11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 hAnd they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”

The king answered and said, “The thing is true, iaccording to the law of the Medes and Persians, which 2does not alter.”

13 So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, jwho is 3one of the captives from Judah, kdoes not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”

14 And the king, when he heard these words, lwas greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he 4labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men 5approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is mthe law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”

16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 nThen a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, oand the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.

Daniel Saved from the Lions

18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no 6musicians were brought before him. pAlso his sleep 7went from him. 19 Then the qking arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a 8lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, rhas your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

21 Then Daniel said to the king, s“O king, live forever! 22 tMy God sent His angel and ushut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, vbecause he believed in his God.