Daniel 1 - 2

The book of Daniel begins when King Nebuchadnezzar raids Jerusalem and takes many of the young princes captive to Babylon.  From there, the "best and brightest" of Israel will receive an education from the greatest Babylonian minds and theologians.

Among those taken captive is a young man named Daniel, along with his three friends Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael.  Unfortunately, many of us know them by their Babylonian names (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego).

Early in the process, Daniel makes it known that his religious practices forbid him from partaking of the king's food.  Giving a respectful explanation for his abstinence, Daniel finds favor with the steward and proves to be wiser at the end of the trial period.

The king is plagued by disturbing dreams and asks his wise men to tell and interpret the dream.  When they are unable, Daniel preserves the life of all the wise men by telling and interpreting the dream.  In it, God foretells Nebuchadnezzar's great kingdom, as well as the kingdoms that will follow it.  Daniel and his three friends are promoted over the provinces of Babylon.