Long before he was thrown into the lions' den, Daniel had already won the respect of King Darius through the character of his testimony. Scripture tells us that Daniel was “distinguished above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him” (Daniel 6:3 NKJV). Darius saw in Daniel a man who was honest, wise, and deeply committed to something beyond politics—his God, Daniel's lifestyle showed a power of testimony to the faithfulness of God.