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.
34. As you watched, a stone was cut from a mountain—but not by human hands. The stone struck the feet, completely shattering the iron and clay.
35. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed and blown away without a trace, like husks of wheat at threshing time. But the stone became a tremendous mountain that covered the entire earth.
36. That was the dream, and now I'll tell you what it means.
37. Your Majesty, you are the greatest of kings, and God has highly honoured you with power
38. over all humans, animals, and birds. You are the head of gold.
39. After you are gone, another kingdom will rule, but it won't be as strong. Then it will be followed by a kingdom of bronze that will rule the whole world.
40. Next, a kingdom of iron will come to power, crushing and shattering everything.