21. Daniel answered, “Long live the king!
22. My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”
23. The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.
24. Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.
25. Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:“Peace and prosperity to you!
26. “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.For he is the living God,and he will endure forever.His kingdom will never be destroyed,and his rule will never end.
27. He rescues and saves his people;he performs miraculous signs and wondersin the heavens and on earth.He has rescued Danielfrom the power of the lions.”
28. So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.