Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Daniel - Chapter 6 - Verse 17

6:17
And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

Meaning

In this verse, we see the king's decision to seal the den where he had ordered Daniel to be thrown in order to prevent anyone from tampering with the situation. By placing a stone at the entrance of the den and sealing it with his own signet, as well as with the signet of his lords, the king ensured that the fate of Daniel would not be altered. This act of sealing the den symbolizes the finality of the king's decree and the permanence of Daniel's punishment. It also serves as a reminder of the power and authority of the king and his ability to enforce his decisions. Despite the king's reluctance to harm Daniel, his hands were tied by the laws of the land and he had to follow through with the punishment. The sealing of the den with the king's signet further emphasizes the irreversible nature of the situation and sets the stage for the miraculous events that are about to unfold.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the passage where Daniel is thrown into the den of lions and a stone is brought to cover the entrance and sealed with the king's signet and the signet of his lords holds significant symbolism. The sealing of the stone by the king and his lords represents the finality and authority of their decision, signifying the impossibility for any human intervention to alter the outcome. This act demonstrates the absolute power and sovereignty of the king's decree, highlighting the idea that once something is sealed by the king, it is unchangeable. In a theological sense, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His divine will. Just as the stone was sealed to ensure that the purpose regarding Daniel would not be changed, God's purposes and plans are unchangeable and will ultimately come to fruition. This passage serves as a reminder of the unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty of God in the face of human challenges and opposition.

Previous VerseNext Verse