Daniel: A Godly Man in Old Age
Feb. 10, 2026
The account of Daniel and the Lions’ Den is one that has fascinated children for centuries. Young minds have vividly imagined the scene of the brave hero of God facing down his feline foes in a grand display of faith. When Bible storybooks began to be published, illustrations replaced imagination, with cartoonists drawing the boyish Daniel standing amidst the lions. The problem, however, is that Daniel was not boyish; he was likely in his eighties when this event occurred. While his story appeals to the young, his reputation at this stage of life should particularly speak to those who have long since left youth behind.
Daniel spent most of his life as an exile in Babylon. God placed him in a position of authority, using him to relay messages to powerful kings who disrespected the true King. In all these things, Daniel was faithful; he is one of only a small number of biblical characters whose story is told in detail, yet no sin or moral failing is mentioned. Understanding this sets the scene for his rendezvous with the lions.
By this point in his life, Daniel may no longer have been an active presence in the king’s court; however, interpreting the handwriting on the wall brought him back into focus. With the death of the old king and the fall of his empire, the new king was pleased to have Daniel return to service. On the precipice of receiving a position of great authority, jealous courtiers sought to derail Daniel’s restoration to power. Looking for an opportunity to bring him down, the text states that “they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him” (Daniel 6:4b). Though they sought his harm, their vitriol only highlighted his character when they determined, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God” (6:5). Acting on this insight, they devised a plan to exploit the king’s arrogance by proposing that for thirty days no man or god could be petitioned—only the king. With no thought of the consequences, the king agreed, and the plan of Daniel’s detractors was set in motion.
Daniel faced a critical decision. As an old man, how easily he could have chosen short-term safety. One can imagine how tempting it might have been to think, “I pray to God and no one else has to know,” or “I have served God faithfully all my life; a thirty-day break in prayer is not a big deal.” Perhaps the greatest temptation of all was to reason, “God knows I’m old; He does not expect me to put myself in danger.” Daniel’s thought process is not recorded; however, the text reveals only one course of action: continue faithfully petitioning God. As he did every day, he opened his windows toward Jerusalem and, as a faithful exile, “prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously” (6:10). His enemies, ready to pounce, forced the king’s hand, and Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den. While God ultimately preserved his life, Daniel did not know beforehand that this would be the outcome. He was prepared to enter the heavenly country and trusted that whatever God ordained would be good.
Like the exile to ancient Babylon, present-day exiles must choose how they will conduct themselves as the end of life on this side of the veil approaches. There will likely be no dramatic “lions’ den moments” as with Daniel, yet the temptations are just as real.
Old age can become a time when spiritual service dramatically decreases. Both legitimate reasons and less legitimate excuses are often used to quiet the conscience when this happens: “I just don’t feel good,” “I don’t get around very well,” “younger people can serve better”—these are only a few of the statements commonly offered by saints in their golden years. Instead of yielding to excuses, older Christians should strive to emulate Daniel’s willingness to do what they can, regardless of age.
Older saints should also remain vigilant about the influence they can still exert. Daniel was a fascinating man, and the stories accumulated through a lifetime of royal service would surely enthrall any listener; yet this is likely not what he would have emphasized. One wonders how many pagans came to know Daniel’s God because of his testimony about Him. Only God knows the answer. Still, such thoughts should bring sobriety to old age. Rather than listing health complaints, grumbling about the current state of things, or reminiscing about how much better things were in the past, older believers can offer powerful testimonials about God’s faithfulness and steadfast love—words that can strengthen the next generation of His followers. Indeed, words have power.
Finish the race with strength and dignity. Let Daniel’s conviction, courage, and faithfulness inspire continued service until this part of the journey ends and the veil lifts in the new heavens and new earth. Remember: the faithful old Daniel began as the faithful young Daniel. God is worthy of devotion at every stage of life.
What a wonderful epitaph for any faithful child of God:
They could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him