Daniel 5:7-9

Expanded Bible

⁷ The king called loudly for the ·magicians [enchanters], ·wise men [^LChaldeans; ^Ca group of astrologers], and ·wizards [exorcists] of Babylon and said to ·them [^Lthe wise men of Babylon], “Anyone who can read this writing and explain ·it [^Lits interpretation] will be clothed in purple [^Cbefitting a king] and have a gold chain around his neck. And I will make that person the third highest ruler in the kingdom [^Cafter Nabonidus and Belshazzar; v. 1; Gen. 41:42; Esth. 8:15].”

⁸ Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king ·what it meant [its interpretation]. ⁹ King Belshazzar became even more ·afraid [terrified], and his face became even ·whiter [paler]. His ·royal [important; noble] guests were ·confused [agitated].