The narrative turns to Daniel in the lion’s den. Babylon had carried Daniel into exile decades earlier; now Persia rules and Darius elevates Daniel for his integrity. Jealous officials craft a trap by convincing the new king to decree that no one may pray to any god or man except the king. Daniel continues to pray three times daily, windows open toward Jerusalem, and the officials catch him in the act. The king binds the law and casts Daniel into the den, tormented through the night by the weight of his decision. At dawn an answer arrives: an angel shuts the lions’ mouths, and Daniel emerges intact because he trusted God.