Bible in 90 Days
Israel’s Future Borders Delineated
13 This is what the Lord God says: “This is to be the territorial border by which you apportion the land for an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel, with Joseph double-portioned. 14 Apportion it for their inheritances, distributing everything equally as if you were distributing things to your own[a] brother, which is how I promised to give it to your ancestors. This way, the land will fall to you as an inheritance.
15 “This is to be the[b] border for the land: on the north side, from the Mediterranean[c] Sea by the Hethlon Road to the entrance of Zedad, 16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim (which lies between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), and Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran. 17 The border is to proceed from the Mediterranean[d] Sea to Hazer-enan (a border of Damascus), and on the north facing north is to be the border of Hamath. This is to be the north side.
18 “The eastern extremity is to proceed from between Hauran and[e] Damascus, then between Gilead, and then through the land of Israel—the Jordan River.[f] You are to measure from the northern border to the Dead[g] Sea. This is to be the eastern perimeter.
19 “You are to determine the southern extremity running from Tamar as far as the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then from there proceeding to the Wadi,[h] and then to the Mediterranean[i] Sea. This is to be the southern[j] perimeter.
20 “The western[k] perimeter is to be the Mediterranean[l] Sea, from the southernmost border to a location opposite the entrance to Hamath. This is to be the western[m] perimeter.
21 “You are to apportion this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel, 22 dividing it by lottery among yourselves and among the foreigners who live among you and bear children among you. You are to treat them like native-born Israelis. Among you they,[n] too, are to be allotted an inheritance with the tribes of Israel. 23 Furthermore, you are to provide the foreigner’s inheritance there in the tribe within which he remains,” declares the Lord God.
Regulations for Israel’s Northern Land Divisions
48 “These are the names of the tribes from the northernmost extremity westward[o] along the road from Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath,[p] Hazar-enan (a border of Damascus) northward to the coast[q] of Hamath. The perimeter is to run[r] east-to-west;[s] the tribe of[t] Dan with one portion;[u] 2 running along the border of the tribe of Dan from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter, the tribe of Asher with one portion; 3 running along the border of the tribe of Asher from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter, the tribe of Naphtali with one portion; 4 running along the border of the tribe of Naphtali from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter, the tribe of Manasseh with one portion; 5 running along the border of the tribe of Manasseh from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter, the tribe of Ephraim with one portion; 6 running along the border of the tribe of Ephraim from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter, the tribe of Reuben with one portion; 7 and running along the border of the tribe of Reuben from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter, the tribe of Judah with one portion.”
Israel’s National Temple Allotment
8 “Running along the border of the tribe of Judah from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter you are to set apart the Terumah,[v] 25,000 units[w] wide, with its east-west length equal to one of the other apportionments, from the eastern perimeter to the western perimeter, with the Temple in the middle of it. 9 The Terumah that you are to give to the Lord is to be 25,000 units wide.”[x]
Allotments for the Priests
10 “The holy Terumah is to be reserved for these, the priests: Toward the north, 25,000 units in length;[y] toward the west, 10,000 units in width; toward the east, 10,000 units in width; and toward the south, 25,000 units in length. The Lord’s sanctuary is to be in its midst. 11 It is to be for use by[z] priests from the descendants of Zadok, who have observed the things with which I charged them and who did not wander astray when the Israelis went astray, just as the descendants of Levi wandered astray. 12 It is to be a Terumah for them from the allotment of the land, a Most Holy Place, adjoining the border of the descendants of Levi.”
13 “Alongside the border of the priests, the descendants of Levi are to be allotted 25,000 units in length and 10,000 units in width. The entire length is to be 25,000 units and its width 10,000 units. 14 Furthermore, they are not to sell or exchange any part of it, nor transfer these first fruits[aa] of the land, because it is holy to the Lord.
15 “The rest, 5,000 units wide and 25,000 units along its front, will serve as a common portion for use by the city for housing and open spaces, since the city is to be in its midst. 16 These are to be its dimensions: the north side, 4,500 units; the south side, 4,500 units; the east side, 4,500 units; and the west side 4,500 units. 17 The city is to have urban areas set aside: on the north 250 units; on the south, 250 units, on the east, 250 units; and on the west, 250 units.
18 “The remainder of the length that borders the holy Terumah is to be 10,000 units long eastward and 10,000 units westward. It is to lie adjacent to the holy Terumah. Its harvest will produce food for those who work in the city. 19 The city workers who cultivate it are to come from all the tribes of Israel. 20 The entire Terumah is to be[ab] 25,000 units by 25,000 units—you are to reserve it as a holy Terumah in the form of a square within the city limits.”
The Allotment for the Regent Prince
21 “Now the remainder of the allotment[ac] on either side of the holy Terumah is to be for the Regent Prince and for city property[ad]—adjoining the 25,000 units along the eastern border and adjoining the 25,000 units along the western border, and parallel to the allotments. These are to be for the Regent Prince. The holy Terumah and the sanctuary of the Temple is to stand in the middle of it. 22 Except for what belongs to the descendants of Levi and the city property, which will stand in the middle of what belongs to the Regent Prince, whatever is between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin is to belong to the Regent Prince.”
