Bel and the Dragon is an apocryphal addition to the Book of Daniel, found in the Septuagint. It contains two distinct stories that highlight Daniel’s unwavering faith and his confrontation with idolatry in Babylon. The narrative exposes the deceit of idol worship and affirms God’s power to protect and deliver His faithful servants.

• Faithfulness to God: Daniel refuses to worship false gods, even under threat.
• Exposing Deception: Daniel reveals the trickery behind idol worship.
• God’s Deliverance: Daniel is miraculously saved from the lions’ den.
• Prophetic Boldness: Daniel speaks truth to power without fear.
• Divine Provision: Habakkuk is supernaturally transported to feed Daniel.

• Main Character: Daniel is the central figure, known for his wisdom and faith.
• Bel the Idol: Worshipped by the Babylonians, but secretly fed by priests and their families.
• Ashes Trick: Daniel spreads ashes to expose footprints, proving Bel doesn’t eat the offerings.
• The Dragon: A living creature worshipped as a god, slain by Daniel using unconventional means.
• Lions’ Den: Daniel is thrown in but survives, fed by the prophet Habakkuk.
• Initially hostile, but ultimately acknowledges Daniel’s God.

Read Bel and the Dragon as a continuation of Daniel’s testimony. Focus on how Daniel uses wisdom and faith to confront false worship. Track the progression from idol exposure to miraculous deliverance. Use this story to reflect on spiritual discernment, courage, and divine intervention in the face of deception.