned:
First, the Jews in the Disapsora will prosper to a degree. Second, their success will endanger them
because it will cause jealousy and lead to anti-Semitic attacks and persecution. Third, in spite of the
threats against them, the Jews as a people will always survive (225).
Consider how we saw these principles in the books of both Daniel and Esther. Why will the Jews as a people always survive?
We saw these principles in effect during and following the Holocaust as well. Following World War II, many Jewish survivors returned to Israel because after experiencing persecution in the various countries where they were dispersed, these Jews desired to live in their homeland. Most Jews still live outside the land and those who do live in the land still battle to keep it. This will continue until the Messianic Kingdom when Jesus reigns and fulfills the unconditional land covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15).
We still live in the Times of the Gentiles. As brothers and sisters in Christ with Jesus’ brethren, we should learn about their history and how God is still active in preserving a remnant of true believers among the Jews.
3. Go to https://www.oneforisrael.org/findings-of-new-research-on-the-messianic-movement-in-israel/.
After reading this article, you can go to the home page. Click “Get Involved.” Then click “Pray.” Here you can request to receive their prayer guide so that you know how to pray toward “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
Prayer – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Pray this verse over all believers and also over Jews who do not know Christ but are being persecuted. Pray that God would draw them to Himself through their Messiah Jesus, the Son of God.
Days 2-3 Jesus, the Greater Daniel Father, open my eyes to see your Son and exalt Him with my life!
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Background Information – Having been vindicated by His resurrection, the Son now has all authority in heaven and on earth given to Him by the Father. We read The Great Commission in English, so we can misread the main verb as “go,” but in Greek the command is expressed in one verb matheteusate, which means “make disciples.” Jesus explains HOW He wants His disciples to “make disciples” by adding these three subordinate participial clauses -- “going, baptizing, teaching.”
Under His authority Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples by going to all the nations, to make disciples by baptizingthem in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and to make disciples by teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded His disciples.
In Matthew chapter one, an angel told Joseph that the people would call the Son “Immanuel” because it means “God with us.” Matthew closes his gospel with Immanuel Himself promising, “And behold I am with you always to the end of the age.” Dr. Constable, quoting Moule, states that the word always literally means “the whole of every day,” and he adds that this means Jesus promises to be with His disciples “everyday forever.”
Directions for Writing Titles – We are trying a new way for observing a text where you give a unit of ideas (in this case, Matthew 28:18-20) a title. The boundaries given for the writing of this title help you identify the most important words in the text. These words, then, help you determine the key idea. The boundaries/guidelines include:
v The words in your title must come from the words in the text only.
v You can only choose six words (or less) from the text.
v You must write the words in the order they occur in the text, but they do not need to form a sentence.
v You may use punctuation to communicate ( , . ; ! ? = + -- | / ( ) < > - “ “ ). Get creative with that!
v See Lesson 18 for examples if you missed that lesson. Our title for today’s lesson is another example.
Your Title for Matthew 28:18-20 _____________________________________________________________
Days 4-5 Central Passage Father, open my eyes to see the truth in Your Word that I may know and love you more deeply.
Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel,
for he is the living God,
enduring forever;
his kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and his dominion shall be to the end.
27 He delivers and rescues;
he works signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth,
he who has saved Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:25-28 ESV
OBSERVE DICTION
Ask: Which words/phrases might provide clues to the author’s message? What do they literally mean?
Ex. all the earth > This could be a hyperbole used by a king to describe his dominion but more likely it simply means “land” as in the land of his dominion.
Ex. peace be multiplied to you > refers to both peace and prosperity/welfare.
Ex. never be destroyed > The same expression used by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:44.
Ex. prospered > in the political sense
OBSERVE DETAILS
Ask and answer simple w-questions: when? where? who? what? how?
What decree opens Daniel 6? (v7-9)
To whom is Darius writing this second decree? (v25-26)
His first words are typical of a king’s decree. What are they? (v25)
What does he command those under his dominion to do? (v26)
What four reasons does Darius give for why the people under his dominion should fear and tremble before Daniel’s God (v26)? Underline once reasons describing God’s nature and twice those describing His rule.
What is the nature of the work the Living God does that provides additional reasons to worship Him? (v27)
What evidence does Darius provide that the Living God delivers/rescues and works signs/wonders?
Where does the Living God work signs and wonders?
