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Daniel 4
La Biblia de las Américas

Sueño y locura de Nabucodonosor

4 [a]Nabucodonosor, rey, a todos los pueblos, naciones y lenguas que habitan en toda la tierra: Que abunde vuestra paz[b](A). 2 Me ha parecido bien declarar las señales y maravillas que ha hecho conmigo el Dios Altísimo(B).

3 ¡Cuán grandes son sus señales,
y cuán poderosas sus maravillas(C)!
Su reino es un reino eterno,
y su dominio de generación en generación(D).

4 [c]Yo, Nabucodonosor, estaba tranquilo en mi casa y próspero(E) en mi palacio. 5 Tuve[d] un sueño que me hizo temblar(F); y estas fantasías, estando en mi cama, y las visiones de mi mente[e] me aterraron(G). 6 Por lo cual di órdenes que trajeran ante mí a todos los sabios de Babilonia para que me dieran a conocer la interpretación del sueño(H). 7 Entonces vinieron los magos[f], los encantadores, los caldeos[g] y los adivinos y les[h] conté el sueño; pero no pudieron darme su interpretación(I). 8 Pero al fin vino ante mí Daniel, cuyo nombre es Beltsasar(J), como el nombre de mi dios, en quien está el espíritu de los dioses santos[i](K), y yo le[j] conté el sueño, diciendo: 9 «Oh Beltsasar, jefe de los magos, ya que sé que en ti está el espíritu de los dioses santos(L) y que ningún misterio(M) te confunde, declárame las visiones del sueño que he visto, y su interpretación(N). 10 Y las visiones de mi mente[k], que vi estando en mi cama(O), fueron así:

Vi un árbol en medio de la tierra,
cuya altura era muy grande(P).
11 El árbol creció y se hizo fuerte,
su copa[l] llegaba hasta el cielo(Q),
y era visible desde los confines de la tierra.
12 Su follaje era hermoso(R) y su fruto abundante,
y en él había alimento para todos.
Debajo de él hallaban sombra(S) las bestias del campo,
las aves del cielo hacían morada en sus ramas(T),
y de él se alimentaban todos los seres vivientes[m].

13 »En las visiones de mi mente[n] que vi estando en mi cama(U), he aquí, un vigilante, un santo(V), descendió del cielo(W). 14 Clamando fuertemente, dijo así:

“Derribad el árbol, cortad sus ramas(X),
arrancad su follaje, desparramad su fruto;
huyan las bestias que están debajo de él(Y),
y las aves de sus ramas.
15 Pero dejad en tierra el tocón[o] con[p] sus raíces(Z),
con ataduras de hierro y bronce
entre la hierba del campo;
que se empape con el rocío del cielo,
y comparta[q] con las bestias la[r] hierba de la tierra.
16 Sea cambiado su corazón de hombre,
y séale dado corazón de bestia,
y pasen sobre él siete tiempos[s](AA).
17 Esta sentencia es por decreto de los vigilantes,
y la orden es por decisión de los santos,
con el fin de que sepan los vivientes
que el Altísimo domina sobre el reino de los hombres,
y se lo da a quien le place(AB),
y pone sobre él al más humilde de los hombres(AC)”.

18 Este es el sueño que yo, el rey Nabucodonosor, he tenido[t]. Y tú, Beltsasar, dime su interpretación, ya que ninguno de los sabios de mi reino ha podido darme a conocer su interpretación(AD); pero tú puedes, porque el espíritu de los dioses santos está en ti(AE)».

