To God Belong Escapes from Death

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah ²⁰ Our God is the God of salvation; and to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death."

Psalm 68:19-20

The LORD reminded me today that to Him belong escapes from death, for He is the God of our salvation.  This is a theme found throughout the Bible, and the book of Daniel provides several examples.  Daniel and his companions were spared from death when Israel was defeated by Babylon, and they were brought to Babylon to be trained, tested and serve king Nebuchadnezzar.

When the king became furious with his wise men and astrologers who could not tell the king what he had dreamed and suggested his request was unreasonable, he ordered their execution--Daniel and his fellow Hebrews included.  They cried out to God in prayer and appealed for Him to reveal the king's secret in His mercy.  After praising God, Daniel went before the king and told him the dream and interpretation which concerned the latter days, and the lives of Daniel and the rest of the wise men were spared.

King Nebuchadnezzar later constructed a massive image of gold and commanded all his assembled princes, governors and leaders to bow in worship when music was played--or else they would be thrown alive into a burning furnace which was on site and prepared for the occasion.  When Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to bow before the image, they were hauled before Nebuchadnezzar himself.  He gave them a final opportunity to bow and said, "If you do not fall down and worship before the image I made, that same hour you will be cast into a burning fiery furnace:  and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?"  Well, the king was given a first-hand opportunity to witness the God of Israel do just that, for He saved His servants who trusted in Him:  the LORD to whom belong escapes from death.  Though the heat was increased sevenfold, God preserved the lives of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.

After Babylon fell before the Medes and Persians, Daniel was promoted by king Darius to be first of three overseers of 120 princes over the whole kingdom.  Envious men proposed legislation with an aim to destroy Daniel, saying if someone over a 30 day period prayed to anyone other than the king, those guilty would be thrown into the lion's den--knowing Daniel would continue to pray to the God of his fathers.  It all happened as they hoped:  Daniel prayed to God, he was convicted under law could not be altered, and he was thrown into the lion's den.  What they had not counted on was God sent His angel to shut the lion's mouths and they were unable to harm him!  Daniel emerged from the den of ravenous lions unharmed.  To God belong escapes from death He grants to those who trust in Him!

In contrast Psalm 68:21 says, "But God will wound the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in His trespasses."  The wicked men who conspired against Daniel and accused him, by the command of the king they were rounded up with their families and the lions broke their bones in pieces before they came to the bottom of the den.  As Nebuchadnezzar learned--following God saving him from his deadly pride--that all His works are truth, His ways judgment, and all who walk in pride God is able to abase.  King Darius declared in Daniel 6:26-27:  "I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. ²⁷ He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."