20. You saw a tree that grew so big and strong that it reached up to heaven and could be seen from anywhere on earth.
21. Its leaves were beautiful, and it produced enough fruit for all living creatures; animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches.
22. Your Majesty, that tree is you. Your glorious reputation has reached heaven, and your kingdom covers the earth.
23. Then you saw a holy angel come down from heaven and say, “Chop down the tree and destroy it! But leave its stump and roots in the ground, fastened there by a chain of iron and bronze. Let it stay for seven years out in the field with the wild animals, unprotected from the dew.”
24. Your Majesty, God Most High has sent you this message, and it means
25. that you will be forced to live with the wild animals, far away from humans. You will eat grass like a wild animal and live outdoors for seven years, until you learn that God Most High controls all earthly kingdoms and chooses their rulers.
26. But he gave orders not to disturb the stump and roots. This is to show that you will be king once again, after you learn that the God who rules from heaven is in control.