17. A single stone was brought and placed over the entrance to the pit. The king sealed it with his own ring and with those of his princes so that Daniel’s situation couldn’t be changed.
18. The king then went home to his palace and fasted through the night. No pleasures were brought to him, and he couldn’t sleep.
19. At dawn, at the first sign of light, the king rose and rushed to the lions’ pit.
20. As he approached it, he called out to Daniel, worried: "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God—the one you serve so consistently—able to rescue you from the lions?"
21. Then Daniel answered the king: "Long live the king!
22. My God sent his messenger, who shut the lions’ mouths. They haven’t touched me because I was judged innocent before my God. I haven’t done anything wrong to you either, Your Majesty."
23. The king was thrilled. He commanded that Daniel be brought up out of the pit, and Daniel was lifted out. Not a scratch was found on him, because he trusted in his God.
24. The king then ordered that the men who had accused Daniel be brought and thrown into the lions’ pit—including their wives and children. They hadn’t even reached the bottom of the pit before the lions overpowered them, crushing all their bones.
25. Then King Darius wrote the following decree:To all the peoples, nations, and languages inhabiting the entire earth: I wish you much peace.
26. I now issue this command: In every region of my kingdom, all people must fear and revere Daniel’s God because:He is the living God.God stands firm forever.His kingship is indestructible.God’s rule will last until the end of time.