Conclusion of A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

Now that Daniel was safe, Darius had other business to attend to. "The king commanded, and they brought these able-bodied men who has accused Daniel, and into the lion's pit they threw them, their sons and their wives; and they had not reached the bottom of the pit before the lions had got the mastery over them, and all their bones they crushed." -Daniel 6:24. 

Putting to death not only the conspirators but also their wives and children may seem unreasonably harsh.  In contrast, the Law that God gave through  the prophet Moses stated:  "Fathers should not be put to death on account of children, and children should not be put to death on account of fathers. Each one should be put to death for his own sin." (Deuteronomy 24:16)  Nevertheless, in some ancient cultures, it was not unusual for family members  to be executed along with the wrongdoer, in the case of a serious crime.  Perhaps this was done so that family members  would not be able to seek revenge later on.  However, this act against the families of the high officials and the satraps was certainly none of Daniel's doing.  Likely, he was distressed over the calamity that these wicked men brought upon their families.  

The scheming high officials and satraps were gone.  Darius issued a proclamation, which stated:  "From before me there had been put through an order that, in every dominion of my kingdom , people are to be quaking and fearing before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God' and One enduring to times indefinite, and his kingdom is one that will not be brought to ruin, and his dominion is forever. He is rescuing and delivering and performing signs and wonders int he heavens and on the earth, for he has rescued Daniel from the paw of the lions." -Daniel 6:25-27. 

Next time: SERVE GOD WITH CONSTANCY

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999