In a story that is reminiscent both of Joseph in Genesis, and the book of Esther, Daniel is a faithful Jew who with his three companions has been hijacked to Babylon to serve in the court of King Nebuchanzzar. All do well in learning the language and court customs. Daniel has not only interpreted the king's dream (like Joseph), but also was able to fathom what the dream was. His companions, having been caught not worshiping a local statue, have survived being thrown into the fiery furnace.
Now Daniel has risen to a very high position in the court of a successor king. Other jealous courtiers seek to trip him up, by getting the king, Darius, to sign a decree forbidding praying to anyone other than himself. Daniel ignored the rule, and continued praying toward Jerusalem, to the God of Israel, three times a day. He is caught and condemned to be thrown in the lion's den.
As we know, God "shut the lions' mouths" and Daniel survived the night.
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| Daniel and the lions |
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