Bel and the Dragon 23-30

Common English Bible

A living god?

²³ Now there was a big snake that the Babylonians worshipped. ²⁴ The king said to Daniel,“You can’t say that this one isn’t a living god. So worship it!”

²⁵ Daniel said,“I will keep worshipping the Lord my God, because he is a living God. But, Your Majesty, just give me permission, and I’ll kill the snake without using a sword or stick!”

²⁶ The king said,“I give you permission.”

²⁷ Then Daniel took tar and cooking grease and hair. He boiled them down, made patties, and put them into the snake’s mouth. The snake swallowed them and burst open. Daniel said,“Look at what you have been worshipping!”

Daniel in the lions’ pit

²⁸ When the Babylonians heard what happened, they were very angry. They came together as a mob and started toward the king, saying,“The king has become a Jew! He’s torn down Bel, killed the snake, and murdered the priests!” ²⁹ When they reached the king, they said,“Hand Daniel over to us! If you don’t, we’ll kill you and your family!”

³⁰ The king saw that he was in a bind and was forced to hand Daniel over to them.