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17 For this has been decreed by the messengers[a];
    it is commanded by the holy ones,
so that everyone may know
    that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world.
He gives them to anyone he chooses—
    even to the lowliest of people.”

18 “‘Belteshazzar, that was the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now tell me what it means, for none of the wise men of my kingdom can do so. But you can tell me because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.’

Daniel Explains the Dream

19 “Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, frightened by the meaning of the dream. Then the king said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t be alarmed by the dream and what it means.’

“Belteshazzar replied, ‘I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you!

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Footnotes

  1. 4:17 Aramaic the watchers.

17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High(A) is sovereign(B) over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest(C) of people.’

18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me.(D) But you can,(E) because the spirit of the holy gods(F) is in you.”(G)

Daniel Interprets the Dream

19 Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified(H) him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.”(I)

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!

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