³ Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility^(A)— ⁴ young men without any physical defect, handsome,^(B) showing aptitude for every kind of learning,^(C) well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language^(D) and literature of the Babylonians.^{[a] 5} The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine^(E) from the king’s table.^(F) They were to be trained for three years,^(G) and after that they were to enter the king’s service.^(H)

⁶ Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel,^(I) Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.^{(J) 7} The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar;^(K) to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.^(L)

⁸ But Daniel resolved not to defile^(M) himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God,^(A) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God,^(A) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.