Daniel Unlocked #33. Vindication.
Vindication is probably the most salient feature of the narrative about Daniel’s deliverance from the lions. This happy ending is consistent with other biblical narratives, such as the deliverance of Daniel’s friends from the fiery furnace, as well as the restoration of Job. Above all, it is consistent with the Bible’s macro-narrative itself, which concludes with the destruction of evil and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. Daniel’s vindication over his enemies points to the ultimate vindication of God’s people, as depicted in the prophetic section of Daniel (Daniel 7–12). It does not mean, however, that every faithful servant that is persecuted will be delivered as Daniel was. The museum gallery of martyrs throughout history shows that sometimes God allows His servants to pay the ultimate price for their loyalty without apparent vindication this side of heaven. But the deliverance of Daniel stands as a token of God’s final vindication of His people and shows that He holds the ultimate power over the forces of evil.
The God who prevented the lions from devouring Daniel will eventually forever silence Satan, the ultimate lion and accuser of the brethren (1 Pet. 5:8).
Daniel’s faithfulness to God found expression in his allegiance to God’s law. Thus, when human law conflicted with God’s law, Daniel showed no hesitation about which law to obey. The decree was issued according to the law of the Medes and Persians, “which does not alter” (Dan. 6:8). Here a conflict between two laws—both claiming immutability— emerges. This will reach greater expression in the attempt of the little horn to change the times and the law (Daniel 7).
If the law of the Medes and Persians cannot be altered, what about the law that reflects the character of God? The conflict between the eternal law of God and human counterfeits is a crucial aspect of the great conflict encapsulated in the experience of Daniel. As much as Daniel was loyal to the state, when the laws of the state conflicted with the law of God, he demonstrated no hesitancy over which law to obey. Daniel’s faithfulness was vindicated by God. Darius had no doubt about the integrity of Daniel, so much so that he made strenuous efforts to find a loophole in the imperial law. Eventually the king was forced to give in, though with hopes that the God of Daniel would deliver him. According to the biblical narrative, the stone that sealed the mouth of the cave was sealed with the king’s “own signet ring and with the signets of his lords” (Dan. 6:17). Here we see a type of Christ whose tomb was sealed with a stone and the empirial seal. But He latter rose to glory and honour.
But the vindication of Daniel implied the condemnation of those who plotted against him. This outcome is the dark but necessary side of vindication. The king commanded that Daniel’s enemies be thrown into the same pit to which Daniel had been consigned, which resulted in their destruction by the lions. To the modern or postmodern mind, it is difficult to accept the fact that the king included the families in the punishment of the conspirators. However, note that the king was simply following an ancient, though horrible, practice. God did not command that to be done. What God did was to save Daniel from the lions, which made clear the prophet’s innocence in all matters related to the king.
But above all, we should bear in mind that it was not only Daniel who was vindicated but also God Himself was vindicated before Darius. The king finally confessed that the God who delivered Daniel was the true and living God: “His kingdom . . . shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end” (Dan 6:26). These words aptly conclude the narrative section and encapsulate the core of the theological message conveyed by the prophetic section to follow.
Would that our young people would ask what the aim and purpose of their lives are. Are they ambitious for education that they may have a name and position in the world? Have they thoughts that they dare not express, that they may one day stand upon the summit of intellectual greatness; that they may sit in deliberative and legislative councils, and help to enact laws for the nation? There is nothing wrong in these aspirations. Every one of them may make their mark. None should be content with lowly attainments. They should aim high, and spare no pains to reach the standard. As Daniel demonstrated, public office is also a place to serve God. But it must be consistent and compatible with the Christian life.