10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened towardb Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his kneesc and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.d 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.e 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”f

13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah,g pays no attentionh to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed;i he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”j