From Judaism’s Holy Tanakh: Book of Daniel, Chapters 1 and 2, Part 1 of 2

The Book of Daniel is a part of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Ketuvim (Scriptures) category. This scripture contains court tales and apocalyptic prophecies that emphasize faith, devotion, and God’s plan for history and the future. Centering around Daniel (vegetarian), a Jewish exile from Israel, and his faithful purity and devotion to God in the account of the arrogant Babylonian ruler, the Book of Daniel makes it clear that God’s absolute sovereignty prevails even in times when all seems lost and hopeless. It has been a source of inspiration for people of faith throughout history, reminding us to remain faithful to God during difficult times and to trust in His sovereignty and goodness.

Today, we are pleased to present selections from Chapters 1 and 2 of the Book of Daniel.

Book of Daniel Chapter 1

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and ruled over it. […] And the king spoke unto Ashpenaz his chief officer, that he should bring in certain of the children of Israel, and of the seed royal, and of the nobles, youths in whom was no blemish, but fair to look on, and skillful in all wisdom, and skillful in knowledge, and discerning in thought, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

And the king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s food, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. And the chief of the officers gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Moshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the officers that he might not defile himself. And God granted Daniel mercy and compassion in the sight of the chief of the officers.

And the chief of the officers said unto Daniel: ‘I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces sad in comparison with the youths that are of your own age? so would ye endanger my head with the king.’

Then said Daniel to the steward, whom the chief of the officers had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azaria: ‘Try thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat of the king’s food; and as thou see, deal with thy servants.’ So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and tried them ten days.

And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king’s food. So the steward took away their food, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them vegetables.

Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. […]”