They were to be young men without physical defect, handsome in appearance, skilled in all wisdom, quick to learn, prudent in how they used knowledge, and capable of serving in the king's palace. They were to learn the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

In every matter of wisdom or understanding that the king discussed with them, he found them ten times superior to all the astrologers and enchanters in his entire palace.

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was resting in my home and prospering in my palace.

About a year later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,

he commented to himself, "Isn't Babylon great? I've built a royal palace in it by my own might and power, for the sake of my majesty."

At that moment, humanlike fingers of a hand appeared near the lamp stand of the royal palace and wrote on the plaster of the wall.

Then the king retired to his palace to spend the night fasting. He enjoyed no entertainment, and he couldn't sleep.