1. No basis to charge (1-9)

King Darius recognized Daniel's exceptional and distinguished qualities that he planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the other officials became very jealous. They made every effort to make charges against him. But they failed to find any faults with Daniel. Daniel was so trustworthy. He was neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally, they found one way to accuse him with the law of his God. They persuaded the king to issue a decree that could not be altered: "During the coming 30 days anyone who prays to any god except to the king will be put into the den of lions."

2. Daniel prayed as before (10-15)

Daniel knew the seriousness of breaking the decree. It would result in being put into the den of lions. But as he had done before, he went home, knelt and prayed toward Jerusalem three times a day. He feared God, not men. He remembered the promise of God who is the sovereign Lord. He will restore Israel and glorify his name when his people pray in exile. Daniel experienced already that "the biggest risk is the best opportunity to glorify God!"