The Beginning:
Daniel, a Jewish exile, is appointed to a high administrative position because of his exceptional integrity and ability. Other officials, jealous of his favor with the king, look for grounds to accuse him but find no corruption in his work. They conclude that only Daniel’s devotion to his God can be used against him.
The Middle:
The officials persuade King Darius to issue a temporary decree forbidding petitions to any god or human except the king for thirty days, with the penalty of being thrown into a den of lions. Daniel continues his regular practice of praying to God with open windows toward Jerusalem, and his enemies report him. Though distressed and wanting to save Daniel, the king is bound by the law and orders Daniel cast into the lions’ den, expressing hope that Daniel’s God will deliver him. The den is sealed with a stone and secured with the king’s signet.
The End:
At dawn the king rushes to the den and calls out; Daniel answers that God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths because he was found innocent. Daniel is lifted out unharmed, and those who maliciously accused him are judged. King Darius then issues a proclamation honoring Daniel’s God as the living God whose kingdom endures.
This account highlights God’s sovereign ability to preserve His people in exile and to vindicate faithful witnesses under hostile powers. Daniel’s deliverance is not presented as a reward for personal merit alone but as God’s public demonstration that His rule surpasses the decrees of earthly kings. The story also reinforces the theme that covenant faithfulness—expressed here in prayer and steadfast worship—continues even when God’s people live under foreign authority, and that God can use imperial rulers to acknowledge His greatness.
Royal administrations in the ancient Near East commonly relied on layered officials (satraps and administrators), and written decrees carried strong authority, often portrayed as difficult to revoke. The “lions’ den” reflects the known practice of keeping dangerous animals for displays of royal power and judgment, underscoring how Daniel’s survival is framed as an act of divine intervention rather than a natural escape.
“My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” — Daniel 6:22
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Why did the other officials decide they could only use Daniel’s devotion to his God against him?
2. According to Daniel, what did God send to shut the lions’ mouths?