Chapter 103

¹ Then Darius wrote to all the peoples, tribes, and tongues that dwell in all the earth, proclaiming peace to all, and through the decree he then set forth compelling them to worship God, as he says: “From my presence a decree has been issued, that throughout all the dominion of my kingdom men should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, who abides forever, and his kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall last to the end. He helps and delivers and works wonders and signs in heaven and on the earth—he who rescued Daniel from the hand of the lions.”

² Now look at this yourself: today Babylon is the world; its satraps are the powers; Darius is their king; the pit is Hades; and the lions are the punishing angels.

³ Imitate, then, the blessed Daniel: do not fear the satraps and do not submit to any human decree, so that when you are cast into the lions’ pit you may be guarded by the angel and tame the beasts, and be reverenced by them as a servant of God, and that no corruption may be found in you, but that you may be brought up alive out of the pit, found a partaker of the resurrection, gain mastery over your enemies, and give thanks to the ever-living God.—

⁴ For to him belong the glory and the might unto the unending ages of ages. Amen.