9
But if you prove that Bel is eating them, Daniel shall die, because he has spoken blasphemy against Bel." Daniel said to the king, "Let it be done as you have said."
10
Now there were seventy priests of Bel, besides their wives and children. So the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel.
11
The priests of Bel said, "See, we are now going outside; you yourself, O king, set out the food and prepare the wine, and shut the door and seal it with your signet.
12
When you return in the morning, if you do not find that Bel has eaten it all, we will die; otherwise Daniel will, who is telling lies about us."
13
They were unconcerned, for beneath the table they had made a hidden entrance, through which they used to go in regularly and consume the provisions.
14
After they had gone out, the king set out the food for Bel. Then Daniel ordered his servants to bring ashes, and they scattered them throughout the whole temple in the presence of the king alone. Then they went out, shut the door and sealed it with the king's signet, and departed.
15
During the night the priests came as usual, with their wives and children, and they ate and drank everything.
16
Early in the morning the king rose and came, and Daniel with him.
17
The king said, "Are the seals unbroken, Daniel?" He answered, "They are unbroken, O king."
18
As soon as the doors were opened, the king looked at the table, and shouted in a loud voice, "You are great, O Bel, and in you there is no deceit at all!"
19
But Daniel laughed and restrained the king from going in. "Look at the floor," he said, "and notice whose footprints these are."