Lion’s Den DeliveranceDaniel 6:1-28

One of the 24 elders ruling and reigning on royal thrones in heaven with King Jesus refers to him as the “Lion of Judah’s tribe” and the final heir to King David’s throne who is victorious and worthy to open the end times scroll and seven seals. (Revelation 5:5) When Jesus returns to earth during his second coming, he does not arrive as a miracle-working man of sorrows but as a conquering king, “I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. The rider’s name is “Faithful and True,” for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes are like flames of fire, and on his head are many crowns.” (Revelation 19:11-12) Jesus Christ is the visible image of our invisible God, existing before anything was created, and rules supremely over all creation! (Colossians 1:15) The master icon illustrates the glory, majesty, and mystery of Jesus: this heavenly lion who protects his people. The roaring lion with a fire mane and rainbow wings illustrates the pre-incarnate Christ as heaven’s warrior who watches over and protects Yahweh’s prophets. “Yahweh will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you under his wings. His promises are your armor and shield.” (Psalm 91:4) Jesus is behind Daniel who has the Holy Spirit (dove & fire) upon him to trust in God and not be afraid in the face of death. Two cherubim angels with fire swords illustrate God’s protection of Daniel in the lion’s den. The man-eating lions sit humbled and afraid of the Lion of Judah and his warrior angels. The dead tree, dark sky, and soldiers pushing the royal official off the citadel to be eaten by a ravenous lion illustrate the king’s judgment upon the Babylonian officials who tricked him and forced his hand to endanger his favored friend Daniel. The king on the left is next to a fruit-bearing tree and gesturing to the shining sun illustrating his decision to decree that the people of his kingdom must worship Daniel’s God. Two people dancing and waving palm branches illustrate the nations freely worshipping Yahweh and foreshadowing the ultimate redemption of all nations through the Messiah.

Lion’s Den Deliverance story sketches

Sketch #1: Lion - This sketch is the story logo. This sketch illustrates the Lion of Judah’s deliverance of his prophet Daniel from the man-eating lions.

Sketch #2: King - This sketch illustrates the first part of the story where King Darius orders everyone in his kingdom to worship him for a time.

Sketch #3: Lion’s den - This sketch illustrates the second part of the story where Daniel is punished for disobeying the king and is miraculously untouched by the deadly lions.

Sketch #4: Cloud, throne, & crown - This sketch illustrates the third part of the story where King Darius repents and decrees Yahweh as God and worthy of worship.