The prophet's enemies counted on Daniel's firm adherence to principle for the success of their plan. And they were not mistaken in their estimate of his character. He quickly 541 read their malignant purpose in framing the decree, but he did not change his course in a single particular. Why should he cease to pray now, when he most needed to pray? Rather would he relinquish life itself, than his hope of help in God. With calmness he performed his duties as chief of the princes; and at the hour of prayer he went to his chamber, and with his windows open toward Jerusalem, in accordance with his usual custom, he offered his petition to the God of 542 heaven. He did not try to conceal his act. Although he knew full well the consequences of his fidelity to God, his spirit faltered not. Before those who were plotting his ruin, he would not allow it even to appear that his connection with Heaven was severed. In all cases where the king had a right to command, Daniel would obey; but neither the king nor his decree could make him swerve from allegiance to the King of kings.

Profetens fjender stolede på, at Daniel ville holde urokkelig fast ved sine principper. Hele planens gennemførelse var afhængig heraf. De havde heller ikke taget fejl af hans karakter. Daniel blev hurtigt klar over det onde motiv, der lå bag ved dekretets udstedelse, men han ændrede ikke sin livsførelse på et eneste punkt. Hvorfor skulle han holde op med at bede nu, da han trængte mest til det? Han ville hellere miste livet end holde op med at håbe på Guds hjælp. Han udførte stille og roligt sine pligter som oversatrap, og da bedetimen kom, gik han ind i sin stue og bad til Himmelens Gud, som han plejede, med vinduerne åbne i retning mod Jerusalem. Han forsøgte ikke at skjule, hvad han foretog sig. Han var fuldstændig klar over, hvad der kunne blive følgen af at være tro imod Gud, men modet svigtede ham ikke. Han ville ikke give dem, der stræbte ham efter livet, det indtryk, at han havde afbrudt forbindelsen med Himmelen. Daniel ville adlyde på alle de områder, hvor kongen havde ret til at befale, men hverken kongen eller hans dekret kunne få ham til at bryde sin troskabsed til kongernes Konge.