3-5 The king told Ashpenaz, head of the palace staff, to get some Israelites from the royal family and nobility—young men who were healthy and handsome, intelligent and well-educated, good prospects for leadership positions in the government, perfect specimens!—and indoctrinate them in the Babylonian language and the lore of magic and fortunetelling. The king then ordered that they be served from the same menu as the royal table—the best food, the finest wine. After three years of training they would be given positions in the king’s court.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Compact, Leather-Look
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $4.88
Save: $25.11 (84%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $4.74
Save: $35.25 (88%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message // REMIX 2.0--soft leather-look, textured pieces
The Message // REMIX 2.0--soft leather-look, textured pieces
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $25.92
Save: $14.07 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message for Graduates
The Message for Graduates
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $1.80
Save: $11.19 (86%)
The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $14.86
Save: $4.13 (22%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars