Malicious intent ∙∙

Malicious intent ∙∙

The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. – Genesis 6:5

Titus 3:3-5

 3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.

 4 But – When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,

 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

A Classic Tale of Conflict: Independence Day

Roland Emmerich’s 1996 film, “Independence Day,” remains a classic of its time. The movie tells the story of an alien invasion in which extraterrestrial beings seek to conquer Earth and destroy humanity. Survival depends on a handful of courageous individuals, among them Captain Steven Hiller, played by Will Smith.

As the leader of the fight against these hostile and deadly aliens, Captain Hiller is initially puzzled by their hostility. In disbelief, he remarks, “Look, I really don’t think they flew ninety billion light-years to come down here and start a fight, and get all rowdy.”

What Hiller underestimated was the malicious intent of pure evil: the aliens were not here to negotiate or coexist; they aimed to conquer and destroy.

Understanding Malicious Intent

Malicious intent is a powerful and destructive force. It is often driven by:

• Greed: The insatiable desire for more, regardless of the cost to others.
• Jealousy: Resentment toward others’ success or advantages.
• Prejudice: Hatred or bias against others based on differences.
• Personal Gain: The willingness to harm others to achieve one’s own goals.

Corrupt individuals or entities will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. For them, “everything is on the table.” They probe for weaknesses, exploit vulnerabilities, and if they find none, they create traps to ensnare those who stand in their way.

This destructive force is not merely a fictional concept; it has been a recurring phenomenon throughout history. An example can be seen in the story of Daniel, a man of steadfast faith who was targeted by malicious intent.

REFLECT & PRAY

The story of Daniel and his enemies’ malicious intent reminds us of the struggles we encounter in a fallen world. As Ecclesiastes 9:3 says, “It seems so tragic that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. That is why people should be more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course, for they have no hope.”

Father, thank You. Against all odds, You have continuously managed to do what is impossible with people. Indeed, all things are possible with You. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

INSIGHT

Daniel’s Integrity and Faith

Daniel was a man of exceptional character and ability. From his youth, he had served the kings of Babylon with intelligence, wisdom, and honesty. His reputation was above reproach, and he possessed an uncanny ability to interpret visions and understand mysteries that others could not.

As described in Daniel 6:3, “Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.”

Daniel’s integrity and loyalty were unmatched. He had been careful to keep his personal and professional life pure in every way. His enemies, driven by jealousy, could find no fault in him.

The Malicious Plot Against Daniel

Unable to find any legitimate grounds to accuse Daniel, his enemies devised a devious plan. They decided that the only way to trap him was through his faith. Driven by jealousy and malicious intent, they created a law that was not meant to be kept but rather broken.

This law was akin to a modern-day speed trap, designed not to improve safety but to generate financial gain. Just as speed traps set artificially low speed limits to catch drivers unaware, this law was crafted to ensnare Daniel because of his unwavering devotion to God.

This law was not created to protect the kingdom but to target Daniel’s faith. His enemies knew that Daniel’s devotion to God would not waver, even when facing death.

As explained in Daniel 6:4-5: “The other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, ‘Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.’”

Deceiving Darius

Daniel’s enemies approached King Darius with flattery and lies, convincing him to sign a decree that would forbid anyone from praying to any god or human other than the king for thirty days. The penalty for breaking this law was death by being thrown into the lion’s den.

The decree seemed like a win-win for Darius. It would reinforce his authority and unify the kingdom under Persian rule. The one-month time limit appeared reasonable, and the people could resume their regular worship afterward. Without further reflection, Darius signed the decree into law.

Daniel’s Faithful Response

When Daniel learned about the decree, he did not panic or compromise his faith. Instead, he continued his daily habit of praying to God three times a day, just as he always had. As described in Daniel 6:10, “He went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”

Daniel’s enemies spied on him and caught him right in the act of praying. They immediately reported him to the king, knowing that the law could not be revoked.

The Lion’s Den – God’s Deliverance

Daniel was arrested and sentenced to be thrown into the lion’s den. His enemies believed their plan had succeeded, and that Daniel’s fate was sealed.

As Daniel faced the lions, he prayed for God’s protection. His prayer might have sounded something like this: “O Lord God, my Savior and protector, save me now as you did with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. For your glory, O Lord, demonstrate your power over these beasts. Please don’t let me die this way, but may your will, O my God, be done, not mine. Strengthen me and help me in my hour of need.”

God answered Daniel’s prayer. He sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel remained unharmed throughout the night.

The Tables Turn – Darius’s Realization

The next morning, King Darius rushed to the lion’s den and called out to Daniel. To his amazement, Daniel was alive. As Daniel wrote in Daniel 6:22, “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” Darius was overjoyed!

Darius was furious because of the deception of Daniel’s enemies. He ordered that they be thrown into the lion’s den, where they met the fate they had planned for Daniel.

A Decree Honoring God

King Darius issued a new decree, declaring the greatness of Daniel’s God. As stated in Daniel 6:25-27: “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Key Takeaways

• Malicious Intent Exists: Some intend to harm what is good.
• Integrity Counts: Daniel’s integrity prevented his enemies from finding valid reasons to accuse him.
• Faith is Strength: Stay strong in your faith and trust that God will keep you safe.
• Malicious Intent Fails: The plans of the wicked often backfire. Daniel’s enemies plotted to destroy him, but their plans backfired and caused their own downfall.
• God’s Triumphs: No matter how carefully the wicked plot, God remains in control. No human effort can thwart His plans.

Richison noted: “The person with strong faith has great stability of soul. He understands something of God’s sovereignty in his life. God’s deliverance is perfect because He is perfect. When we put our trust in Him, we acquire a sense of stability and security.”

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© Dr. H 2025