What last words describe Daniel’s service in government? (v16)
Under whose reigns does he continue to serve after his rescue?
According to Daniel 6:3, what would Daniel’s position be now?
Historical Context – At the beginning of chapter 6, Darius desires to promote Daniel to be over his entire realm in a prime minister type position; after God delivers Daniel, we can assume that Darius promoted Daniel to that position. Let’s trace how God gives Daniel greater and greater political influence in Babylon. In chapter one, Daniel started as a captive prisoner, then was an initiate in Nebuchadnezzar’s leader training program and then he and his friends are recognized as the wisest of all initiates and even current wise men. Daniel alone is recognized as having understanding in all visions and dreams. Then in chapter two after correctly interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel is made a governor over Babylon and the chief prefect over the wise men. In chapter four, Daniel serves as an advisor to the King. In chapter five after interpreting the writing on the wall, he is promoted to be the third ruler, and in a sense he is third ruler in Babylon at the end of chapter 6, for he is under Darius who is under Cyrus.
INTERPRET
Ask: Why did the author choose to include these details and use these words?
1. Read Romans 1:18-20. Even after the fall, did God expect those He created in His image to think intelligently and with humility about what creation revealed to them about Himself? _____!!!
What two things are clearly perceived?
Explain “eternal power.”
Explain “divine nature.”
Should those created in the image of God be able to perceive from creation that God’s wrath is upon them? _____!!! Why?
In Q2 you will think through how God revealed His eternal power and divine nature through His creation to Darius. Go ahead and underline anything you wrote that might help you in that.
2. Now let’s look at the content of Darius’ witness. He testifies about the nature of God and the nature of His rule and the nature of His work. Then he gives only one piece of evidence to this testimony: this God saved Daniel from the power of the lions. Read how Darius might support his conclusions using that evidence in the example below.
This God is a living God | enduring forever.
Example: (writing from Darius’ perspective) I know Daniel prayed only to this God because he disobeyed my decree in order to obey His God. Lions eat. They did not eat Daniel. No harm was done to his body at all; they did eat the accusers and their families and even before their bodies reached the bottom of the pit. I reason, then, God created the lion and men because he had total power over them. This Living Creator must have life in Himself. So He is eternal.
Write how Darius might support his conclusions on the nature of God’s kingdom and work using “this God saved Daniel from the power of the lions” as evidence.
This God’s kingdom shall never be destroyed | his dominion shall be to the end.
This God delivers and rescues | he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.
How would Daniel’s rescue be personal to Darius, a demonstration of God’s relationship to him as well?
Why do you think Darius wanted to share what he witnessed to the people under his rule?
How to Read Your Bible – Some say the God of the Old Testament is different than the God of the New Testament. How can we lovingly show those who do not know the Word or God that He does not change, for He is the same yesterday, today and forever? How can we share that if HE does not change, then HIS KINGDOM is always ruling and HIS WORK is to deliver and rescue? The verses below are from the beginning, the middle, and the end of God’s story. Review them. Note the underlined words identifying God’s unchanging nature, kingdom, and work.
In the Beginning...God Created His Image Bearers and Commanded:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28
At the Center of Scripture... Jesus Rose from the Dead and Commanded His Disciples:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
In the Last Days... Innumerable Tribulation Saints from ALL Nations Will Praise God:
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 7:9-12
We have been practicing writing titles to capture the main idea of a section of the Bible (See Days 2-3 “Directions for Writing Titles.”) Review some title ideas for the texts above + Daniel 6:25-28. Note the similar word choices and ideas. One similarity is highlighted for you.
God Created Image > “Multiply Dominion Earth.” Genesis 1:27-28
“Fear God > Enduring < Dominion: Saved Daniel.” Daniel 6:25-28
Jesus > “Authority (Disciples @ Nations) ^ You Always.” Matthew 28:18-20
Multitude, “Salvation = God! Glory Forever!” Revelation 7:9-12
3. What do you notice about God’s nature, His kingdom and His work that is the same yesterday, today, and forever that you could share with ___________ who is troubled because they do not know or trust God?
Darius’ decree is the last word we shall hear from a king of the nations in Daniel. Being in relationship with Daniel and witnessing his relationship with the Living God impacted Darius profoundly. The result is this Gentile king multiplied God’s glory on earth.
Darius, like Nebuchadnezzar, foreshadows how One Day the nations will bow the knee to King Jesus (Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10-11; Romans 4:11; Revelation 1:7).
