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# Day 178

# Daniel and His Friends

Daniel 1:1–7

Among the captives in Babylon was a young man named Daniel. God prepared him to become a great prophet of Israel.

King Nebuchadnezzar wanted young Jews to serve in his palace. They were to be bright, handsome, strong young men. Each must learn the Babylonian language and read its books. Wise men would teach them for three years. Then they would have jobs in the royal palace.

Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. These men were from Judah. The king ordered they be given Babylonian names. They were then called Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Questions: What did God prepare Daniel to be? Why did Nebuchadnezzar want young Jews to be students in his palace?