19 Entonces Daniel, a quien llamaban Beltsasar, se quedó atónito por un momento, y le turbaron sus pensamientos(AF). El rey habló, y dijo: «Beltsasar, no dejes que el sueño ni su interpretación te turben(AG)». Beltsasar respondió, y dijo: «Señor mío(AH); sea el sueño para los que te odian, y su interpretación para tus adversarios(AI). 20 El árbol que viste, que se hizo fuerte y corpulento, cuya copa[u] llegaba hasta el cielo y que era visible en toda la tierra(AJ), 21 y cuyo follaje era hermoso y su fruto abundante, y en el que había alimento para todos, debajo del cual moraban las bestias del campo y en cuyas ramas anidaban las aves del cielo, 22 eres tú, oh rey, que te has hecho grande y fuerte, y tu grandeza ha crecido y ha llegado hasta el cielo, y tu dominio(AK) hasta los confines de la tierra(AL). 23 Y en cuanto al vigilante, al santo que el rey vio, que descendía del cielo y decía: “Derribad el árbol y destruidlo, pero dejad el tocón con[v] sus raíces en la tierra, con ataduras de hierro y bronce en la hierba del campo, y que se empape con el rocío del cielo, y que comparta[w] con las bestias del campo(AM), hasta que pasen sobre él siete tiempos[x](AN)”, 24 esta es la interpretación, oh rey, y este es el decreto del Altísimo que ha venido sobre mi señor el rey(AO): 25 Serás echado de entre los hombres, y tu morada estará con las bestias del campo, y te darán hierba para comer como al ganado, y serás empapado con el rocío del cielo; y siete tiempos[y] pasarán sobre ti, hasta que reconozcas que el Altísimo domina sobre el reino de los hombres y que lo da a quien le place(AP). 26 Y en cuanto a la orden de dejar el tocón con[z] las raíces del árbol(AQ), tu reino te será afirmado[aa] después que reconozcas que es el Cielo el que gobierna(AR). 27 Por tanto, oh rey, que mi consejo te sea grato(AS): pon fin a[ab] tus pecados haciendo justicia, y a tus iniquidades(AT) mostrando misericordia a los pobres(AU); quizás sea prolongada tu prosperidad(AV)».

28 Todo esto le sucedió(AW) al rey Nabucodonosor. 29 Doce meses después(AX), paseándose por la azotea del palacio real de Babilonia, 30 el rey reflexionó[ac], y dijo: «¿No es esta la gran Babilonia que yo he edificado como residencia[ad] real con la fuerza de mi poder y para gloria de mi majestad(AY)?». 31 Aún estaba la palabra en la boca del rey, cuando una voz vino[ae] del cielo: «Rey Nabucodonosor, a ti se te declara: El reino te ha sido quitado, 32 y serás echado de entre los hombres, y tu morada estará con las bestias del campo; te darán hierba para comer como al ganado, y siete tiempos[af] pasarán sobre ti, hasta que reconozcas que el Altísimo domina sobre el reino de los hombres, y que lo da a quien le place(AZ)». 33 En aquel mismo instante se cumplió la palabra acerca de Nabucodonosor: fue echado de entre los hombres, comía hierba como el ganado y su cuerpo se empapó con el rocío del cielo(BA) hasta que sus cabellos crecieron como las plumas de las águilas y sus uñas como las de las aves.

34 Pero al fin de los días, yo, Nabucodonosor, alcé mis ojos al cielo, y recobré mi razón[ag], y bendije al Altísimo y alabé y glorifiqué al que vive para siempre;

porque su dominio es un dominio eterno(BB),
y su reino permanece de generación en generación(BC).
35 Y todos los habitantes de la tierra son considerados como nada(BD),
mas Él actúa conforme a su voluntad en el ejército del cielo
y entre los habitantes de la tierra(BE);
nadie puede detener[ah] su mano(BF),
ni decirle: «¿Qué has hecho(BG)?».

36 En ese momento recobré mi razón[ai]. Y mi majestad y mi esplendor me fueron devueltos(BH) para gloria(BI) de mi reino, y mis consejeros[aj] y mis nobles vinieron a buscarme; y fui restablecido en mi reino[ak], y mayor grandeza me fue añadida(BJ). 37 Ahora yo, Nabucodonosor, alabo, ensalzo y glorifico al Rey del cielo(BK), porque sus obras son todas verdaderas[al] y justos[am] sus caminos(BL); Él puede humillar(BM) a los que caminan con soberbia.