APPLY
This God raised His Servant Jesus that all peoples of every nation and tongue in all the earth may know true peace and prosperity. Reflect on this reality: God saved you from the power of the lions.
1. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus shut the mouths of lions and saved all who trust Him from body and soul death. If you have trusted that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day, then you are saved from eternal soul death. You are holy and blameless and sealed by the Holy Spirit to be raised on the last day in an imperishable new body (Ephesians 1:4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:42). And God is still saving you as He makes you more like Jesus every day (Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Who ALL can you tell about this?
Use the questions below to testify about your salvation as Darius testified of Daniel’s.
How does your salvation demonstrate that the nature of God’s work is delivery and rescue?
How does your salvation demonstrate that God’s rule can never be destroyed?
How does your salvation demonstrate your God is the Living God?
2. From his youth to his old age, Daniel worked for the interests of Babylon in a way that was beyond reproach. He gave the city revelation from God. He gave the city a window to witness his devotion to God. In our last two lessons, you have written these two portions of your Rule of Life: Relationship with God and Personal Life and Health. We saw clearly that Daniel had determined commitments in these areas as well. The next portion of your Rule of Life is –
Personal Growth & Work
a. In your notebook or on your device title this 3rd part of your Rule of Life Personal Growth & Work.
b. This portion will focus on education, personal development, current work responsibilities, & calling/vocation.
c. Choose a Bible verse for this section. A few ideas – Col 3:23; 2 Tim 2:15; 1 Cor 15:58; Eph 2:10; Gal 6:9
d. Write a biblical statement reminding yourself that God calls you to learn and work for Him with dependence upon His Spirit.
e. Before you make your list of commitments that would go on a calendar, review these suggestions:
o Take a spiritual gifts test (giftstest.com). Have conversations with those who know you well about how they see your spiritual gifts at work in your life. If you would like to take further steps, Grace has resources for helping you process calling and vocation. Contact kpaulson@gracelaredo.org.
o Your community group leader posted a list of Gospel Essential Knowledge and Skills (GEKS). Review those and determine something new you would like to learn. Share that with your community group and see if anyone is willing to learn that with you this summer (Summer Good Read book & video list will be posted May 2026. This will help you find solid resources for your learning needs.)
o Reading books or watching videos are both great ways to grow in spiritual knowledge and skills. Bridge Ministries in Laredo has a nonprofit bookstore and their staff are always ready to help you find resources in their store and can order them for you as well. Grace Bible Church gives you free access to Right Now Media where you can find all kinds of videos and Bible studies on all kinds of subjects. Go to – gracelaredo.org/rightnowmedia.
f. Make a list of commitments you are willing to make in the areas listed in 3b above. Note the commitments are still written as addressing self. See examples:
o Commit to a community group every semester. Spend time praying each week about your work for God. Ask Him to direct you toward His calling on my life.
o Read a book relating to your field of study in an area you wish to develop at least once a year.
o Read a book/watch a video relating to a needed area of spiritual growth every quarter.
3. Multiplying Leaders – In your Daniel study, you have learned what a life lived faithfully for God and sacrificially laid down for Him looks like. You have seen that such an intentional life involves a commitment to know and love God and love others. You have learned how to observe the Bible, interpret it, and apply it. You have shared with your group amazing insights about what you learned from God’s Word and have also shared your walk with God with vulnerability and honesty.
You are growing more and more like Christ.
At Grace our mission is to lead our city into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Note the word “lead.” Jesus commanded His disciples to pray for God to send more workers for the harvest (Luke 10:2). Church, we live in a city that is underserved with the gospel. We have such an opportunity here, and you have been equipped for that opportunity to lead others to Him.
Pray “God make disciples who would make disciples”
Ask God to raise up workers for the harvest in our city. Pray about becoming a leader yourself. If you have been faithful in walking through the book of Daniel with us, then pray about becoming a community group leader. We have so many who walk through our doors each Sunday who have yet to take a seat in a community group as you have done. Pray that they would take a seat at the feet of Jesus and remain until they are ready to lead themselves.
Triads & Quads Time – Get together with your prayer partners.
Directions – Share with your group one way you will apply what you learned. Then each person will pray for the person to their right to be faithful in their application.
Prayer
Pray for the requests under Apply #3
God’s joy & strength to you!