The story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den is a powerful example of faith and trust in God. It’s found in the Bible in the Book of Daniel, chapter 6. Daniel was a man who stayed true to his faith even when it was difficult.
Daniel’s High Position and Jealousy from Others
Bible Verse: Daniel 6:3-4
“Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so.”
Daniel was a wise man who worked for King Darius of Persia. He was so good at his job that the king wanted to put him in charge of the whole kingdom. This made other officials jealous.
The Plot Against Daniel
Bible Verse: Daniel 6:7-9
“All the high officials of the kingdom… said to the king, ‘King Darius, live forever! The royal administrators… have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.'”
The jealous officials made a plan to get Daniel in trouble. They convinced the king to make a law that for thirty days, no one could pray to any god or human except King Darius. Anyone who broke this law would be thrown into a den of lions.
Daniel’s Faith
Bible Verse: Daniel 6:10
“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Even though Daniel knew about the new law, he continued to pray to God. He didn’t hide but prayed in front of his open window, as he always did.
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Bible Verse: Daniel 6:16
“So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!'”
When King Darius found out that Daniel had broken the law, he was sad because he liked Daniel. But he couldn’t change the law, so Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den. The king hoped Daniel’s God would save him.
God’s Protection and Daniel’s Rescue
Bible Verse: Daniel 6:22
“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”
God protected Daniel in the lion’s den. An angel closed the lions’ mouths, and they didn’t hurt Daniel. In the morning, the king was happy to find Daniel alive and safe.
Daniel’s Accusers Punished
Bible Verse: Daniel 6:24
“At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.”
The king realized that Daniel had been tricked. He punished the men who had plotted against Daniel by throwing them into the lions’ den.