דניאל, פרק ו׳, פסוק י״ז

In a moment of complete helplessness, a powerful ruler is forced to carry out a death sentence he deeply opposes, ultimately surrendering the fate of his most loyal servant to heaven. Left with absolutely no other options, the king gives the order to throw Daniel into the lions' den [יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Recognizing that his own hands are tied by the law and that he is powerless to save Daniel himself [ביאור שטיינזלץ], the king raises his voice [מצודת דוד] and proclaims that God will be the one to rescue him.

The commentators explore why the king is so confident that God will intervene. One reason stems from a deep conviction of Daniel's innocence. The king firmly believes that Daniel does not legally deserve to die. From his perspective, Daniel's daily prayers were never intended to violate the newly established royal decree, and the king realizes his ministers maliciously twisted the justice system to trap him [מלבי"ם].

Beyond this legal innocence, the king highlights Daniel's unwavering devotion. He recognizes that Daniel serves God constantly and consistently, refusing to abandon his faith even when it places his life in immediate danger. Relying on this combination of strict legal innocence and absolute, self-sacrificing dedication, the king is certain that God will not abandon His servant to his fate [מלבי"ם, יוסף אבן יחיא].