Daniel 6:19-20 – The danger of being manipulated.

Unwittingly, the law Daniel’s conspirators had urged King Darius to write had pitted him against Daniel’s God. Inadvertently, the prophet and the king became victims of Daniel's jealous colleagues.

Having sent Daniel to the lion’s den, Darius's conscience troubled him, and he suffered insomnia. His last words to Daniel before sending him to the den were, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.”

In his restless sleeplessness, he may have realized that he had allowed his pride to be exploited into writing an irrevocable law. However, deep in his heart, he knew who had the power—God, not he.

He may also have realized that the satraps and commissioners had manipulated him. Therefore, he eagerly awaited the break of dawn to see if God had delivered Daniel from the jaws of the lions.

As soon as the first light of dawn broke, he hastily headed for the lions’ den. When he arrived at the mouth of the den, he asked, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

Darius’ experience teaches us that manipulation is a present and natural danger in relationships. People may manipulate others out of jealousy, and pride can cause one to be manipulated.

Victims are often caught off guard. To avoid being manipulated, we must be careful with whom we associate, be discerning with what we hear, be watchful of people who flatter, and learn to be better judges of character. Most importantly, stay sober-minded and prayerful.