Daniel In The Lions' Den in Birmingham

Daniel in the Lions' Den is a story from chapter 6 of the Book of Daniel. The drama recounts how Daniel, a faithful Hebrew, is raised to high office by King Darius. His jealous rivals trick the king into issuing a decree that for thirty days no prayers shall be made to any god or man but Darius. Daniel continues to pray to God, and is condemned to the lions' den. Darius hopes for Daniel's deliverance, and at daybreak finds Daniel alive, who says an angel closed the lions' jaws. The king then praises God and punishes the conspirators.

The tale parallels the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, each illustrating divine deliverance from a death sentence for faith. The narrative is structured as a chiasm, with the turning point being Darius's hope. Rabbinic literature adds that an angel sat on the stone in the shape of a lion. This enduring story has been depicted in visual arts and remains a powerful symbol of divine protection.