The Allotment for the Tribes
23 “Now as to the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west side, Benjamin is to retain one portion.[ae] 24 Adjacent to the border of Benjamin running from east to west, Simeon is to retain one portion. 25 Adjacent to the border of Simeon running from east to west, Issachar is to retain one portion. 26 Adjacent to the border of Issachar running from east to west, Zebulun is to retain one portion. 27 Adjacent to the border of Zebulun running from east to west, Gad is to retain one portion. 28 Adjacent to the border of Gad to the south and extending toward the south, the border is to proceed from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then to the Wadi[af] of Egypt,[ag] and from there to the Mediterranean[ah] Sea. 29 This is the land that you are to allocate by lottery to the tribes of Israel as their inheritance, and these are their respective divisions,” declares the Lord God.
The Gates of the City
30 “These are the exits from the city: On the north side, 4,500 units by measurement, 31 are to be the gates of the city. Named after the tribes of Israel, three gates are to serve the north site: one named the Reuben Gate, one named the Judah Gate, and one named the Levi Gate. 32 On the east side, 4,500 units by measurement,[ai] there are to be three gates: one named the Joseph Gate, one named the Benjamin Gate, and one named the Dan Gate. 33 On the south side, 4,500 units by measurement, there are to be three gates: one named the Simeon Gate, one named the Issachar Gate, and one named the Zebulun Gate. 34 On the west side, 4,500 units by measurement,[aj] there are to be three gates: one named the Gad Gate, one named the Asher Gate, and one named the Naphtali Gate. 35 A perimeter is to measure 18,000 units, and the name of the city from that time on is to be:
‘The Lord is There.’”
Hostages of the Babylonian Captivity
1 In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it. 2 Within a week, the Lord handed King Jehoiakim of Judah over to him, along with valuable objects from the house of God. Nebuchadnezzar[ak] brought them to the temple of his god in the land of Shinar[al] and stored them[am] in its treasure house.[an]
3 Later, the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief officer,[ao] to bring in some Israelis of royal and noble descent. 4 They were to be young men without physical defect, handsome in appearance, skilled in all wisdom, quick to learn, prudent in how they used knowledge, and capable of serving in the king’s palace. They were to learn the literature and language of the Chaldeans.[ap]
5 The king assigned them fine food and choice wine on a daily basis, ordering them to be trained for three years, at the end of which time they would enter the king’s service.[aq] 6 Included among the people of Judah were Daniel,[ar] Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief officer assigned the name “Belteshazzar” to Daniel, the name “Shadrach” to Hananiah, the name “Meshach” to Mishael, and the name “Abednego” to Azariah.
Daniel Chooses God’s Standard
8 Daniel determined within himself not to become defiled by the king’s menu of rich foods or by the king’s wine, so he requested permission[as] from the chief officer not to defile himself. 9 God granted to Daniel grace and compassion on the part of the chief officer. 10 The chief officer told Daniel, “I fear his majesty the king, who has determined what you eat and drink. If he notices that your faces are more pale than the other[at] young men in your group, I will forfeit my head to the king.”
11 But Daniel told the guard whom the chief officer had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days and let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare how we[au] look with the young men who ate the king’s rich food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you observe.”
14 So he listened to what Daniel said[av] and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days their appearance was better and their faces were well-nourished[aw] compared to the young men who ate the king’s rich food. 16 So the guard took away their rich food and wine,[ax] giving them vegetables. 17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge, aptitude for learning, and wisdom. Daniel also could understand all kinds of visions and dreams.
18 Then at the end of the training period[ay] that the king had established, the chief officer brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 When the king spoke to them, none of them compared to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, or Azariah as they stood before the king. 20 In every matter of wisdom or understanding that the king discussed with[az] them, he found them ten times superior to all the astrologers and enchanters[ba] in his entire palace.
21 So Daniel remained there in service[bb] until the first year of King Cyrus.[bc]
King Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
2 During the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled him.[bd] As a result, he couldn’t sleep.[be] 2 So the king gave orders to summon diviners, enchanters,[bf] sorcerers, and Chaldeans to reveal to the king what he had dreamed. When they came and stood before him,[bg] 3 the king told them, “I have dreamed a dream and I[bh] will remain troubled until I can understand it.”[bi]
4 The Chaldeans responded to the king in Aramaic:[bj] “May the king live forever. Tell the dream to your servants, and we’ll reveal its meaning.”
5 In reply the king told the Chaldeans, “Here is what I have commanded: If you don’t tell me both the dream and its meaning, you’ll be destroyed and your houses will be reduced to rubble. 6 But if you do relate the dream to me as well as its meaning, you’ll receive gifts, rewards, and great honor from me. Therefore reveal the dream to me, along with its meaning.”
7 They replied again, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we’ll disclose its meaning.”
8 The king responded,[bk] “I’m convinced that you’re stalling for time because you’re aware of what I’ve commanded. 9 So if you don’t disclose the dream to me, there will be only one sentence for all of you. You have conspired together to present lies and corrupt interpretations until the situation changes. Now tell me the dream and I’ll know that you can reveal its true[bl] meaning.”