Footnotes

  1. Daniel 4:1 Los vers. 1-3 aparecen en el texto arameo como 3:31-33
  2. Daniel 4:1 O, vuestro bienestar
  3. Daniel 4:4 En arameo, cap. 4:1
  4. Daniel 4:5 Lit., Vi
  5. Daniel 4:5 Lit., cabeza
  6. Daniel 4:7 O, sacerdotes adivinos, y así en el vers. 9
  7. Daniel 4:7 O, astrólogos
  8. Daniel 4:7 Lit., ante ellos
  9. Daniel 4:8 O posiblemente, el espíritu del Dios santo, y así en el resto del cap.
  10. Daniel 4:8 Lit., ante él
  11. Daniel 4:10 Lit., cabeza
  12. Daniel 4:11 O, altura
  13. Daniel 4:12 Lit., toda carne
  14. Daniel 4:13 Lit., cabeza
  15. Daniel 4:15 O, cepa, y así en los vers. 23 y 26
  16. Daniel 4:15 Lit., de
  17. Daniel 4:15 Lit., sea su porción
  18. Daniel 4:15 O, en la
  19. Daniel 4:16 I.e., años
  20. Daniel 4:18 Lit., he visto
  21. Daniel 4:20 O, altura
  22. Daniel 4:23 Lit., de
  23. Daniel 4:23 Lit., sea su porción
  24. Daniel 4:23 I.e., años
  25. Daniel 4:25 I.e., años
  26. Daniel 4:26 Lit., de
  27. Daniel 4:26 Lit., duradero
  28. Daniel 4:27 O, redime ahora
  29. Daniel 4:30 Lit., respondió
  30. Daniel 4:30 Lit., casa
  31. Daniel 4:31 Lit., respondió
  32. Daniel 4:32 I.e., años
  33. Daniel 4:34 Lit., conocimiento
  34. Daniel 4:35 Lit., golpear
  35. Daniel 4:36 Lit., conocimiento
  36. Daniel 4:36 O, altos oficiales
  37. Daniel 4:36 O, soberanía
  38. Daniel 4:37 Lit., verdad
  39. Daniel 4:37 Lit., justicia
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Daniel 4
Expanded Bible

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree

4 King Nebuchadnezzar to the people, nations, and ·those who speak every language [L tongues that live] in all the world [C a typical letter opening]:

·I wish you peace and great wealth [L May your peace/prosperity increase]!

2 The Most High God has done ·miracles [signs] and wonderful things for me that I am happy to tell you about.

3 His wonderful acts are great,
    and his ·miracles [signs] are mighty.
His kingdom ·goes on forever [L is an eternal kingdom],
    and his ·rule [sovereignty] continues from ·now on [L generation to generation].

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was ·happy [at ease] in my house and ·successful [living luxuriously] at my palace, 5 but I ·had [L saw] a dream that ·made me afraid [disturbed me]. As I was lying on my bed, I saw ·pictures [fantasies] and visions in my ·mind [head] that ·alarmed [scared; terrified] me. 6 So I ·ordered [L set a decree for] all the wise men of Babylon to ·come [be presented] to me and tell me ·what my dream meant [its interpretation]. 7 The ·fortune-tellers [diviners], ·magicians [enchanters], ·wise men [L Chaldeans; 2:2], and exorcists came, and I told them about the dream. But they could not tell me ·what it meant [its interpretation].

8 Finally, Daniel came to me. (I called him Belteshazzar ·to honor [L after the name of] my god [1:7], because ·the spirit of the holy gods [or a holy, divine spirit] is in him.) I told my dream to him. 9 I said, “Belteshazzar, you are the ·most important of all [L chief of] the ·fortune-tellers [diviners]. I know that ·the spirit of the holy gods [or a holy, divine spirit] is in you, so there is no ·secret [mystery] that is too ·hard for you to understand [difficult for you]. ·This was what I dreamed [L The dream I saw]; tell me ·what it means [its interpretation]. 10 These are the visions [L of my head] I saw while I was lying in my bed: I looked, and there in front of me was a tree standing in the ·middle [center] of the earth. And it was very tall. 11 The tree grew large and strong. The top ·touched [reached] the ·sky [heavens] and could be seen ·from anywhere on [L to the ends of the] earth. 12 The leaves of the tree were beautiful. It had plenty of good fruit on it, enough food for everyone. The ·wild animals [L animals of the field] found shelter under the tree, and the birds of the ·sky [heavens] lived in its branches. Every animal ate from it.

