Daniel 1 - 2

The nation of Israel is raided by the Babylonians during the reign of Jehoiakim.  Many of the noble families in the nation had their children taken from them and relocated into Babylon.  Among these expatriates was a young man named Daniel.  Despite the efforts of the Babylonians to replace Jewish culture with their own, Daniel and his three friends refused.  By following God's instructions and humbly requesting the privilege to do so, they prove to be wiser and in better condition than their counterparts.  When the king has a dream that none can interpret, it is Daniel who gives God glory for interpreting the dream.  The king has dreamed about the future governments of the world; this accomplishment promotes Daniel and his three friends even higher in the ranks of government.