Daniel in the Den

All participants take their places during music intro

Lions and Angel go to Den, all others in King's court, Darius sits on throne, soldiers stand guard at pillars, Nobles and governors sit on floor near throne

Narrator
Six hundred years before the birth of God's son Jesus, the Israelites were captured and taken to the mighty city of Babylon to work for King Nebuchadnezzar. Some of the young men of Israel showed great promise and were taken at the age of 12 to be trained to work in the government. One young man whose name was Daniel, (Daniel stands) stood out from all the rest and was put in a high position in the government. Over many years, he proved his worth to the kings of Babylon. But Daniel stood out for another reason - even though all those around him worshipped false gods, he remained true to the one true God, the God of Israel.
(Daniel walks away from crowd and raises hands to God)
In the time of King Darius, Daniel was about 70 years old and was very wise.
One day the governors were all talking at once to Darius.

Governors
(standing and motioning at Darius as if asking for favours, chanting)

A hundred and twenty,
A hundred and twenty,
A hundred and twenty provinces!
A hundred and twenty,
A hundred and twenty,
A hundred and twenty governors!
A hundred and twenty questions!
A hundred and twenty answers
We need from you oh King!
Repeat chant splitting in 2-3 groups starting at slightly different times and tempos to create a noisy din. Darius covers ears and shakes head in distress.

Darius
(shouting)
Stop! This is way too much!

Narrator
Poor king Darius couldn't handle all the requests from 120 governors, so he decided:

Darius
I need help!
(pointing to 2 governors in black sashes and Daniel)
One, two, three
you'll help me!
A hundred and twenty questions.
A hundred and twenty answers!
You can work and I’ll be free!

Narrator
So the king appointed three of his smartest men to be his administrators and all the governors had to go to one of the three to seek help. Darius watched as each of his administrators handled the questions and answered the people.

Governors
(Governors split up and gather in smaller groups around around each Administrator and begin chanting (not in unison)
Only forty questions!
Only forty answers!
What do you have to say?
Groups repeat chant several times. Two Administrators get flustered and annoyed but Daniel nods head and happily handles all the requests.