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22 “You will be banished from human society,
    and you will dwell among the wild animals.
You will be forced to eat grass like oxen,
    and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven.
Seven years will pass over you
    until you have learned
that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
    and gives it to whomever he wishes.

23 “As for the command to leave untouched the stump and the roots of the tree, this means that your kingdom will once again be subject to your rule once you come to acknowledge the sovereignty of Heaven.[a] 24 May the king be willing to take my advice. Atone for your sins with deeds of righteousness, and for your iniquities with mercy to the oppressed. If you do so, you will enjoy a long and peaceful life.”[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Daniel 4:23 God is called Heaven in order not to profane God’s name by uttering it; to him alone, dominion belongs.
  2. Daniel 4:24 A classic locus for the doctrine of the efficacy of good works.