12 ⌊because⌋h there was found in him an excellent spirit and understanding and insight for interpreting dreams and explaining riddles and solving riddles; that is, in Daniel ⌊whom the king named⌋i Belteshazzar. Now, let Daniel be called and he will tell the explanation.”j

Daniel Deciphers and Interprets the Writing

13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king, and the king ⌊spoke⌋k and said to Daniel, “You are Daniel ⌊who are one of the exiles⌋l of Judahm whom my ⌊predecessor⌋,n the king, brought from Judah.o 14 And I have heard that a spirit of the gods is in you and enlightenment and insight and excellent wisdom was found in you. 15 And now the wise men and the conjurersp were brought in before me so that they could read this writing in order to make its explanationq known to me, but they were not able to disclose the explanationr of the matter. 16 But I have heard concerning you that you are able ⌊to produce interpretations⌋s and to solve riddles; now if you are able to read the writing and to make known its explanationt to me, you will be clothed in purple and a necklace of gold will be placed around your neck and you will rule as third in command in the kingdom.”

17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself or your rewards give to another; nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and I will make known to him the explanation.u