Add parallel Print Page Options

17 This punishment is given
at the command
    of the holy angels.[a]
It will show to all who live
that God Most High
    controls all kingdoms
and chooses for their rulers
    persons of humble birth.’

18 “Daniel,[b] that was the dream that none of the wise men in my kingdom were able to understand. But I am sure that you will understand what it means, because the holy gods have given you some special powers.”

19 For a while, Daniel[c] was terribly confused and worried by what he was thinking. But I said, “Don't be bothered either by the dream or by what it means.”

Daniel replied:

Your Majesty, I wish the dream had been against your enemies.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 4.17 angels: See the note at 4.13.
  2. 4.18 Daniel: See the note at 2.26.
  3. 4.19 Daniel: See the note at 2.26.

17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High(A) is sovereign(B) over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest(C) of people.’

18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me.(D) But you can,(E) because the spirit of the holy gods(F) is in you.”(G)

Daniel Interprets the Dream

19 Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified(H) him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.”(I)

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!

Read full chapter