What is the story of Daniel and the lion's den about?

Answer 1

AnswerFirst of all, it can be demonstrated that the Book of Daniel is not a true story. In spite of adamant statements by some believers that the book was written by Daniel himself, scholars say that it was really written approximately 167 BCE, centuries after the events it purports to portray. The Book of Daniel was really using the Babylonian Exile as an allegory for the Syrian Empire that was oppressing the Jews at the time of writing. If the Book of Daniel was not really true, then of course the story of Daniel and the lion's den was certainly not true.

The story in Daniel chapter 6 tells of Daniel being thrust into the role of second-in command of the entire empire, and of jealous men conspiring to have Daniel thrown into the den of lions, taking advantage of the well-known Persian code of morality, in which a promise can not be broken. It follows with a pious passage that can only be Propaganda. Not only was Daniel a role model for the readers, by praying to his God in spite of the risk, his God was able to save him from the lions, just as God had previously saved the young men from the furnace in a quite similar context. The fact that the story even tells of the wrong Persian king who defeated the Babylonians (Darius, when it should have been Cyrus) is further proof, if any is needed, of the fictional nature of the story.

Answer 2

The story of Daniel and the lion's den from The Bible is about Daniel, a devout man who continued to pray to God despite a law forbidding it. Due to his faithfulness, he was thrown into a den of lions. Miraculously, God protected Daniel, and he emerged unharmed the next day, leading to the king acknowledging the power of Daniel's God.

Answer 3

A:Biblical scholars say that Daniel was an early Jewish novel, written approximately 167 BCE. It eventually became accepted as a genuine history of the Babylonian Exile, no doubt because of its strong theological content.

Daniel chapter 6 says that Daniel was thrust into the role of second-in command of the entire Persian empire, and that jealous men conspired to have Daniel thrown into the den of lions, taking advantage of the well-known Persian code of morality in which a promise can not be broken. They had King Darius issue an edict that prevented anyone from any form of prayer, an edict which Daniel immediately broke. It follows with a pious passage that can only be propaganda. Not only was Daniel a role model for the readers, by praying to his God in spite of the risk, his God was able to save him from the lions.

Answer 4

Yes, that is what Jewish national tradition has always stated. This is accepted by traditional Christians and Muslims as well. See also:

More about Daniel

The accuracy of the Hebrew record