Daniel came from a noble Jewish family, but his childhood was when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem. As a young boy, he was captured because Nebuchadnezzar had established that several young Jewish men distinguished by nobility, education, and beauty be chosen for his court. The king gave them daily food from his table and ordered them to be brought up for three years.
However, Daniel and his friends pleaded for permission not to eat sumptuous delicacies but to be satisfied with simple food made from plants and drink only water. The Lord appreciated this and helped them in their strict abstinence. Daniel was even exalted at court because he could interpret the disturbing dream. However, the young man was slandered under King Darius, so he was thrown into the moat with the lions. Still, God sent His angel, who blocked their jaws and saved him from the beasts.