23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
The lesson that was read today invites you to the true faith, by setting before you the way in which you also must please God. It affirms that “without faith it is impossible to please him.” For when will an individual resolve to serve God, unless he believes that “he is a giver of reward”? When will a young woman choose a virgin life, or a young man live soberly, if they do not believe that for chastity there is “a crown that does not fade away”? Faith is an eye that enlightens every conscience and imparts understanding. The prophet says, “And if you do not believe, you shall not understand.” Faith “stops the mouth of lions,” as in Daniel’s case, for Scripture says concerning him, “Daniel was brought up out of the den and was found to be hurt in no way, because he believed in his God.”
“Stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire and escaped the edge of the sword.” See how they were in death itself, Daniel encompassed by the lions, the three children abiding in the furnace, the Israelites, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, in diverse temptations; and yet not even so did they despair. For this is faith. When things are turning out adversely, then we ought to believe nothing adverse is done but all things in due order.
[AD 386] Cyril of Jerusalem on Daniel 6:23