Daniel in the Lion’s Den

Daniel was a faithful servant of God and a minister in the Babylonian royal court who was raised to high office by the conquering King Darius the Mede. Daniel’s jealous co-ministers in the Median royal court tricked Darius into issuing a decree that no one should pray to any god or man but himself. This trick was meant to condemn Daniel to death since they knew he would continue to pray daily to the God of Israel.

The jealous co-ministers burst into his prayer room while Daniel was praying and testified against him to King Darius. The king was forced to stand by his decree, though he loved and respected Daniel.

To Darius’ dismay, Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den. The entire night, Darius prayed for Daniel and did not sleep. In the morning, he opened the lion’s den to find Daniel alive. Daniel explained that an angel closed the jaws of the lions because he was innocent.

King Darius then ordered those who conspired against Daniel to be thrown into the pit with their families. He also commanded that his subjects should tremble in fear before the God of Daniel.