IN the third year of the reign of Yahuyaqiym king of Yahudah came Nevukadne'tstsar king of Babel unto Yerushalayim, and besieged it.
And Adonai gave Yahuyaqiym king of Yahudah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of Elohiym: which he carried into the land of Shin'ar to the house of his elohiym; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his elohiym.
And the king spoke unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Yashar'el, 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 Kasdiym.
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.
Now among these were of the children of Yahudah, Daniy'el, Chananyahu, Miysha'el, and Azaryahu:
Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniy'el the name of Ba`altesha'tstsar; and to Chananyahu, the name of Shadrak; and to Miysha'el, the name of Meyshak; and to Azaryahu, the name of Aved Nego.
But Daniy'el 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.
Now Elohiym had brought Daniy'el into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniy'el, I fear my adoniy the king, who has 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 said Daniy'el to Meltsar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniy'el, Chananyahu, Miysha'el, and Azaryahu,
Prove your servants, I beseech you, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Then let our countenances be looked upon before you, and the countenance of the children that eat of את the portion of the king's meat: and as you see, deal with your servants.
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat את the portion of the king's meat.
Thus Meltsar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
As for these four children, Elohiym gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniy'el had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nevukadne'tstsar.
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniy'el, Chananyahu, Miysha'el, and Azaryahu: 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.
And Daniy'el continued even unto the first year of King Koresh.