13 “As I was looking ·at those things in the vision while lying [L at the visions of my head] on my bed, I saw an ·observer, a holy angel [L holy watcher] coming down from heaven. 14 He spoke very loudly and said, ‘Cut down the tree and cut off its branches. Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals under the tree ·run away [flee], and ·let the birds in its branches fly away [L the birds from its branches]. 15 But leave the stump and its roots in the ground with a band of iron and bronze around it; let it stay in the field with the grass around it.

“‘Let the man become wet with dew of ·the sky [heaven], and let him live among the animals [L of the field] and ·plants [grass] of the earth. 16 Let ·him not think like a human any longer [L his heart/mind be changed from human; C he will be deranged], but let him have the ·mind [heart] of an animal for seven ·years [L periods; times].

17 “‘The ·observers [watchers; v. 13] gave this ·command [decree]; the holy ones declared the ·sentence [decision]. This is so all people may know that the Most High God ·rules [is sovereign] over every kingdom ·on earth [L of humans]. God gives those kingdoms to anyone he wants, and he chooses people to rule them who are ·not proud [L low].’

18 “That is what I, King Nebuchadnezzar, dreamed. Now Belteshazzar [C another name for Daniel; 1:7], tell me ·what the dream means [its interpretation]. None of the wise men in my kingdom can explain ·it to me [its interpretation], but you can, because ·the spirit of the holy gods [or a holy, divine spirit] is in you.”

Daniel Explains the Dream

19 Then Daniel, ·who was called [L whose name is] Belteshazzar [1:7], was very quiet for a while, because his understanding of the dream ·frightened [scared; terrified] him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its ·meaning [interpretation] ·make you afraid [terrify you].”

Then Belteshazzar answered, “My master, I wish the dream were about your enemies, and I wish its ·meaning [interpretation] were for those who are against you! 20 You saw a tree in your dream that grew large and strong. Its top ·touched [reached] the ·sky [heavens], and it could be seen from all over the earth. 21 Its leaves were beautiful, and it had plenty of fruit for everyone to eat. It was a home for the ·wild animals [L animals of the field], and its branches were nesting places for the birds of the ·sky [heavens]. 22 O king, you are that tree! You have become great and powerful, like the tall tree that ·touched [reached] the ·sky [heavens]. Your ·power [sovereignty] reaches to the ·far parts [ends] of the earth.

23 “O king, you saw an ·observer, a holy angel [L holy watcher], coming down from heaven who said, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and its roots in the ground with a band of iron and bronze around it; leave it in the field with the grass. Let him become wet with dew and live like a ·wild animal [L animal of the field] for seven ·years [L periods; times].’

24 “This is the ·meaning of the dream [interpretation], O king. The Most High God has ·commanded [decreed] these things to happen to my master the king: 25 You will be ·forced [driven] away from people to live among the ·wild animals [L animals of the field]. People will feed you grass like an ox, and dew from the ·sky [heavens] will make you wet. Seven ·years [L periods; times] will pass, and then you will learn this lesson: The Most High God is ·ruler [sovereign] over every kingdom on earth, and he gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses.

26 “Since the stump of the tree and its roots were left in the ground, your kingdom will be given back to you when you learn that ·one in heaven rules your kingdom [L heaven is sovereign]. 27 So, O king, please accept my advice. ·Stop sinning [Atone for/L Break off your sins] and ·do what is right [be righteous]. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the ·poor [oppressed]. Then you might continue to be ·successful [prosperous].”

The King’s Dream Comes True

28 All these things happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later as he was walking on the roof [C the flat roofs of ancient Near Eastern houses were used as living space] of his palace in Babylon, 30 he said, “·I have built this great Babylon as [L Is this not Babylon the great which I built as…?] my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.”

31 The words were still in his mouth when a voice from heaven said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, ·these things will happen to you [L to you it is declared]: ·Your royal power [L The kingdom] has been taken away from you. 32 You will be ·forced [driven] away from people. You will live with the ·wild animals [L animals of the field] and will be fed grass like an ox. Seven ·years [L periods; times] will pass before you learn this lesson: The Most High God ·rules [is sovereign] over every kingdom on earth and gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses [v. 25].”

