Kindly help me with this question. In the book of Daniel in the Bible, we read in chapter 1 that King Nebuchadnezzar ordered that Daniel and his friends were to be trained for three years before entering the king’s service. In 1:18 they were presented to the king for examination. But in chapter 2 we read that it was in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign as king that the dream issue and its interpretation came. How does one reconcile the timing?
Daniel 1 is an overview of Daniel’s life in the Babylonian court. He began as a young man and served until Babylon was conquered. Although this was a period of 70 years, the only specifics we get from chapter 1 were the three year training period, the name changes, and the self imposed dietary restrictions.
Chapter 2 records the interpretation of a dream the King had during the 2nd year of his reign, while Daniel and his friends were still in training. After Daniel had interpreted the dream, the King was so impressed that he immediately appointed Daniel to a high position even though his 3 year training program was not yet complete. At Daniel’s request, the King elevated the 3 friends as well.
From Daniel 1:18 it appears that they all completed their 3 year training even though they had already begun a life of service to the King.