I (Background of Daniel) DANIEL 1:1, 2 THE FIRST TWO verses of the book of Daniel are introductory. These verses inform the reader of the circumstances which resulted in Daniel living in Babylon. These verses report a great national tragedy for Israel. The national tragedy can be described in one word—“conquered.” This means loss of freedom, loss of possessions, loss of well-being, loss of joy, and loss of honor. The reader may read these two verses almost casually, but there is nothing