23. You are the Godwho was worshippedby my ancestors.Now I thank you and praise youfor making me wiseand telling me the king's dream,together with its meaning.”
24. Daniel went back to Arioch, the official in charge of executing the wise men. Daniel said, “Don't kill those men! Take me to the king, and I will explain the meaning of his dream.”
25. Arioch rushed Daniel to the king and announced, “Your Majesty, I have found out that one of the men brought here from Judah can explain your dream.”
26. The king asked Daniel, “Can you tell me my dream and what it means?”
27. Daniel answered:Your Majesty, not even the cleverest person in all the world can do what you are demanding.
28-29. But the God who rules from heaven can explain mysteries. And while you were sleeping, he showed you what will happen in the future.
30. However, you must realize that these mysteries weren't explained to me because I am cleverer than everyone else. Instead, it was done so that you would understand what you have seen.
31. Your Majesty, what you saw standing in front of you was a huge and terrifying statue, shining brightly.
32. Its head was made of gold, its chest and arms were silver, and from its waist down to its knees, it was bronze.
33. From there to its ankles it was iron, and its feet were a mixture of iron and clay.