When Daniel was thrown into the den, all the lions surrounded him. They began to lick his feet and became as docile as kittens. They all lay down beside him, even though they were very hungry.
That evening, the Navi Chavakuk was preparing lunch for his workers in the land of Judea. Suddenly, the voice of G-d came to him, “Go to Bavel and take along the food you have prepared for your laborers and give it to Daniel who is now sitting in a den of lions!”
An angel descended from heaven, picked him up and carried him to the pit. Without disturbing the seal, the angel lowered Chavakuk next to Daniel. They both ate of the meal in the presence of the lions, and when they were finished the angel returned the navi to his home.
The King Returns
In the meantime, the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting and praying for Daniel. He loved Daniel very much, but he was helpless to do anything to help him. He woke early in the morning and called all of his ministers and soldiers to go with him to visit the den.
Examining the seal, they saw that it was intact and removed the stone.
Crying out in a lamenting voice, the king said, “O Daniel, servant of the living G-d, was your G-d able to deliver you from the lions?”
They were astonished to hear Daniel’s voice come up from the hole in a strong voice. “Yes, my king,” he said, “My G-d sent His angel who shut the lions’ mouths and they have not hurt me to prove that I am innocent of any crime.”
The king was jubilant and ordered Daniel to be brought up from the pit. Then, turning to Daniel’s accusers, he ordered them cast in. Before they even reached the floor, the lions were upon them and devoured them.
The king then spoke, “I make the following decree: In every domain of my kingdom, men should tremble and fear before the G-d of Daniel. For He is the living G-d and remains so forever, and His kingdom will never be destroyed until the end of time. He delivers and rescues and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. He has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”