10 The Chaldeans answered the king directly, “There’s not a single man on earth who can do[bm] what the king has commanded. No king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such a thing from any diviner, enchanter,[bn] or Chaldean. 11 Furthermore, what the king is asking is so difficult that no one can reveal it except the gods—and they don’t live with human beings.”
12 At this point, the king flew into a rage[bo] and issued an order to destroy all the advisors[bp] of Babylon. 13 When the order went out to kill the advisors,[bq] they searched for Daniel and his friends to kill them, too.[br]
Daniel Requests Time to Answer the King
14 Daniel responded with wisdom and discretion to Arioch, the king’s executioner, who had gone out to execute the advisors[bs] of Babylon. 15 He asked[bt] him,[bu] “Why such a harsh decree from the king?” Then Arioch informed Daniel, 16 so Daniel went to ask Nebuchadnezzar[bv] for an appointment to see him[bw], and it was granted him so that he could reveal the meaning to the king. 17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about the king’s[bx] command. 18 Daniel[by] was seeking mercy, in order to ask about this mystery in the presence of the God of heaven, so that Daniel and his friends might not be executed along with the rest of the advisors[bz] of Babylon.
The King’s Dream is Revealed to Daniel
19 When the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision later that night, Daniel blessed the God of heaven 20 and said,
“May the name of God be blessed forever and ever;
wisdom and power are his for evermore.
21 It is God[ca] who alters the times and seasons,
and he removes kings and promotes kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals what is profoundly mysterious
and knows what is in the darkness;
with him dwells light.
23 To you, God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise,
because you have given me wisdom and power;
you have now revealed to me what we asked of you
by making known to us what the king commanded.”
24 After this,[cb] Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the advisors[cc] of Babylon. He told him, “Don’t destroy the advisors[cd] of Babylon. Bring me before the king and I’ll explain the meaning to him.”[ce]
25 Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel into the king’s presence and informed him: “I’ve found a man from the Judean captives who will make known the meaning to the king.”
Daniel Reveals the Meaning of the Dream
26 King Nebuchadnezzar[cf] replied by saying to Daniel (whose Babylonian[cg] name is Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me about the dream[ch] and its meaning?”
27 By way of answer, Daniel addressed the king:[ci]
“None of the advisors,[cj] enchanters,[ck] diviners, or astrologers[cl] can explain the secret that the king has requested to be made known.[cm] 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he is making known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days.
“While you were in bed, the dream and the visions that came to your head were as follows: 29 Your majesty,[cn] when you were in bed, thoughts came to your mind[co] about what would happen in the future, and the Revealer of Secrets has made known to you what will take place. 30 As for me, this secret was made known to me, not because my own wisdom is greater than anyone else alive, but in order that the meaning may be made known to the king, and that you might understand the thoughts of your heart.
31 “Your majesty, while you were watching, you observed an enormous statue. This magnificent statue stood before you with extraordinary brilliance. Its appearance was terrifying. 32 That statue had a head made[cp] of pure gold, with its chest and arms made[cq] of silver, its abdomen and thighs made[cr] of bronze, 33 its legs made[cs] of iron, and its feet made[ct] partly of iron and partly of clay.
34 “As you were watching, a rock was quarried—but not with human hands—and it struck the iron and clay feet of the statue, breaking them to pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken in pieces together and became like chaff from a summer threshing floor that the breeze carries away without leaving a trace.[cu] Then the rock that struck the statue grew into[cv] a huge mountain and filled the entire earth.
36 “This was the dream, and we’ll now relate its meaning to the king. 37 You, your majesty, king of kings—to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the glory, 38 so that wherever people,[cw] wild animals, or birds of the sky live, he has placed them under your control, giving you dominion over them all—you’re that head of gold.
39 “After you, another kingdom will arise that is inferior to[cx] yours, and then a third kingdom of bronze will arise to rule all the earth. 40 Then there will be a fourth kingdom, as strong as iron. Just as all things are broken to pieces and shattered by iron, so it will shatter and crush everything.
41 “The feet and toes that you saw, made partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, represent[cy] a divided kingdom. It will still have the strength of iron, in that you saw iron mixed with clay. 42 Just as their toes and feet are part iron and part clay, so will the kingdom be both strong and brittle. 43 Just as you saw iron mixed with clay, so they will mix themselves with human offspring.[cz] Furthermore,[da] they won’t remain together, just as iron doesn’t mix with clay.
44 “During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor its sovereignty[db] left in the hands of another people. It will shatter and crush all of these kingdoms, and it will stand forever. 45 Now, just as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without human hands—and that it crushed the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold to pieces—so also the great God has revealed to the king what will take place after this. Your dream will come true, and its meaning will prove trustworthy.”
