15. At sunset the men returned and said, “Your Majesty, remember that no written law of the Medes and Persians can be changed, not even by the king.”
16. So Darius ordered Daniel to be brought out and thrown into a pit of lions. But he said to Daniel, “You have been faithful to your God, and I pray that he will rescue you.”
17. A stone was rolled over the pit, and it was sealed. Then Darius and his officials stamped the seal to show that no one should let Daniel out.
18. All night long the king could not sleep. He did not eat anything, and he would not let anyone come in to entertain him.
19. At daybreak the king got up and ran to the pit.
20. He was anxious and shouted, “Daniel, you were faithful and served your God. Was he able to save you from the lions?”
21. Daniel answered, “Your Majesty, I hope you live for ever!
22. My God knew that I was innocent, and he sent an angel to keep the lions from eating me. Your Majesty, I have never done anything to hurt you.”
23. The king was relieved to hear Daniel's voice, and he gave orders for him to be taken out of the pit. Daniel's faith in his God had kept him from being harmed.
24. And the king ordered the men who had brought charges against Daniel to be thrown into the pit, together with their wives and children. But before they even reached the bottom, the lions ripped them to pieces.
25. King Darius then sent this message to all people of every nation and race in the world:“Greetings to all of you!
26. I command everyonein my kingdomto worship and honourthe God of Daniel.He is the living God,the one who lives for ever.His power and his kingdomwill never end.
27. He rescues peopleand sets them freeby working great miracles.Daniel's God has rescued himfrom the power of the lions.”