Background and Context:
The account of Daniel being accused and sentenced is found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 6. This narrative takes place during the reign of Darius the Mede, following the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. Daniel, a Jewish exile, had risen to a position of significant influence and authority within the new administration due to his exceptional qualities and the favor of God upon him.

Plot Against Daniel:
Daniel's rise to prominence incited jealousy among the other high officials and satraps. They sought to find grounds for charges against him concerning the kingdom, but they could find no corruption or negligence in him. As stated in Daniel 6:4 , "Then the administrators and satraps sought to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy and no negligence or corruption was found in him."

Recognizing that they could not accuse Daniel of any wrongdoing in his official duties, they devised a plan targeting his faithfulness to God. They approached King Darius and persuaded him to issue a decree that for thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king would be thrown into the den of lions. The king, unaware of their true intentions, signed the decree, making it irrevocable according to the law of the Medes and Persians.

Daniel's Faithfulness:
Despite the decree, Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. He continued his practice of praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem, as he had always done. Daniel 6:10 records, "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

Accusation and Sentencing:
The conspirators seized the opportunity to accuse Daniel, bringing the matter before King Darius. They reminded the king of the decree and its consequences, compelling him to enforce it despite his reluctance. The king, distressed by the situation, sought a way to rescue Daniel but was bound by the law he had enacted.

Ultimately, Daniel was sentenced to be thrown into the lions' den. Before carrying out the sentence, King Darius expressed his hope that Daniel's God would deliver him, as noted in Daniel 6:16 : "So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, 'May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!'"

Divine Deliverance:
The narrative continues with God's miraculous intervention, where Daniel is preserved unharmed in the lions' den, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to those who remain true to Him. This event not only vindicated Daniel but also led to the glorification of God throughout the kingdom.