Nebuchadnezzar Promotes Daniel and His Friends
46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face before Daniel, paid honor to him, and commanded that an offering and incense be presented on his behalf. 47 The king told Daniel, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and the Revealer of Secrets, because you were able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel to a high position and lavished many great gifts on him, including making him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over the advisors[dc] of Babylon. 49 Moreover, Daniel requested that the king appoint Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained in the royal court.
Dedicating the Image to Nebuchadnezzar
3 Some time later, king Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue, making it 60 cubits[dd] high and six cubits[de] wide. He set it up in the Dura Valley[df] within the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar summoned the regional authorities,[dg] governors, deputy governors, advisors, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all of the other[dh] administrators of the provinces, ordering them to come to the dedication of the statue that he[di] had erected.
3 So the regional authorities,[dj] governors, deputy governors, advisors, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all of the other[dk] administrators of the provinces assembled to dedicate the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had erected. They took their places in front of the statue that he[dl] had erected. 4 Then a herald proclaimed aloud:
“People of all[dm] nations, and languages are commanded: 5 Whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, the flute, the lyre, the four-stringed lyre, and the harp, playing together along with various instruments, you are to fall down and worship the golden statue that was set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. 6 Anyone who does not fall down and worship is immediately to be thrown into the blazing fire furnace.”
7 Therefore, when all of the people “heard the sound of the trumpet, the flute, the lyre, the four-stringed lyre, and the harp, playing together along with various other[dn] instruments,” all the “people, nations, and languages” began to fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel’s Friends are Accused
8 Just then, certain influential Chaldeans took this opportunity to come forward and denounce the Jews. 9 They told King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your majesty, live forever. 10 You, your majesty, issued this decree:
‘Every man who hears the sound of the trumpet, the flute, the lyre, the four-stringed lyre, and the harp, playing together along with various other[do] instruments is to fall down and worship the golden statue. 11 Whoever does not fall down and worship is to be thrown into a blazing fire furnace.’
12 “Certain influential Jewish men whom you appointed to manage the city of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—have neither paid attention to you, your majesty, nor served your gods. And they won’t worship the golden statue that you set up.”
The Threat of the Fire Furnace
13 Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and furiously ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him.[dp] 14 Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don’t worship my gods and that you don’t worship the golden statue that has been set up? 15 Now, if you are ready at this very moment to obey ‘the sound of the trumpet, the flute, the lyre, the four-stringed lyre, and the harp,’ and worship the image that I have made… If you do not so worship, you will immediately have cast yourselves into the middle of the blazing fire, and what god is there who can deliver you from my power?”[dq]
Daniel’s Friends Answer King Nebuchadnezzar
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “It’s not necessary for us to respond in this matter. 17 Your majesty, if it be his will,[dr] our God whom we serve can deliver us from the blazing fire furnace, and he will deliver us from you.[ds] 18 But if not, rest assured, your majesty, that we won’t serve your gods, and we won’t worship the golden statue that you have set up.”
The King Orders an Execution
19 Out of control with rage, Nebuchadnezzar’s facial expression changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and he ordered[dt] that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he issued orders to his elite guard to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with ropes[du] and throw them into the blazing fire furnace. 21 So the elite guard tied them up fully clothed, still wearing their robes, tunics, and turbans, and threw them into the blazing fire furnace, 22 because the king’s command was so drastic. Since the furnace was blazing hot, its flames killed those who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the blazing fire. 23 Bound firmly with ropes, these three men Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell into the blazing fire furnace.
The Fourth Man in the Furnace
24 Astonished, King Nebuchadnezzar stood up in terror, and asked his advisors, “Didn’t we throw three men into the fire, bound firmly with ropes?”
In reply they told the king, “Yes, your majesty.”
25 “Look!” he told them,[dv] “I see four men walking untied and unharmed in the middle of the fire, and the appearance of the fourth resembles a divine being.”[dw]
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the opening of the blazing fire furnace. He shouted out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out and come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. 27 The regional authorities,[dx] viceroys, governors, and royal advisors gazed at those men and saw that the fire had no effect on their bodies—not a hair on their head was singed, their clothes were not burned, and they did not smell of fire.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke up and announced:
“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! He sent his angel to deliver his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king’s command and were willing to risk their lives in order not to serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 So I decree that people from any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego will be destroyed and their house reduced to rubble, because there is no other god who can save like this.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego within the province of Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimonial
4 [dy]An Official Statement[dz]
from Nebuchadnezzar
the King
To the people of all nations and languages who live on earth.
Peace and prosperity to you!
2 It gives me great pleasure to tell about the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.
3 How great are his signs!
How powerful are his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and his dominion lasts from generation to generation.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
4 [ea]I, Nebuchadnezzar, was resting in my home and prospering in my palace. 5 I had a dream that made me afraid. The thoughts that went through my mind while in bed and the visions in my head terrified me. 6 So I gave an order to bring in all of the advisors[eb] of Babylon so they would tell me the interpretation of the dream.
