2
And the LordgaveJehoiakimking of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasurehouse of his god.
3
And the kingspake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king'sseed, and of the princes;
4
Children in whom was no blemish*, but wellfavoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understandingscience, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king'spalace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5
And the kingappointed them a daily*provision of the king'smeat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them threeyears, that at the end thereof they might standbefore the king.
7
Unto whom the prince of the eunuchsgavenames: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8
But Danielpurposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king'smeat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
10
And the prince of the eunuchssaid unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath 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.
13
Then let our countenances be looked uponbefore thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king'smeat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the kingenquired of them, he found them ten timesbetter than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.