Daniel and the Lions’ Den – A Bible Story of Faith
Long ago, in the kingdom of Babylon, there lived a man named Daniel. He was wise, honest, and faithful to God. Because of his wisdom and integrity, King Darius trusted him greatly and made him one of the highest officials in the land. The king even planned to make Daniel ruler over the whole kingdom.
However, the other officials and governors grew jealous of Daniel. They searched for a way to accuse him of wrongdoing, but they could find nothing. Finally, they realized that the only way to trap Daniel was through his faith in God.
A Deceptive Plan
The jealous officials went to King Darius with a cunning idea. They suggested a new law: for thirty days, no one could pray to any god or man except the king. Anyone who disobeyed would be thrown into a den of hungry lions. King Darius, unaware of their wicked scheme, signed the decree into law.
Daniel, however, remained steadfast in his faith. He continued to pray to God three times a day, just as he always had. He opened his windows toward Jerusalem and knelt in prayer, giving thanks to the Lord.
The officials immediately reported Daniel’s actions to the king. Though King Darius loved Daniel, he could not change the law. With a heavy heart, he ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lions’ den. But before Daniel was cast in, the king said, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”
A Night in the Lions’ Den
The stone was rolled over the mouth of the den, and King Darius sealed it with his own ring. That night, the king could not sleep. He refused food and entertainment, and he worried about Daniel’s fate.
But in the den, something miraculous happened. The lions did not harm Daniel! God had sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and they lay peacefully beside him. Daniel spent the night in safety, protected by his unwavering faith in God.
Deliverance and Justice
At the first light of dawn, King Darius rushed to the den and called out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God saved you from the lions?”
To the king’s amazement, Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel, and He shut the lions’ mouths. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong before you.”
Overjoyed, the king ordered Daniel to be lifted out of the den. Not a single scratch was found on him because he had trusted in God. In an act of justice, the king commanded that the wicked officials who had plotted against Daniel be thrown into the lions’ den instead. This time, the lions did not stay silent.
A Decree of Faith
King Darius then made a new decree: all people in his kingdom must honor and fear the God of Daniel. He declared, “For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. He rescues and He saves.”
Daniel continued to prosper under King Darius and remained a faithful servant of God. His story became a testament to the power of unwavering faith, showing that God protects those who trust in Him.