7 Then the diviners, enchanters,[ec] Chaldeans, and astrologers[ed] came in, and I told them the dream. But they could not reveal its interpretation to me. 8 Eventually, Daniel appeared before me. (He is called Belteshazzar, in accordance with the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is within him.) I told him my dream:
9 “Belteshazzar, chief of the diviners, since I know that the spirit of the holy gods is within you, and no mystery too difficult for you, explain to me the vision of my dream that I saw, along with its interpretation. 10 This is what I saw in the visions of my head while I was in bed: I was looking and—listen carefully!—I saw a tree in the middle of the earth, the height of which was very great. 11 The tree grew large, became strong, and its top reached the sky. It could be seen to the ends of the earth. 12 Its foliage was beautiful, its fruit bountiful, and its food sufficient for everyone. The animals of the field found shade under it, the birds of the sky lived in its branches, and every creature was fed from it.
13 “Then I saw in the visions of my head while I was in bed—and take careful notice!—I saw a holy observer descend from heaven. 14 He called out aloud:
‘Cut down the tree and cut off its branches. Strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit. Let the animals get out from under it, and let the birds leave[ee] its branches. 15 Nevertheless, leave the stump and its roots in the ground, but bind it with iron and bronze in the field grass. Let him be drenched with dew from the sky, and let him graze with the animals in the grass of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of an animal until seven seasons of time pass by for him. 17 This order is announced by the observers, and the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over human kingdoms and grants them to whomever he desires, and he places the least important of men over them.’
18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Belteshazzar, tell me its meaning, since none of the advisors[ef] in my kingdom can tell me its interpretation. But you are able to do so[eg] because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Daniel’s Interpretation
19 Then Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was greatly troubled for a while and was terrified by his thoughts. The king said, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream or its meaning terrify you.”
Belteshazzar responded, “Your majesty, if only[eh] the dream were about your enemies and its meaning about those who oppose you! 20 The tree that you saw, which grew large and strong until its top reached the sky and became visible to the whole earth 21 with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit—enough food for everyone—and under which wild animals of the field found shelter and the birds of the air had nests in its branches— 22 it’s you, your majesty! You’ve become great and strong, your greatness has grown to the heavens, and your dominion reaches to the distant parts of the earth.
23 “Your majesty saw a holy observer descending from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump in the ground, along with its roots, bound with iron and bronze in the field grass. Let him be soaked with the dew of the sky and live with the wild animals of the field until seven seasons pass over him.’
24 “This is the meaning, your majesty, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against his majesty, the king: 25 You’ll be driven from people, and you’ll live among wild animals of the field. You’ll eat grass like cattle and be soaked with the dew of the sky while seven years pass you by[ei]—until you realize that the Most High is sovereign over human kingdoms and grants them to whomever he desires. 26 Just as it was ordered to leave the stump of the tree in the ground[ej] along with its roots, so your kingdom will be restored to you when you realize that Heaven rules over everything.[ek] 27 Therefore, your majesty, may my advice be acceptable to you: Stop your sinning, do what’s right, and put a stop to your wickedness by showing kindness to the oppressed. Perhaps your tranquility will continue.”
The Dream Comes True
28 All of this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 About a year later,[el] as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he[em] commented to himself,[en] “Isn’t Babylon great? I’ve built a royal palace in it by my own might and power, for the sake[eo] of my majesty.”
31 As these words were being spoken by the king, a voice came out of heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, this is declared to you:
‘The kingdom has been taken[ep] from you! 32 You’re to be driven away from people. You’re to live with the wild animals of the field. You are to be made to eat grass like cattle, and seven years will pass you by[eq] until you realize that the Most High is sovereign over human kingdoms and grants them to whomever he desires.’”
33 The decree was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar immediately. He was driven away from people to eat grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with dew from the sky, until his hair grew like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.
The King’s Sanity Returns
34 “When that period of time was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven and my sanity returned to me. I blessed the Most High, praising and honoring the one who lives forever:
For his sovereignty is eternal,
and his kingdom continues from generation to generation.
35 All who live on the earth
are nothing compared to him.
He does what he wishes
with the heavenly armies
and with those who live on earth.
No one can hold back his power
or say to him, ‘What did you do?’
36 At that moment I recovered my sanity, and my honor and majesty returned to me, for the sake[er] of my kingdom. My advisors and officials sought me out, my throne was restored, and even more greatness than I had before was added to me. 37 In conclusion, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and give glory to the King of heaven:
For everything he does is true,
his ways are just,
and he is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
Belshazzar’s Festival
5 King Belshazzar put on a great festival for a thousand of his officials. He joined all[es] one thousand of them in getting drunk. 2 Under the influence of wine, Belshazzar ordered that the gold and silver vessels his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem be brought in so the king, his officials, his wives, and his mistresses[et] could drink from them. 3 As ordered, they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the sanctuary of God’s Temple in Jerusalem, and the king, his officials, his wives, and mistresses[eu] drank from them. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
The Handwriting on the Wall
5 At that moment, humanlike fingers of a hand appeared near the lamp stand of the royal palace and wrote on the plaster of the wall. 6 While the king watched the back of the hand as it was writing, his facial expression changed. Utterly frightened, he lost control of his own bowels[ev] and his knees knocked together.
