1. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

2. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of Elohim: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3. And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;