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.”
28. All went well for Daniel while Darius was king, and even when Cyrus the Persian ruled.