33 Immediately the ·words [sentence] came true. Nebuchadnezzar was ·forced to go [driven] away from people, and he began eating grass like an ox. He became wet from dew. His hair grew long like the feathers of an eagle, and his nails grew like the claws of a bird.

34 “At the end of ·that time [L the days], I, Nebuchadnezzar, ·looked up [L lifted my eyes] toward heaven [C acknowledging God’s supremacy], and ·I could think normally again [L my reason was restored to me]! Then I ·gave praise to [blessed] the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever.

“God’s ·rule is forever [L sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty],
    and his kingdom continues for ·all time [L all generations].
35 People on earth
    are ·not truly important [counted as nothing].
God does what he ·wants [wills]
    with the ·powers [hosts; armies] of heaven [C angelic powers]
    and the people on earth.
No one can stop his powerful hand
    or ·question what he does [L say, ‘What are you doing?’].

36 “At that time ·I could think normally again [L my reason returned to me], and God gave back my great honor and power and returned the glory to my kingdom. ·The people who advised me [My counselors] and the royal family came to me for help again. I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and ·honor [extol] and glorify the King of heaven. ·Everything he does [All his works] is ·right [truth] and ·fair [L his ways are just], and he is able to ·make proud people humble [L bring low those who walk in pride].”

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Daniel 4
New International Version

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree

4 [a]King Nebuchadnezzar,

To the nations and peoples of every language,(A) who live in all the earth:

May you prosper greatly!(B)

2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs(C) and wonders that the Most High God(D) has performed for me.

3 How great are his signs,
    how mighty his wonders!(E)
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
    his dominion endures(F) from generation to generation.

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented(G) and prosperous. 5 I had a dream(H) that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed,(I) the images and visions that passed through my mind(J) terrified me.(K) 6 So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret(L) the dream for me. 7 When the magicians,(M) enchanters, astrologers[b] and diviners(N) came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.(O) 8 Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar,(P) after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods(Q) is in him.)

9 I said, “Belteshazzar, chief(R) of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods(S) is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me. 10 These are the visions I saw while lying in bed:(T) I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.(U) 11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.(V) 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches;(W) from it every creature was fed.

13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed,(X) I looked, and there before me was a holy one,(Y) a messenger,[c] coming down from heaven. 14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree(Z) and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.(AA) 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.

“‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times[d] pass by for him.(AB)

17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High(AC) is sovereign(AD) over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest(AE) of people.’

18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me.(AF) But you can,(AG) because the spirit of the holy gods(AH) is in you.”(AI)

Daniel Interprets the Dream

19 Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified(AJ) him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.”(AK)

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries! 20 The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, 21 with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds(AL)— 22 Your Majesty, you are that tree!(AM) You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.(AN)

23 “Your Majesty saw a holy one,(AO) a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’(AP)

24 “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree(AQ) the Most High has issued against my lord the king: 25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched(AR) with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High(AS) is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.(AT) 26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots(AU) means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.(AV) 27 Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.(AW) It may be that then your prosperity(AX) will continue.(AY)”

The Dream Is Fulfilled

28 All this happened(AZ) to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory(BA) of my majesty?”(BB)

31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.(BC) 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”(BD)

33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched(BE) with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.(BF)

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity(BG) was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.(BH)

His dominion is an eternal dominion;
    his kingdom(BI) endures from generation to generation.(BJ)
35 All the peoples of the earth
    are regarded as nothing.(BK)
He does as he pleases(BL)
    with the powers of heaven
    and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back(BM) his hand(BN)
    or say to him: “What have you done?”(BO)

36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom.(BP) My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt(BQ) and glorify(BR) the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just.(BS) And those who walk in pride(BT) he is able to humble.(BU)

Footnotes

  1. Daniel 4:1 In Aramaic texts 4:1-3 is numbered 3:31-33, and 4:4-37 is numbered 4:1-34.
  2. Daniel 4:7 Or Chaldeans
  3. Daniel 4:13 Or watchman; also in verses 17 and 23
  4. Daniel 4:16 Or years; also in verses 23, 25 and 32
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Daniel 4
The Message

A Dream of a Chopped-Down Tree

4 1-2 King Nebuchadnezzar to everyone, everywhere—every race, color, and creed: “Peace and prosperity to all! It is my privilege to report to you the gracious miracles that the High God has done for me.

