Daniel Explains the Second Dream

19 Then Daniel, xwhose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts ytroubled him. So the king spoke, and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.”

Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may zthe dream 3concern those who hate you, and its interpretation 4concern your enemies!

20 a“The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, 21 whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home—22 bit is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, cand your dominion to the end of the earth.

23 d“And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, eand let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven 5times pass over him’; 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25 They shall fdrive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you geat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven 6times shall pass over you, htill you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and igives it to whomever He chooses.

26 “And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that jHeaven 7rules. 27 Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; kbreak off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. lPerhaps there may be ma 8lengthening of your prosperity.”