1Lesson Goals
I will be able to:
- retell the main events.
- use the story’s vocabulary.
- practise the language focus.
- explain an idea with evidence.
Start here: How does the man appear to feel? What might make this place dangerous?
Home › Bible Stories & English › Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Faithfulness, courage and difficult choices; practise although.
Teacher note: This retelling covers Daniel 6:1–23 and ends with Daniel’s rescue. It omits the later punishment. Explain that the story attributes his rescue to God; do not imply that faith always prevents harm. Assess English understanding, not a learner’s beliefs. Learners may discuss the story without sharing personal beliefs.
2Read the Story
Daniel worked faithfully for King Darius. Other officials wanted to find something wrong with his work, but they could not. They decided to use his prayers to God against him.
They persuaded the king to sign a law. For thirty days, people could make requests only to the king, not to another person or a god. Anyone who broke the law would be put in a den of lions. Although Daniel knew about the law, he continued praying to God three times a day.
The officials reported him. The king wanted to save Daniel, but the law could not be changed. Daniel was put in the lions’ den, and a stone covered the entrance. The king spent a worried, sleepless night.
Early the next morning, the king called to Daniel. Daniel answered that God had sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths. They had not hurt him. The king was very happy and ordered Daniel to be brought out.
Simplified retelling for English learners; not a direct Bible quotation. Based on Daniel 6:1–23. AI illustration.
3Vocabulary
Match 1–6 with A–F.
- official
- law
- faithful
- den
- entrance
- rescue
A. the place where you go into something
B. a rule made by those in authority
C. save someone from danger
D. a person with a position of authority
E. loyal and dependable
F. a wild animal’s home
Use two words in your own sentences.
4Check Your Understanding
- Who was the king?
- Why did the officials use Daniel’s prayers against him?
- How long did the new law last?
- How often did Daniel pray?
- Why could the king not simply change the law?
- When did the king go to the den?
- How did Daniel explain why he was safe?
Answer in sentences where you can. Point to evidence in the reading.
5Language Focus
Although joins contrasting ideas. Join each pair beginning with Although. Keep both ideas.
- Daniel knew the law. He continued praying.
- The king wanted to save Daniel. He could not change the law.
- The den held lions. Daniel was not hurt.
- The officials searched for a fault. They found none in his work.
6Think & Speak
Discuss in pairs. Give a reason for each answer.
- What details show Daniel was faithful?
- What details show the king was worried?
- How can someone respond calmly to pressure?
Useful language: Although… / The evidence is… / Someone could…
You may use imagined examples.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den — Continued
7Use Your English
Write 5–7 sentences about a character facing a difficult choice. Use although at least once. You may invent a character.
Plan: Who? What happened? What was the result?
Check capitals, verbs, spelling and punctuation.
8Puzzle or Game
Sequence: A. Daniel answered the king. B. The king signed the law. C. Daniel continued praying. D. Daniel was put in the den.
Extra challenge: Explain your answers in complete sentences.
9Success Criteria ✓
- I can retell the main events.
- I can use three new words.
- I can complete the language task.
- I can support an answer with evidence.
Exit reflection: One thing I learned…
One thing I want to practise…
10Show What You Can Do
Explain Daniel’s choice and the result in five sentences. Include although and two details from the story.
Write below or prepare a 45-second spoken response. Use your own words.