Daniel and the Lions Den Bible Story for Kids

Daniel and the Lions Den Bible Story for Kids is a well-known biblical tale that demonstrates courage, faith, and divine protection. The entire story can be found in the book of Daniel 6.

See also: Noah and the Flood Kids Story

Daniel and the Lions Den Bible Story for Kids

Once upon a time, in the land of Babylon, there lived a wise and faithful man named Daniel. Daniel was a Hebrew captive who served in the court of the mighty King Darius. His wisdom and integrity made him highly respected among the people.

The Plot against Daniel

As Daniel continued to serve King Darius, some jealous officials became envious of his success and sought to bring him down. They devised a plan to trap Daniel by convincing the king to pass a decree stating that anyone who prayed to any god or man, except the king himself, would be thrown into a den of hungry lions.

Daniel's Devotion to God

Daniel knew about this decree but remained steadfast in his devotion to God. He continued to pray to God three times a day, just as he had always done. When the jealous officials discovered Daniel praying, they eagerly reported him to King Darius.

The king was deeply distressed because he held Daniel in high regard and didn't want any harm to come to him. However, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, the king's decrees could not be changed.

Daniel's Trial and the King's Words

Reluctantly, King Darius ordered that Daniel be thrown into the den of lions. Before Daniel was cast into the den, the king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, deliver you."

Throughout the night, King Darius could not sleep. He worried about Daniel and anxiously awaited the morning. As dawn broke, the king rushed to the den of lions and called out, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you serve so faithfully been able to rescue you from the lions?"

Daniel's Miraculous Rescue

To the astonishment of everyone present, Daniel's voice echoed from within the den, saying, "O King, live forever! My God sent His angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me because I was found innocent in His sight. I have done no wrong before you, O King."

Overwhelmed with joy and relief, King Darius ordered that Daniel be lifted out of the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for God had protected him from the ferocious lions.

King Darius's Response

Witnessing this miraculous event, King Darius was filled with awe and admiration for Daniel's God. He issued a new decree throughout his kingdom, declaring that the God of Daniel was the true and living God, deserving reverence and worship.

Daniel's faithfulness and trust in God had not only saved his life but had also become a testament to the power and faithfulness of the one true God. Daniel continued to serve King Darius with wisdom and integrity, and he prospered in the land of Babylon.

Daniel and the Lions Den Coloring Page

Daniel and the Lions Den Activities

The story of Daniel in the Lions' Den offers a wealth of inspiration for activities that can be educational and fun. Here are several activities that cater to a range of ages and can be adapted for individual or group settings:

1. Lions' Den Craft

• Materials: Paper plates, yellow and brown construction paper, markers, glue.
• Instructions: Create lion masks using the paper plates as the face, cut out eyes, and use the construction paper to create manes. Kids can wear the masks and reenact the story.

2. Daniel's Integrity Challenge

• Instructions: Set up scenarios where children have to choose between doing what's right and what's easy, relating their choices back to Daniel's decision to continue praying despite the king's decree.

3. Lions' Den Diorama

• Materials: Shoebox, clay or playdough, craft sticks, paint.
• Instructions: Have children create a diorama of the lions' den, with Daniel inside surrounded by lions. They can mold the figures and paint the background.

4. "Pray Three Times a Day" Activity

• Instructions: Encourage kids to write or draw prayers on sticky notes and place them in a designated prayer space three times a day, emulating Daniel's dedication to prayer.

5. Daniel and the Lions Puppet Show

• Materials: Sock puppets, googly eyes, felt, yarn.
• Instructions: Create puppets representing Daniel, the lions, and King Darius. Perform a puppet show that tells the story.

6. Lion Mane Paper Plate

• Materials: Paper plates, tissue paper in yellow and orange, glue, popsicle sticks.
• Instructions: Cut the center out of a paper plate, glue strips of tissue paper around the edges to create a mane, and attach a popsicle stick to hold the lion's mane up to their face.

7. Act Out the Story

• Instructions: Assign roles to children (Daniel, King Darius, lions, advisors) and let them act out the story. Use simple costumes and props to enhance the experience.

8. Daniel's Faithful Choices Game

• Instructions: Create a board game with a path from Jerusalem to Babylon. Players make choices along the way that reflect faithfulness or disobedience, with the goal of ending up safe in the lions' den like Daniel.

9. Lions' Den Maze

• Materials: Paper and pencils or create a large maze on the ground with tape.
• Instructions: Create a maze that represents Daniel's journey to the lions' den. The goal is to get to the center where 'angels' close the lions' mouths.

10. Lions' Den Snack

• Materials: Celery sticks, peanut butter, raisins, almond slices.
• Instructions: Make a snack that resembles lions (using the celery as the body, peanut butter as the mane, raisins for eyes, and almond slices for teeth).

These activities can facilitate discussions about faith, courage, trust in God, and standing firm in the face of adversity. They can be used in a variety of settings, including Sunday school, at home, or in a Christian school context.

Wrapping Up Story

The story of Daniel in the lion's den teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even in the face of great adversity. It reminds us that God's protection and deliverance extend beyond our human understanding, and when we put our trust in Him, He can shut the mouths of the fiercest challenges we may face.