The story of God sending an angel to shut the lions’ mouths in Daniel Chapter 6 has been the subject of much theological discussion and interpretation over the years. Here are some insights from biblical commentary sources from the last 100 years:

1. Divine intervention: The story is a clear demonstration of God’s supernatural power and intervention on behalf of his faithful servants. The fact that the lions did not harm Daniel, despite being hungry and aggressive, was a clear sign of God’s protection and provision.
2. Miraculous protection: The fact that God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths has been interpreted as a miraculous intervention that goes beyond natural laws and human understanding. Some commentators suggest that this miracle may have involved a supernatural calming of the lions or a temporary suspension of their natural instincts.
3. Symbolic significance: The image of the lions being subdued by God’s power has been seen as a powerful symbol of spiritual victory and protection. In this interpretation, the lions represent the forces of evil and opposition that seek to harm and destroy God’s people. The fact that God was able to protect Daniel from the lions shows that he is more powerful than any earthly or spiritual adversary.
4. Faith and obedience: The story of Daniel and the lions is often used as an example of the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing God’s protection and provision. Daniel’s unwavering commitment to prayer and his refusal to compromise his faith, even in the face of death, demonstrate his trust in God’s sovereignty and power.
5. Christological interpretation: Some commentators have also seen the story of Daniel and the lions as a foreshadowing of Christ’s victory over sin and death. In this interpretation, the lions represent the forces of evil and death that seek to destroy God’s people, while Daniel represents the faithful servant who is ultimately saved by God’s power. This interpretation emphasizes the idea that Christ’s victory over sin and death is the ultimate source of protection and salvation for believers.

Overall, the story of God sending an angel to shut the lions’ mouths in Daniel Chapter 6 has been interpreted in a variety of ways by biblical commentators. However, one common theme that emerges from these interpretations is the idea that God’s protection and provision are ultimately rooted in his supernatural power and his faithfulness to his faithful servants.