My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Ver. 22. My God hath sent his angel.] Glad to be employed for the safety and service of the saints, Heb 1:14 whence it is that these heavenly courtiers delight more in their names of ministry (as angels, watchers, &c.), than of dignity, as principalities, thrones, &c.
And hath shut the lions' mouths.] Though they were savage and hunger starved, yet Daniel was kept from the paws and jaws of these many fierce and fell lions by the power of God through faith. Heb 11:33 How the angel stopped the lions' mouths, whether by the brightness of his presence, or threatening them with his finger, Numbers 22:27 ; Num 22:33 or by making a rumble among them like that of an empty cart upon the stones, or by presenting unto them a light fire (which things lions are said to be terrified with), a or by causing in them a satiety, or by working upon their fantasy, &c., we need not inquire. The Lord well knoweth how to deliver his, 2Pe 2:9 and, one way or other, will not fail to do it. Psa 34:19 Archimedes, the great mathematician, was slain by a common soldier who was sent for him, notwithstanding that Marcellus, the Roman general, had given charge that he should be spared. The temple at Jerusalem was burnt, though Titus the emperor had commanded the contrary. When one told the Duke of Parma that he had shot Sir Philip Sidney, instead of a reward, he cursed him for killing so incomparable a man, of whom, though an enemy, he heartily wished that he had been preserved. All that are dear to God are sure to be protected; he will rather work miracles than they shall be forsaken. Jon 2:10
And also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.] Though I have not obeyed thine edict, to the wounding of my conscience. It was therefore an unadvised speech of Philip, king of Spain, who said that he had rather have no subjects than Protestant subjects; and out of a blind bloody zeal he suffered his eldest son Charles to be murdered by the cruel Inquisition, because he seemed to favour the Lutherans. How well might this young prince have said, as here, "Against thee, O king, have I done no hurt."
a Aristot.; Plin.