17. The angels announce this decree,the holy watchmen bring this sentence,So that everyone living will knowthat the High God rules human kingdoms.He arranges kingdom affairs however he wishes,and makes leaders out of losers.
18. “‘This is what I, King Nebuchadnezzar, dreamed. It’s your turn, Belteshazzar—interpret it for me. None of the wise men of Babylon could make heads or tails of it, but I’m sure you can do it. You’re full of the divine Holy Spirit.’”
19. At first Daniel, who had been renamed Belteshazzar in Babylon, was upset. The thoughts that came swarming into his mind terrified him.“Belteshazzar,” the king said, “stay calm. Don’t let the dream and its interpretation scare you.”“My master,” said Belteshazzar, “I wish this dream were about your enemies and its interpretation for your foes.
26. “The part about the tree stump and roots being left means that your kingdom will still be there for you after you learn that it is heaven that runs things.
27. “So, king, take my advice: Make a clean break with your sins and start living for others. Quit your wicked life and look after the needs of the down-and-out. Then you will continue to have a good life.”
33. It happened at once. Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of human company, ate grass like an ox, and was soaked in heaven’s dew. His hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a hawk.