7 The king cried out to bring in enchanters,[ew] Chaldeans, and astrologers. He announced to the advisors[ex] of Babylon, “Whoever can read this writing and tell me its meaning will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around his neck, and will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
8 Then all the king’s advisors came in, but they were unable to read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 So King Belshazzar became even more frightened, and his facial expression showed it. His officials also were thrown into confusion.
10 Hearing[ey] the voices of the king and his officials, the queen entered the banquet hall. “Your majesty, live forever,” the queen said. “Don’t be frightened by your thoughts or allow your facial expression to show it. 11 There’s a man in your kingdom in whom dwells[ez] the spirit of the holy gods. During your grandfather’s reign, he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom, like that[fa] of the gods. Your grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar—your kingly predecessor—appointed him to be chief administrator over the magicians, enchanters,[fb] Chaldeans, and astrologers, 12 because he was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and understanding, along with an ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. His name is Daniel, whom the king renamed Belteshazzar. Call for Daniel, and he will reveal the meaning of the writing.”[fc]
Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
13 Then Daniel was brought before the king. The king spoke up and told Daniel, “So you are Daniel, one of the Judean exiles whom my grandfather the king brought from Judah! 14 I’ve heard about you, that a spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, discernment, and extraordinary wisdom. 15 Take note that the advisors[fd] and enchanters[fe] were brought before me to read the writing and explain its meaning, but they were unable to do so.[ff] 16 However, I’ve heard that you can provide meaning and interpretation, and that you can solve difficult problems. If you are able to read the writing and report its meaning, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
17 At this, Daniel answered, speaking directly to[fg] the king, “Let your gifts and rewards be given to someone else. However, I’ll read the writing for the king and tell him its meaning. 18 Your majesty, the Most High God gave your grandfather Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, as well as greatness, glory, and splendor. 19 And because of the greatness that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages revered and feared him. He executed those whom he desired to execute, he spared those whom he wished to spare, he promoted those whom he desired to promote, and he humbled those whom he wished to humble. 20 But when he[fh] became arrogant and his spirit hardened, he was removed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him. 21 He was driven away from human society[fi] and given the mind of an animal. He lived with wild donkeys, ate grass like cattle, and his body was soaked with dew from the sky until he realized that the Most High God is sovereign over human kingdoms and places over them whomever he desires.
22 “But you, Belshazzar, his grandson, haven’t humbled yourself, even though you knew all of this.
23 “You’ve exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven.
“You’ve had the vessels from his Temple brought into your presence.
“And you, your officials, and your wives and mistresses drank wine from them.
“You praised gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which can’t see, hear, or demonstrate knowledge.
“But you didn’t honor God, who holds in his power your very life and all your ways.
24 “Therefore, the hand[fj] that wrote this inscription was sent from his presence. 25 This is the written inscription:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL and PARSIN
26 These are the meanings of the words:
MENE: God has audited[fk] your kingdom—and has ended it.
27 TEKEL: You’ve been weighed on the scales—and you don’t measure up.[fl]
28 PERES: Your kingdom has been divided—and will be given to the Medes and Persians.”
29 Then Belshazzar gave orders to clothe Daniel in purple, to place a chain of gold around his neck, and to proclaim him the third highest ruler of the kingdom.
30 That night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was killed, 31 [fm]and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of 62.
Daniel’s Service to Darius
6 [fn]It pleased Darius to appoint 120 regional authorities[fo] over the kingdom throughout the realm, 2 along with three chief administrators from them, one of which was Daniel. The regional authorities[fp] reported to these three administrators,[fq] so that the king would experience no losses. 3 Daniel distinguished himself among all the administrators and regional authorities,[fr] because he was of an extraordinary spirit. Therefore the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom.
A Plot to Destroy Daniel
4 Because of this, the administrators and regional authorities[fs] tried to bring allegations of dereliction of duty in government affairs against Daniel, but they were unable to find any charges of corruption. Daniel[ft] was trustworthy, and no evidence of[fu] negligence or corruption could be found against him. 5 So these men said, “We’ll never find any basis for complaint against Daniel unless we build it on the requirements of his God.”
6 Then these administrators and regional authorities[fv] went as a group to the king and said this, “Your majesty, live forever! 7 All of the royal administrators, prefects, regional authorities,[fw] scribes, and governors have concluded that the king should establish and enforce an edict that anyone who prays to any god or man for the next 30 days (except to you, your majesty) is to be thrown into the lions’ pit. 8 Therefore, your majesty, establish the decree and sign the written document so it can’t be changed, in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians that can’t be repealed.” 9 So King Darius signed the edict contained in the written document.
Daniel is Accused
10 When Daniel learned that the written document had been signed, he went to an upstairs room in his house that had windows opened facing Jerusalem. Three times a day he would kneel down, pray, and give thanks to his God, just as he had previously done.
11 The conspirators[fx] then went as a group and found Daniel praying and seeking help before his God. 12 So they approached the king and asked, “Didn’t you sign an edict that for the next 30 days if anyone prays to any god or man, except to you, your majesty, he would be thrown into the lions’ pit?”
