Daniel, son of Melchior and Esther of Ecbatana, lives in rebellion and a drunken stupor, a great embarrassment that his older brother is only too happy to point out to their father. Feeling that he can never meet with approval, Daniel asks for his inheritance and strikes out on his own. He innocently puts his trust in a man who promises him great wealth. But nothing is as it seems, and Daniel soon finds his life in danger. Only when he has lost everything does he begin to truly understand his father's love.