Nebuchadnezzar was the ruler of the Babylonian Empire. After destroying Jerusalem he enslaved the Israelites. Among those captured were four young men- Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Nebuchadnezzar quickly realized that he could educate the minds of these men, but he could not change their hearts. They wee faithful to their duties, but their ultimate devotion was to the Lord.