Study Desk

What the king asks is too hard. No one can do it for you except the gods, who do not live among men."

So the law was sent out that the wise men must be killed. They looked for Daniel and his friends, to kill them also.

So Daniel went in and asked the king for time, so that he could tell the king what the dream meant.

He told them to ask for loving-pity from the God of heaven about this secret, so that Daniel and his friends might not be killed with the other wise men of Babylon.

Daniel said, "Let the name of God be honored forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.

I give thanks and praise to You, O God of my fathers. For You have given me wisdom and power. Even now You have made known what we asked of You. You have made the king's dream known to us."

The king said to Daniel, "For sure your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and He makes hidden things known. For you have been able to make known this secret."

So all the captains, leaders, rulers, wise men, money-keepers, judges, and law-keepers of Babylon's lands were gathered together for the special time of setting apart this object Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood in front of it.

Then the man who spread news for the king said in a loud voice, "This is what you must do, O people of every nation and language:

Then Nebuchadnezzar became very angry and called for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. And they were brought to the king.

So I now make a law that if any people of any nation or language say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, they will be torn apart and their houses will be laid waste. For there is no other god who is able to save in this way."

I am pleased to tell you about the wonderful things which the Most High God has done for me.

How great are the special things He shows us! How powerful are His wonderful works! His nation lasts forever, and His rule is for all people for all time.

"I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house. Everything was going well for me there.

So I called for all the wise men of Babylon to come and tell me the meaning of my dream.

Its leaves were beautiful and it had much fruit. It had enough food for everyone. The wild animals of the field rested in its shadow. The birds of the air lived in its branches. And every living thing was fed from it.

Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and for seven years let him have the mind of an animal.

This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means. None of the wise men in my nation can tell me what it means, but you can. For the spirit of the holy gods is in you.'

"Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was afraid for a while. His thoughts filled him with fear. The king said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not be afraid of the dream or its meaning.' Belteshazzar answered, ‘My lord, if only the dream and its meaning had to do with those who hate you and fight against you!

Its leaves were beautiful and it had much fruit, enough food for all. Wild animals of the field rested under it, and birds of the air lived in its branches.