Daniel (biblical figure) off to Babylon following the capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The four are chosen for their intellect and beauty to be trained in the Babylonian court, and are given new names. Daniel is given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar (, written as ), while his companions are given the Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel and his friends refuse the food and wine provided by the king of Babylon to avoid becoming defiled. They receive wisdom from God and surpass "all the magicians and enchanters of the kingdom." Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a giant statue made of four
Azariah Shadrach Libanus" (Aberystwyth, 1840), included some autobiographical notes. In 1836 Shadrach wrote a prophetic ballad about the Aberdovey district, which gained a reputation. Shadrach in 1805 married Mary Morris. They had four children. Azariah Shadrach Azariah Shadrach (1774–1844) was a Welsh evangelical writer and pastor. He was born on 24 June 1774 at Garn Deilo fach in the parish of Llanfair-Nant-y-Gôf, Pembrokeshire, the fifth son of Henry and Ann Shadrach of Nevern. As an adult and farm servant to a local Independent minister, John Richards, he had access to his employer's books. At his master's suggestion he decided to enter the