Daniel-How to Close the Mouth of a Hungry Lion

By Mary Vee
Daniel 6

From Daniel's Journal

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My name is Daniel. I am a prophet of God and a prisoner in the land of Babylon with many other Jews.

The guards have walked me to the lions' den. 

At first, the king didn't come with us. I listened to the satraps and administrators make fun of me the whole walk here.

Just before the guards shoved me into the den as they were ordered, the king arrived on his chariot and stopped near the den. He climbed down and walked toward me. "Daniel, May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you."

He signaled the guards to do their duty.

They pushed me down into the lions' den. I was prepared to die. The lions' snapped at first. The king then said in a very sad voice. "Roll the stone over the opening."

He would have used his signet ring to seal the opening. The nobles would have done the same. This would hold as proof that no one tampered with the rock to help me escape.

I cowered against the wall and waited for the lions to attack. A whole minute passed. I felt my arms and chest to make sure I really was alive. 

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The lions had gathered on the other side of the den. I saw men dressed in white. They had a glow around them helping me to see in the dark.

"Fear not, Daniel. For you are favored with the Most High God. He has sent us to hold the mouths of the lions closed and to keep them from harming you. God has said you are found innocent in his sight. You have not sinned and should not be given this punishment."

They smiled and then sang. Their song calmed the lions. They ran one hand over the main of the lions, treating the creatures with the kindness I have known from the Almighty God.

I'm not sure if I slept. I didn't want to. It's not often a whole evening can be spent with angels from God, sent especially for protection. I remember singing praises to God with them. We talked, but I don't remember the conversation.

What I do remember is the joy in my heart. Like a breath of the purest air--even down in a smelly lions' den.

Since I couldn't watch the sky, I had no idea of how the time passed. The lions mostly slept as the stars and moon moved in the sky above the rock.

Oh praise the Lord for he is good.



Come back next time to see what happens.

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1. What decree did the king sign into law?
2. What did Daniel do?
3. Why the the satraps and administrators tell on Daniel?
4. What was the king forced to do?
5. Where was Daniel taken?