Daniel’s Training in Babylon

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim^(A) king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar^(B) king of Babylon^(C) came to Jerusalem and besieged it.^{(D) 2} And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried^(E) off to the temple of his god in Babylonia^[a] and put in the treasure house of his god.^(F)

³ Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility^(G)— ⁴ young men without any physical defect, handsome,^(H) showing aptitude for every kind of learning,^(I) well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language^(J) and literature of the Babylonians.^[b]

¹⁹ The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.^{(A) 20} In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians^(B) and enchanters in his whole kingdom.^(C)

¹¹ There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods^(A) in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom^(B) like that of the gods.^(C) Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners.^{(D) 12} He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar,^(E) was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles^(F) and solve difficult problems.^(G) Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.^(H)”

¹³ So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?^{(I) 14} I have heard that the spirit of the gods^(J) is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom.^{(K) 15} The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it.^{(L) 16} Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems.^(M) If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck,^(N) and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”^(O)