3 “His miracles are staggering,
    his wonders are surprising.
His kingdom lasts and lasts,
    his sovereign rule goes on forever.

4-7 “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home taking it easy in my palace, without a care in the world. But as I was stretched out on my bed I had a dream that scared me—a nightmare that shook me. I sent for all the wise men of Babylon so that they could interpret the dream for me. When they were all assembled—magicians, enchanters, fortunetellers, witches—I told them the dream. None could tell me what it meant.

8 “And then Daniel came in. His Babylonian name is Belteshazzar, named after my god, a man full of the divine Holy Spirit. I told him my dream.

9 “‘Belteshazzar,’ I said, ‘chief of the magicians, I know that you are a man full of the divine Holy Spirit and that there is no mystery that you can’t solve. Listen to this dream that I had and interpret it for me.

10-12 “‘This is what I saw as I was stretched out on my bed. I saw a big towering tree at the center of the world. As I watched, the tree grew huge and strong. Its top reached the sky and it could be seen from the four corners of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant—enough food for everyone! Wild animals found shelter under it, birds nested in its branches, everything living was fed and sheltered by it.

13-15 “‘And this also is what I saw as I was stretched out on my bed. I saw a holy watchman descend from heaven, and call out:

    Chop down the tree, lop off its branches,
        strip its leaves and scatter its fruit.
    Chase the animals from beneath it
        and shoo the birds from its branches.
    But leave the stump and roots in the ground,
        belted with a strap of iron and bronze in the grassy meadow.

15-16     Let him be soaked in heaven’s dew
        and take his meals with the animals that graze.
    Let him lose his mind
        and get an animal’s mind in exchange,
    And let this go on
        for seven seasons.

17     The angels announce this decree,
        the holy watchmen bring this sentence,
    So that everyone living will know
        that 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.’”

“You Will Graze on Grass Like an Ox”

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.

20-22 “The tree you saw that grew so large and sturdy with its top touching the sky, visible from the four corners of the world; the tree with the luxuriant foliage and abundant fruit, enough for everyone; the tree under which animals took cover and in which birds built nests—you, O king, are that tree.

“You have grown great and strong. Your royal majesty reaches sky-high, and your sovereign rule stretches to the four corners of the world.

23-25 “But the part about the holy angel descending from heaven and proclaiming, ‘Chop down the tree, destroy it, but leave stump and roots in the ground belted with a strap of iron and bronze in the grassy meadow; let him be soaked with heaven’s dew and take his meals with the grazing animals for seven seasons’—this, O king, also refers to you. It means that the High God has sentenced my master the king: You will be driven away from human company and live with the wild animals. You will graze on grass like an ox. You will be soaked in heaven’s dew. This will go on for seven seasons, and you will learn that the High God rules over human kingdoms and that he arranges all kingdom affairs.

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.”

The Loss and Regaining of a Mind and a Kingdom

28-30 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Just twelve months later, he was walking on the balcony of the royal palace in Babylon and boasted, “Look at this, Babylon the great! And I built it all by myself, a royal palace adequate to display my honor and glory!”

31-32 The words were no sooner out of his mouth than a voice out of heaven spoke, “This is the verdict on you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your kingdom is taken from you. You will be driven out of human company and live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like an ox. The sentence is for seven seasons, enough time to learn that the High God rules human kingdoms and puts whomever he wishes in charge.”

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.

* * *

34-35 “At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever:

“His sovereign rule lasts and lasts,
    his kingdom never declines and falls.
Life on this earth doesn’t add up to much,
    but God’s heavenly army keeps everything going.
No one can interrupt his work,
    no one can call his rule into question.

36-37 “At the same time that I was given back my mind, I was also given back my majesty and splendor, making my kingdom shine. All the leaders and important people came looking for me. I was reestablished as king in my kingdom and became greater than ever. And that’s why I’m singing—I, Nebuchadnezzar—singing and praising the King of Heaven:

“Everything he does is right,
    and he does it the right way.
He knows how to turn a proud person
    into a humble man or woman.”

Next
Daniel 3
Daniel 5
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