11When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went to his house. He had windows in his upstairs room that opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees to pray, giving thanks to his God, just as he had always done.
12Then these men came as a group and found Daniel petitioning and pleading before his God.
13So they approached the king and said, 'Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will 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 The king answered, 'The decree stands, in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.'
14Then they said to the king, 'Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you signed. He still prays three times a day.'
15When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed. He set his mind on rescuing Daniel and worked until sunset to find a way to save him.
16Then the men went as a group to the king and said, 'Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians, no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.'
17So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, 'May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you!'
18A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and the rings of his nobles, so that nothing could be changed in regard to Daniel.
19Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. No diversions were brought to him, and he could not sleep.
20At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den.
21When he approached the den, he called out to Daniel with a distressed voice. The king said to Daniel, 'Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?'
22Then Daniel spoke to the king, 'O king, may you live forever!
23My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him. Also, I have committed no offense against you, O king.'