Source Channel · retold from Daniel 6
King Darius sets a hundred and twenty princes over his kingdom, and three presidents over them. One of the three is Daniel. The king thinks of setting him over the whole realm.
A Law Against Prayer
The presidents and princes look for a reason to accuse Daniel. They find none, because he is faithful. So they look for something concerning the law of his God.
They go to the king and propose a decree: whoever asks a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of the king, shall be cast into the den of lions. The king signs it.
Daniel Keeps Praying
Daniel learns of the decree and goes into his house. In his chamber his windows are open toward Jerusalem.
“he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
– Daniel 6:10
The men find him praying and report him to the king. The king is sore displeased and labours until the going down of the sun to deliver Daniel. But the men remind him: a law of the Medes and Persians may not be changed.
The Night
The king commands that Daniel be brought. They cast him into the den of lions.
“Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.”
– Daniel 6:16
A stone is laid upon the mouth of the den. The king seals it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords. Then he goes to his palace, fasts and cannot sleep.
Very early in the morning he hurries to the den. With a lamentable voice he calls to Daniel and asks whether his God has been able to deliver him. Daniel answers.
“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me”
– Daniel 6:22
The king is exceedingly glad. Daniel is taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt is found on him. For he believed in his God.
What This Has to Do with You Today
Daniel learns of the decree and still keeps praying, just as he did before. Maybe you are facing something right now that makes you afraid. This story tells of a man who, in a situation like that, stays with his habit of talking to God.
Never Alone Guide: When you are afraid →
Bible quotes: King James Version (public domain). This retelling stays with the Bible text and adds no events. Photos: Unsplash.