The king responded, “The decree has been established, in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians that can’t be repealed.”
13 Then they told the king, “Daniel, who is one of the Judean exiles, pays no attention to you, your majesty, or to the written decree, since he is still praying three times a day.”
14 When the king heard this, he was greatly upset, because he was determined to make every effort to save Daniel before the sun set. 15 But the men who had gone as a group to the king told him,[fy] “Remember, your majesty, that according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, any decree or edict that the king establishes cannot be repealed.”
Daniel in the Lions’ Pit
16 At this point, the king ordered Daniel brought in and thrown into the lions’ pit. The king spoke to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve constantly, will deliver you himself.” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the opening to the pit, and the king affixed a seal to it with his personal signet ring and with the signet rings of his officials so that no one would interfere with Daniel’s situation. 18 Then the king retired to his palace to spend the night fasting. He enjoyed no entertainment, and he couldn’t sleep.
19 The king got up at dawn and went quickly to the lions’ pit. 20 As he approached where Daniel was in the pit, he cried out to him[fz] in a voice filled with anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve constantly, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21 Daniel replied to the king, “May your majesty live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and sealed the mouths of the lions. They have not harmed me, proving that I’m innocent before him. Also against you, your majesty, I’ve committed no offense.”
23 The king was ecstatic, so he gave orders for Daniel to be released from the pit. Daniel was taken up from the pit, and no injury was found to have been inflicted on him, because he had believed in his God. 24 Then the king gave orders to bring those men who had tried to have Daniel devoured, and they threw them, their children, and their wives into the lions’ pit. They had not reached the floor of the pit before the lions had overtaken them and crushed all their bones.
Darius Exonerates Daniel
25 Afterward, King Darius wrote to all people, nations, and languages who lived throughout his realm:
“May great prosperity be yours!
26 “I hereby decree that in every area of my kingdom men[ga] are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel.
For he is the living God,
who endures forever.
His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed,
and his dominion continues forever.
27 He delivers and rescues
and performs signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth.
He has delivered Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
28 Daniel achieved success during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus the Persian.
The Vision of the Four Beasts
7 In the first year of the reign of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel dreamed a dream, receiving visions in his mind while in bed, after which he recorded the dream, relating this summary of events.
2 Daniel said, “I observed the vision during the night. Look! The four winds of the skies were stirring up the Mediterranean[gb] Sea. 3 Four magnificent animals were rising from the sea, each different from the other. 4 The first resembled a lion, but it had eagles’ wings. I continued to watch until its wings were plucked off, it was lifted up off the ground, and it was forced to stand on two feet like a man. A human soul[gc] was imparted to it.
5 “Then look!—a second animal resembling a bear followed it.[gd] It was raised up on one side, with three ribs held between the teeth in its mouth. Therefore people kept telling it, ‘Get up and devour lots of meat!’
6 “After this, I continued to watch—and look!—there was another one, resembling a leopard with four birds’ wings on its back. The animal also had four heads, and authority was imparted to it.
7 “After this, I continued to observe the night visions. And look!—there was a fourth awe-inspiring, terrifying, and viciously strong animal! It had large, iron teeth. It devoured and crushed things,[ge] and trampled under its feet whatever remained. Different from all of the other previous animals, it had ten horns.
8 “While I was thinking about the horns—look—another horn, this time[gf] a little one, grew up among them. Three of the first horns were yanked up by their roots right in front of it. Look! It had eyes like those of a human being and a mouth that boasted with audacious claims.”
The Vision of the Ancient of Days
9 “I kept on watching until the Ancient of Days was seated. His clothes were white, like snow, and the hair on his head was like pure wool. His throne burned with flaming fire, and its wheels burned with fire. 10 A river of fire flowed out from before him. Thousands upon thousands were serving him, with millions upon millions waiting before him. The court sat in judgment,[gg] and record books were unsealed.
11 “I continued watching because of the audacious words that the horn was speaking. I kept observing until the animal was killed and its body destroyed and given over to burning fire. 12 Now as to the other animals, their authority was removed, but they were granted a reprieve from execution[gh] for an appointed period of time.”
The Vision of the Son of Man
13 “I continued to observe the night vision—and look!—someone like the Son of Man was coming, accompanied by heavenly clouds. He approached the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 To him dominion was bestowed, along with glory and a kingdom, so that all people, nations, and languages are to serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion—it will never pass away—and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
The Vision Interpreted
15 “Now as for me, Daniel, I was emotionally troubled, and what I had seen in the visions kept alarming me. 16 So I approached one of those who was standing nearby and began to ask the meaning of all of this. He spoke to me and caused me to understand the interpretation of these things. 17 He said, ‘These four great animals are four kings who will rise to power from the earth. 18 But the saints of the Highest will receive the kingdom forever, inheriting it[gi] forever and ever.’
