The den was underground. As the soldiers removed the flat stone from the mouth of the den, the snarling beasts could be heard below.
Quickly they lifted Daniel and threw him in. He made no resistance. They replaced the stone over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it, so that no one could open the den without his permission.
Then the king went to his palace. He sent away the musicians and refused to eat. All night long he tossed on his bed and could not sleep.
Meanwhile, Daniel’s enemies were having a merry time, drinking to celebrate their victory.
By daylight, the king was in a fever. Hastily he rose, ran out of his palace to the den, and ordered the guard to remove the stone.
Then he stooped and looked down, fearful of what he was sure had happened. All was quiet.
“O Daniel, Daniel,” he cried. “Is thy God able to deliver thee from the lions?”
Then up from the den rose Daniel’s voice, clear and steady:
“O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me, for I have done no wrong.”
“Lift him out! Lift him out!” cried the king, too happy to wait another moment.