Daniel and the Lions

Daniel was now an elderly man. Many years had passed since he arrived in Babylon. Under Darius's rule, he still worked responsibly, and the king had seen that he could trust him.

Other officials became jealous. They looked for something wrong in his work but found no dishonesty or carelessness. Then they decided to use his faithfulness to God to put him in danger.

Daniel had a habit of praying three times a day, with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He thanked God and asked for help. Prayer was part of his life, not a performance to win praise.

The officials proposed a law to the king. For thirty days, no one could make a request to any god or person except the king. Anyone who disobeyed would be put in the lions' den. Darius signed the order.

When Daniel learned what the law said, he continued praying as before. He had not stopped working carefully and was not trying to harm the king. But he could not place a human ruler above God.

His enemies saw him and went to accuse him. Darius understood too late what they had arranged. He was saddened and spent the day looking for a way to rescue Daniel, but he could not change that law.

At sunset Daniel was taken to the den. The king hoped that the God Daniel served would protect him. A stone closed the entrance and was sealed. Darius returned to the palace, where he spent a sleepless night.

Daniel was not beyond God's reach. God sent His angel, and the lions did not harm him. In that darkness, Daniel received protection that did not depend on his age or strength.

Very early in the morning, the king got up and went to the den. Anxiously, he called to Daniel and asked whether his God had been able to rescue him. From inside came the answer of the man he had feared was lost.

Daniel explained that God had sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths. The king was filled with joy and ordered him to be lifted out. No wounds were found on him. God had cared for him through the night.

Afterward, Darius made his recognition of the living God known. Daniel's faithful work and what had happened in the den had shown that God's power was greater than an unjust law arranged by jealous people.

We can do our tasks honestly and talk with God each day. We should not go near dangerous animals to copy this story. If someone pressures us to do something wrong, we can ask a trusted grown-up for help.