13. I continued watching in the night visions,and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Daysand was escorted before Him.
14. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom;so that those of every people,nation, and language should serve Him.His dominion is an everlasting dominionthat will not pass away,and His kingdom is onethat will not be destroyed.
15. “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was deeply distressed within me, and the visions in my mind terrified me.
16. I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him the true meaning of all this. So he let me know the interpretation of these things:
17. ‘These huge beasts, four in number, are four kings who will rise from the earth.
18. But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever.’
19. “Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one different from all the others, extremely terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, devouring, crushing, and trampling with its feet whatever was left.
20. I also wanted to know about the 10 horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three fell — the horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that was more visible than the others.
21. As I was watching, this horn waged war against the holy ones and was prevailing over them
22. until the Ancient of Days arrived and a judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, for the time had come, and the holy ones took possession of the kingdom.
23. “This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it.
24. The 10 horns are 10 kings who will rise from this kingdom. Another, different from the previous ones, will rise after them and subdue three kings.
25. He will speak words against the Most High and oppress the holy ones of the Most High. He will intend to change religious festivals and laws, and the holy ones will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time.
26. But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away, to be completely destroyed forever.