Daniel
in The Lions Den - Kids Bible Lessons
The
story of Daniel in the lions den is a story about unconditional faith
and
complete trust in G-d.
Story
T.I.M.E.
- Daniel
was a young boy living in Jerusalem.
- King
Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and took captive five thousand
Israelites.
- He
chose the most intelligent, handsome and talented boys from
among the captives to live at his palace and serve him. Daniel was
among them.
- King
Nebuchadnezzar did not believe in the same G-d that the Israelites did
but he learned to respect their G-d and fear his powers.
- After
the death of Nebuchadnezzar his son Belshazzar followed him at the
throne.
- Unlike
his father, Belshazzar did not honor Daniel's G-d and preferred to pray
to idols.
- Later,
the great empire of Babylon was captured by King Darius the
Mede.
- This
new King liked and trusted Daniel but his advisers did not. They wanted
to see Daniel downfall. Knowing that Daniel will not obey, they
suggested to King Darius that order that no one should pray to anyone
but the
King.
- As
they anticipated Daniel disobeyed the order. His enemies run to tell
the King.
- Even
though the King liked Daniel, he had no choice and he had to punish him
and send him into the lions den.
- Darius
was sad and tried to think of a way to save Daniel. Before they rolled
the stone across the mouth of the den he said to Daniel: "May your G-d
come to your rescue."
- In
the early morning the King run to the pit and asked: "Daniel was your
G-d able to save you?" and Daniel replied: "G-d sent an angel to shut the
lions' mouths."
- Daniel's
accused were thrown inside the lions den instead.
- Darius
sent a message to all four corners of his empire commanding his
subjects to worship the
only G-d whose hand could muzzle a pride of lions.
Preschool
Discussion T.I.M.E.
Use
this story as a way to begin a discussion about:
- Complete
Devotion - Daniel
was captured and taken away from his home. He worked as an adviser to
three different Kings but he continued to believe and remained devoted
to his G-d. He practiced his faith and prayed. Our faith can
never
be taken away from us.
- Unconditional
Faith - Daniel
lived in the palace and enjoyed a life of abundance. But Daniel did not
lose his faith in G-d during difficult times. Daniel's faith was
stronger when he was in the lions den. When times are good we tend to
have an easier time believing in G-d but we must remember that G-d is
by our side in good times and in bad times.
Return from Daniel in the Lions Den to
Bible T.I.M.E.
Return
from Daniel in the Lions Den to Home page
"A
teacher affects
eternity"
|
|