1. The exaltation of Daniel, vv. 1-3. Darius the Median set Daniel as chief of the three presidents who were over his empire. Such was the excellency of Daniel that the king purposed to abolish the three presidential positions and make Daniel viceroy over his kingdom.
2. The accusation against Daniel, vv. 4-13. The other presidents were envious of Daniel and sought to find in him some fault to accuse him before the king. While his conduct was above reproach, Daniel's enemies did note his continual prayers to the Lord. They therefore recommended to Darius that he enact a thirty day law forbidding everyone in the kingdom from making petition to any god or king except himself. The penalty for violating the law was to be cast into the den of lions. Flattered with their suggestion, the king established the law, which was irreversible. Then Daniel's enemies brought him before the king with the accusation that he was guilty of breaking the law.
3. The punishment of Daniel, vv. 14-19. The king wanted to spare Daniel but his decree could not be reversed. The prophet was thrown into the midst of the lions and the den was sealed.
4. The salvation of Daniel, vv. 20-23. To the delight of the king, when he checked on the prophet the next morning he found out that the Lord had shut the mouths of the lions. No harm came to Daniel and the prophet was released from the den.
5. The execution of Daniel's enemies and the pro-clamation concerning his God, vv. 24-28. The enemies of Daniel and their families were cast into the den of lions. A decree was sent forth that all men in the kingdom worship the God of Daniel.
Only the Lord has the power to save sinners from that lion who goes about seeking whom He may destroy. The Father, in covenant mercy, sent Christ into this world to save the people of His choice. When the Savior died upon the cross He crushed the head of Satan and rescued all of His chosen people from the clutches of that fiend. "Salvation is of the Lord."