1 In the third year of the reign of Yehoyakim king of Yehudah (Judah), Nevukadnetsar (Nebuchadnezzar) king of Bavel (Babylon) came to Yerushalem (Jerusalem) and besieged it. 2 The master[fn] gave Yehoyakim king of Yehudah into his hand, with part of the vessels of God’s house;[fn] and he carried them into the land of Shin’ar to his god’s house. He brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3 The king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the Israeli people (Israel), even of the royal offspring[fn] and of the leading citizens—4 youths in whom was no defect, but well-favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and who had the ability to serve in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Kasdim (Chaldeans). 5 The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s delicacies, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at its end they should serve the king.

6 Now among these were of the children of Yehudah: Daniyel, Hananyah, Mishael, and Azaryah. 7 The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniyel he gave the name Belteshatsar (Belteshazzar); to Hananyah, Shadrak; to Mishael, Meyshak; and to Azaryah, Aved-Nego.

8 But Daniyel purposed in his heart that he wouldn’t defile himself with the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God made Daniyel find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs. 10 The prince of the eunuchs said to Daniyel, “I fear my lord the king, who’s appointed your food and your drink. Because why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths who are of your own age? Then you’d endanger my head with the king.”

11 Then Daniyel said to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniyel, Hananyah, Mishael, and Azaryah: 12 “Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our faces be examined before you, and the face of the youths who eat of the king’s delicacies; and as you see, deal with your servants.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.

15 At the end of ten days, their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king’s delicacies. 16 So the steward took away their delicacies, and the wine that they’d drink, and gave them vegetables.

17 Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniyel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

18 At the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nevukadnetsar (Nebuchadnezzar). 19 The king talked with them; and among them all was found no one like Daniyel, Hananyah, Mishael, and Azaryah. Therefore they served the king. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm.

21 Daniyel continued serving even to the first year of King Koresh (Cyrus).