In this lesson, Daniel’s devotion to God provokes jealousy among the Persian officials, who manipulate King Darius into signing a law that forbids prayer to anyone but the king. Daniel, however, continues his lifelong practice of praying openly toward Jerusalem, leading his enemies to accuse him, and forcing Darius—much to his own grief—to cast Daniel into the lions’ den. But God sends His angel and Daniel emerges without injury because he took a stand for God. This episode in Daniel’s life is a foreshadow of the way in which God will protect Israel’s faithful remnant during the seven-year Tribulation period.