19 “I wanted to learn the precise significance of the fourth animal that was different from all the others, extremely awe-inspiring, with iron teeth and bronze claws, and that had devoured and crushed things,[gj] trampling under its feet whatever remained. 20 Also, I wanted to learn the significance of[gk] the ten horns on its head and the other horn that had arisen, before which three of them had fallen—that is, the horn with eyes and a mouth that uttered magnificent things and which was greater in appearance than its fellows.
21 “As I continued to watch, that same horn waged war against the saints, and was prevailing against them 22 until the Ancient of Days arrived to pass judgment in favor of the saints of the Highest One and the time came for the saints to take possession of the kingdom. 23 So he said:
‘The fourth animal will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the kingdoms. It will devour the entire earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 24 Now as to the ten horns, ten kings will rise to power from this kingdom, and another king[gl] will rise to power after them. He will be different from the previous kings,[gm] and will defeat three kings. 25 He’ll speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One. He’ll attempt to alter times and laws, and they’ll be given into his control for a time, times, and half a time. 26 Nevertheless, the court will convene, and his authority will be removed, annulled, and destroyed forever. 27 Then the kingdom, authority, and magnificence of all nations of the earth[gn] will be given to the people who are the saints of the Highest One. His kingdom will endure forever, and all authorities will serve him and obey him.’
28 “At this point the vision ended. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts continued to alarm me, and I lost my natural color, but I kept quiet about the matter.”[go]
The Vision of the Ram and Goat
8 [gp]“During the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, saw a vision after the earlier vision that had appeared to me. 2 As I observed the vision, I looked around the citadel of Susa in Elam Province. While I watched, I found myself beside the Ulai Canal. 3 “Then I turned my head[gq] to look, and to my surprise, a two-horned ram was standing beside the canal. The two horns grew long,[gr] the first one growing longer than[gs] the second, with the longer one springing up last. 4 I watched the ram charging westward, northward, and southward. No animal could stand before him, nor was there anyone who could deliver from his control.[gt] He did as he pleased and exalted himself.
5 “As I watched and wondered, a male goat was coming from the west over the surface of the entire earth without touching the ground. The goat had a distinctive horn between its eyes. 6 It approached the ram with the two horns that I had observed while standing beside the canal, and charged at him, out of control with rage.[gu] 7 I saw it approach the ram, overflowing with fury at him, and run into him with the full force of its strength. The goat[gv] shattered the ram’s[gw] two horns, and the ram could not oppose it. So the goat[gx] threw him to the ground and trampled him. No one could rescue the ram from its control.[gy] 8 Then the goat grew extremely great, but when it was strong, its great horn was shattered. In its place, four distinctive horns grew out in all directions.”[gz]
The Insignificant Horn
9 “A somewhat insignificant horn emerged from one of them. It moved[ha] rapidly[hb] against the south, against the east, and against the Glory.[hc] 10 Then it moved against the Heavenly Army. It persuaded some of the Heavenly Army to fall to the earth, along with some of the stars, and it trampled them. 11 Then it set itself in arrogant opposition to the Prince of the Heavenly Army, from whom the regular burnt offering was taken away, in order to overthrow his sanctuary. 12 Because of the transgression, the Heavenly Army will be given over, along with the regular burnt offering, and in that rebellion truth will be cast to the ground, while he continues to prosper and to act.”
The Duration of the Desolation
13 “Then I heard one holy person speaking, and another holy person addressed the one who was speaking: ‘In the vision about the regular burnt offering, how much time elapses while the desecration terrifies and both the Holy Place and the Heavenly Army are trampled?’
14 “He told me, ‘For 2,300 days.[hd] Then the Holy Place will be restored.’”
Gabriel Interprets the Vision
15 “After I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I tried to understand it. All of a sudden, there was standing in front of me one who appeared to be valiant. 16 I heard the voice of a man calling out from the Ulai Canal,[he] ‘Gabriel, interpret what that fellow has been seeing.’
17 “As he approached where I was standing, I became terrified and fell on my face. But he told me, ‘Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end.’
18 “While he had been speaking with me, I had fainted[hf] on my face, but he touched me and enabled me to stand upright on my feet. 19 Then he said,
‘Pay attention! I’m going to brief you about what will happen at the end of the period of wrath, because its end is appointed. 20 The ram that you saw with a pair of horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 The demonic[hg] goat is the king of Greece,[hh] and the great horn between its eyes is its first king. 22 The shattered horn[hi] and the four that took its place are four kingdoms that will come from his nation, but they will not have his strength.
23 “Toward the end of their rule, as the desecrations proceed, an insolent king will arise, proficient at deception. 24 Mighty will be his skills, but not from his own abilities. He’ll be remarkably destructive, will succeed, and will do whatever he wants, destroying mighty men and the holy people. 25 Through his skill he’ll cause deceit to prosper under his leadership. He’ll promote himself and will destroy many while they are secure. He’ll take a stand against the Prince of Princes, yet he’ll be crushed without human help.[hj] 26 The vision about the twilights and dawnings that has been related is trustworthy, but keep its vision secret, because it pertains to the distant future.’
27 Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and ill for days, but afterward I got up and went about the king’s business. Nevertheless, I was astonished by the vision, and could not understand it.”
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