Daniel and the Lions

Daniel lived far from his home in Judah, and he served King Darius. He was so wise and faithful that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

The other leaders were jealous, but they could not find one fault in Daniel. So they made a trap. They said to the king, "Make a law: for thirty days no one may pray to any god or man except you, O king, or be thrown into the den of lions." King Darius signed the law, and it could not be changed.

Daniel knew about the law. But he went home, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and prayed to his God three times a day, giving thanks, just as he always had.

The men saw him praying and told the king. Darius was very sad and tried all day to save Daniel, but the law could not be changed. Daniel was thrown into the den of lions. The king said, "Your God, whom you always serve — he will save you." A big stone was laid over the den.

That night the king could not eat or sleep. Very early he hurried to the den and called, "Daniel! Was your God able to save you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "O king, live for ever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths. They have not hurt me."

The king was very glad. Daniel was lifted out with not one hurt on him, because he trusted in his God. The men who had made the trap were thrown to the lions instead. Then King Darius wrote to all the world: "Daniel's God is the living God. He rescues and saves."