Daniel in the Lions' Den
God shut the mouths of lions to preserve Daniel for his faithful prayer.
When King Darius signed a decree that no one could pray to any god but the king, Daniel opened his windows toward Jerusalem and prayed three times a day as he always had. He was cast into the den of lions, but God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths. In the morning Daniel was found unharmed.
God (through His angel)
Babylon, under King Darius
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt."
Spiritual Significance
Daniel's deliverance led a pagan king to decree that all people fear the God of Daniel (Daniel 6:26). Faithful prayer in private produced a public testimony of God's living power.
Lesson for Today
Keep praying when the law of man contradicts the law of God. The same God who shut the lions' mouths still defends His own.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Daniel thrown into the lions' den?
He prayed to God in violation of a royal decree that forbade prayer to anyone but King Darius for thirty days (Daniel 6:7-10).
How was Daniel saved from the lions?
God sent His angel to shut the lions' mouths, so they did not hurt him (Daniel 6:22).
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Daniel in the Lions' Den?
The miracle of Daniel in the Lions' Den is recorded in Daniel 6:22 (KJV).
Who performed the miracle of Daniel in the Lions' Den?
Scripture records that God (through His angel) carried out this miracle at Babylon, under King Darius. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
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Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
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Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreMichael the Archangel
Michael is the archangel and warrior prince who stands for God's people and contends with Satan himself.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Daniel in the Lions' Den
God shut the mouths of lions to preserve Daniel for his faithful prayer.
Darius the Mede in the Bible
The King Who Honored Daniel's God
Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel 6 • Faithfulness Under Persecution
Daniel 6 Quiz — Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel's faithfulness lands him among lions, but God delivers him.
Daniel and the Lions' Den Quiz for Kids
The prayer, the den, and the God who shut the lions' mouths.
The Assyrian Army Destroyed by an Angel
The angel of the Lord smites 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, delivering