但以理书 4
Chinese New Version (Simplified)
王的宣告
4 尼布甲尼撒王向住在全地的各国、各族和说各种语言的人宣告说：“愿你们大享平安！ 2 我乐意把至高的 神向我所行的神迹奇事宣扬出来。
3 他的神迹多么伟大，
他的奇事多么有力；
他的国是永远的国，
他的统治直到万代！（本章第1~3节在《马索拉文本》为3:31~33）
4 “我尼布甲尼撒安逸地住在家中，在宫里享受荣华富贵。（本节在《马索拉文本》为4:1） 5 我作了一个梦，这梦使我惧怕；我在床上所见的梦幻和我脑海中出现的异象，都使我惊惶。 6 我就下令把巴比伦所有的智慧人，都带到我面前来，要他们把梦的意思向我说明。 7 于是术士、用法术的、迦勒底人和占星家都进来；我当面把那梦告诉了他们，可是他们却不能把梦的意思向我说明。
把梦告诉但以理
8 “最后，那照着我神的名，称为伯提沙撒的但以理，来到我面前，他里面有圣神的灵，我就把梦告诉他： 9 ‘术士的领袖伯提沙撒啊！因为我知道你里面有圣神的灵，没有甚么隐秘的事能难倒你；因此，你要把我梦中所见的异象和梦的意思告诉我。 10 我躺在床上时脑海中所见的异象是这样：
我看见大地中间，
有一棵树，十分高大。
11 那树渐长，而且坚强，
高达于天，
地极所有的人都看得到。
12 它的叶子美丽，果实繁多，
所有的生物都从它得到食物；
野地的走兽在它下面歇息，
空中的飞鸟栖宿在它的枝头上；
各种生物都从它得着供养。
13 “‘我躺在床上，在我脑海出现的异象中，我看见有一位守望者，就是圣者，从天上下来， 14 大声呼叫，这样说：
你们要砍下这树，削断枝子，
摇落叶子，打散果子，
把树下的走兽赶散，
把树枝上的飞鸟赶走。
15 然而，树根的余干却要留在地上，
用铁和铜的链子围住，
留在野地的青草中，
使他被天露滴湿；
使他像走兽一样在地上的草丛中得他的分。
16 使他的心改变，不再是人的心，
给他一个兽心，
使他经过七年的时期。
17 这是守望者宣告的裁决，
是圣者颁布的决定，
好使世人都知道：
至高者在世人的国中掌权，
他喜欢把国赐给谁，就赐给谁，
甚至立最卑微的人执掌国权。
18 “‘这就是我尼布甲尼撒王所作的梦。伯提沙撒啊！你要把这梦的意思告诉我，因为我国中所有的智慧人都不能把梦的意思向我说明；只有你能，因为你里面有圣神的灵。’”
但以理为王解梦
19 于是那称为伯提沙撒的但以理惊愕片时，他想到的事使他惊惶。王对他说：“伯提沙撒啊！别让这梦和梦的意思使你惊惶。”伯提沙撒回答说：“我主啊！愿这梦归给憎恨你的人，梦的意思归给你的敌人。 20 你所见的树渐长，而且坚强，高达于天，全地的人都看得到。 21 它的叶子美丽，果实繁多，所有的生物都从它得到食物；野地的走兽住在它下面，空中的飞鸟栖在它的枝头上。 22 王啊！你就是那树，越来越伟大坚强；你的威势渐长，高达于天；你的权柄直到地极。 23 王既然看见一位守望者，就是圣者，从天上下来，说：‘你们要砍下毁坏这树，树根的余干却要留在地上，用铁和铜的链子围住，留在野地的青草中，使他被天露滴湿；使他的分和野地的走兽一样，直到他经过那七年的时期。’ 24 王啊！梦的意思就是这样：这临到我主我王的事，是至高者的裁决。 25 你必被赶逐，离开人群，和野地的走兽同住；你必像牛一样吃草，被天露滴湿，要经过七年的时期；等到你承认至高者在世人的国中掌权，他喜欢把国赐给谁，就赐给谁。 26 守望者既然吩咐要留下树根的余干，所以，等到你承认上天的至高者是掌权的，你的国就必再归给你。 27 因此，王啊！请你接纳我的劝告，施行公义，断绝罪过，怜悯受欺压者，断绝罪孽，你的平安或者可以延长。”
梦境应验
28 这一切事都在尼布甲尼撒王身上实现了。 29 过了十二个月，王在巴比伦王宫的平顶上散步的时候， 30 他说：“这大巴比伦城不是我用大能大力建造作我的京都，为显我威严的荣耀吗？” 31 这话在王的口中还没有说完，就有声音从天上传下来，说：“尼布甲尼撒王啊！有话对你说：你的王权被褫夺了。 32 你必被赶逐，离开人群，和野地的走兽同住；你必像牛一样吃草，要经过七年的时期；等到你承认至高者在世人的国中掌权，他喜欢把国赐给谁，就赐给谁。” 33 这话立刻就应验在尼布甲尼撒身上；他被赶逐，离开人群，像牛一样吃草，身体被天露滴湿，直到他的头发长得像鹰毛，指甲像鸟爪。
34 “七年的日子满了，我尼布甲尼撒举目望天，我的理智恢复过来，我就称颂至高者，赞美尊崇活到永远的 神。
他的统治永无穷尽，
他的国度直到万代。
35 地上所有的居民，在他来说都是虚无；
在天上的万军中，他凭自己的意旨行事；
在地上的居民中，也是这样；
没有人能拦住他的手，
或问他说：‘你作甚么？’
36 “那时，我的理智恢复过来后，为着我国的光荣，我的威严和光辉也都恢复过来了。我的谋臣和官员仍来求见我，我的王权重新坚立，我的权势越发增加。 37 现在我尼布甲尼撒赞美、尊崇、荣耀天上的王，因为他所作的一切都正确，他所行的也都公平；行为骄傲的，他都能贬低。”
Daniel 4
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 4[a]
1 [b]I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in contentment at home and enjoying the luxury of my palaces. 2 However, as I lay in my bed, I had a dream that frightened me, and the visions that I experienced in my mind were a source of torment.
3 Therefore, I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon were to be brought before me and offer me their interpretation of the dream. 4 When the magicians, the soothsayers, the Chaldeans, and the diviners arrived, I related to them the content of the dream, but they were unable to explain its meaning.
5 Finally Daniel, whom I had renamed Belteshazzar, after the name of my god and in whom resides the Spirit of the holy God, came into my presence, and I related to him my dream. 6 “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the Spirit of the holy God resides in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you to resolve. Listen to the dream that I experienced, and tell me its interpretation.
