3. “His miracles are staggering,his wonders are surprising.His kingdom lasts and lasts,his sovereign rule goes on forever.
4-7. “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home taking it easy in my palace, without a care in the world. But as I was stretched out on my bed I had a dream that scared me—a nightmare that shook me. I sent for all the wise men of Babylon so that they could interpret the dream for me. When they were all assembled—magicians, enchanters, fortunetellers, witches—I told them the dream. None could tell me what it meant.
8. “And then Daniel came in. His Babylonian name is Belteshazzar, named after my god, a man full of the divine Holy Spirit. I told him my dream.
9. “‘Belteshazzar,’ I said, ‘chief of the magicians, I know that you are a man full of the divine Holy Spirit and that there is no mystery that you can’t solve. Listen to this dream that I had and interpret it for me.
10-12. “‘This is what I saw as I was stretched out on my bed. I saw a big towering tree at the center of the world. As I watched, the tree grew huge and strong. Its top reached the sky and it could be seen from the four corners of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant—enough food for everyone! Wild animals found shelter under it, birds nested in its branches, everything living was fed and sheltered by it.
13-15. “‘And this also is what I saw as I was stretched out on my bed. I saw a holy watchman descend from heaven, and call out:Chop down the tree, lop off its branches,strip its leaves and scatter its fruit.Chase the animals from beneath itand shoo the birds from its branches.But leave the stump and roots in the ground,belted with a strap of iron and bronze in the grassy meadow.
15-16. Let him be soaked in heaven’s dewand take his meals with the animals that graze.Let him lose his mindand get an animal’s mind in exchange,And let this go onfor seven seasons.
17. The angels announce this decree,the holy watchmen bring this sentence,So that everyone living will knowthat the High God rules human kingdoms.He arranges kingdom affairs however he wishes,and makes leaders out of losers.
18. “‘This is what I, King Nebuchadnezzar, dreamed. It’s your turn, Belteshazzar—interpret it for me. None of the wise men of Babylon could make heads or tails of it, but I’m sure you can do it. You’re full of the divine Holy Spirit.’”
19. At first Daniel, who had been renamed Belteshazzar in Babylon, was upset. The thoughts that came swarming into his mind terrified him.“Belteshazzar,” the king said, “stay calm. Don’t let the dream and its interpretation scare you.”“My master,” said Belteshazzar, “I wish this dream were about your enemies and its interpretation for your foes.