Daniel's Training in Babylon
Daniel and his companions were chosen for their excellence and trained in the wisdom of the Babylonians. They were to serve in the king's court.
Daniel's Training in Babylon
Daniel
1:1-21
1. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king 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 treasure house of his god.
3. And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4. Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7. Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
8. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10. And the prince of the eunuchs said 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.
11. Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12. Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
15. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
16. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
17. As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18. Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
20. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
21. And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
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NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : Daniel's Training in Babylon
- Close-up of Daniel's hands meticulously writing cuneiform script on a clay tablet, reflecting the diligent study required for his training. A single, partially eaten date lies nearby, hinting at long hours spent studying.
- Macro shot of a Babylonian scroll, showing intricate illustrations alongside cuneiform text, detailing astrological charts or royal decrees that Daniel would study. Focus on the detailed calligraphy and miniature illustrations.
- Bright morning sun illuminates a lush Babylonian garden where Daniel and his friends are studying under the shade of a date palm. The scene should show them deep in discussion over scrolls, with beams of sunlight breaking through the leaves.
- A vibrant sunrise paints the sky above a Babylonian ziggurat where Daniel and his companions are praying. Birds are in flight, and morning mist rises from the Euphrates river in the distance.
- Evening falls on the Euphrates River. Daniel, alone, sits by the water's edge, deep in thought. The setting sun casts long shadows, and the water reflects the fiery colors of the sky.
- A peaceful evening scene with Daniel and his friends, silhouetted against a fiery sunset over the Babylonian plains, as they discuss their faith and commitment to God. Stars start to appear in the sky above the horizon.
- Early morning in Babylon. Daniel and his friends are shown entering the royal palace, dressed in fine Babylonian robes, but their expressions maintain a sense of quiet dignity and inner faith.
- A group of Babylonian officials are seen in a night scene, discussing Daniel and his friends, their faces casting shadows in the flickering lamplight. A sense of unease and subtle intrigue is apparent.
- A detailed depiction of a Babylonian royal banquet hall, with rich fabrics and overflowing tables, subtly hinting at the temptations and pressures facing Daniel and his companions. Focus on lavish details without showing people.
- A close-up on the intricate carvings adorning a Babylonian palace wall, depicting scenes of royal life and religious rituals, which would have been a part of Daniel’s daily life, with no visible human figure.
- A nighttime scene in Babylon. A lone figure, possibly Daniel, walks through the bustling city streets under a starlit sky. The architecture shows the influence of the Babylonian culture and the city's vibrancy.
- A morning scene, showing Daniel and his three friends kneeling in prayer amidst flowering plants and herbs typical of the region, showing their devotion to God amidst the influences of Babylon.
General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Daniel's Training; Daniel's Resolve; Nebuchadnezzar's Edict
A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.
Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book
Belshazzar's Fall and Daniel's Deliverance
Belshazzar's Feast: The Handwriting on the Wall
Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel's Apocalyptic Visions: Beasts and Kingdoms
Daniel's Prayer and Angelic Visitations
Daniel's Prayer and the Seventy Weeks
Daniel's Rise and Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
Daniel's Training in Babylon
Daniel's Vision by the Tigris: A Royal Decree
Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream: The Statue of Immense Height
Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation and Daniel's Group
Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation and Restoration
Daniel's Visions: Prophecies of Empires and the End Times
The Fiery Furnace: Daniel and his Friends
Kings of the North and South: A Divided Kingdom
The Time of the End: Daniel's Prophecies
Vision of the Ram and the Goat: A Struggle for Power
Related Pages: thematic Bible Images (French Version)