In the third year of the reign of Jehoi'akim king of Judah came Nebuchadnez'zar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 Kgs. 24.1 · 2 Chr. 36.5-7
And the Lord gave Jehoi'akim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
And the king spake unto Ash'penaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
children in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chalde'ans. 2 Kgs. 20.17, 18 ; 24.10-16 · 2 Chr. 36.10 · Is. 39.7, 8
And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshaz'zar; and to Hanani'ah, of Shadrach; and to Mish'a-el, of Meshach; and to Azari'ah, of Abed'nego.
¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hanani'ah, Mish'a-el, and Azari'ah: therefore stood they before the king.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
