King Nebuchadnezzar was a ruthless Babylonian ruler who used the Jews for slaves. He had Wisemen whose purpose was to interpret the king’s dreams. He needed new Wisemen because he had them killed each time they were unable to interpret his dreams. He then sent soldiers out to get young men from the Jews who were healthy & smart. Daniel & his friends were taken from their families to be trained as Wisemen. As they grew & were trained they found favor with the king as they were able to interpret his dreams. The king made a gold statue of himself & ordered everyone to bow to the statue & worship him as god. Daniel & his friends refused & continued to pray & to worship to the one God. The King was furious.