7 “These were the visions that came to me as I lay in my bed:
“I beheld a tree at the center of the earth,
and its height was great.
8 The tree became ever taller and stronger
until its top reached the heavens,
and it was visible to the ends of the earth.
9 Its foliage was beautiful,
and its fruit was abundant,
providing fruit for all.
The wild beasts found shade under it,
the birds of the air rested in its branches,
and from it all living creatures were nourished.
10 “In the vision I saw as I lay in my bed, I next beheld a holy sentinel coming down from heaven. 11 He shouted loudly:
“ ‘Hew down the tree and lop off its branches;
strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit.
12 However, leave the stump and its roots in the ground,
bound with iron and bronze
in the grass of the field.
Let him be bathed by the dew of heaven,
and let his lot be to eat, among wild beasts,
the grass of the earth.
13 Let his mind be changed from that of a human,
and let the mind of a beast be given to him,
until seven years pass over him.
14 ‘Such is the sentence decreed by the sentinel,
the verdict announced by the holy ones,
so that all who live may learn
that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mortals.
He confers it on whomever he wishes
and appoints over it the lowliest of men.’
15 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now I am depending upon you, Belteshazzar, to interpret its meaning, although none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret its meaning, you can do so because the Spirit of the holy God resides in you.”
16 Daniel Interprets the Dream.[c] Then Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar, was greatly upset and confused. The king said, “Belteshazzar, do not allow the dream and its meaning to terrify you.” Belteshazzar replied, “My lord, may the dream be meant for those who hurt you, and its interpretation for your enemies. 17 The tree that you saw, which grew great and strong, with its top reaching the sky so that it could be seen throughout the entire earth, 18 a tree with beautiful foliage and abundant fruit, providing food for all and affording shade for the wild beasts, with the birds of heaven dwelling in its branches— 19 that tree is you, O king. You have grown great and strong. Your power has increased and now reaches the sky; your sovereignty extends to the ends of the earth.
20 “In regard to the king’s vision of a holy sentinel descending from heaven and saying: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump and its roots in the ground, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field; let him be bathed by the dew of heaven, and let his lot be with the wild beasts until seven years pass over him,’ 21 this is the interpretation, O king. It is a decree that the Most High has issued upon my lord the king:
22 “You will be banished from human society,
and you will dwell among the wild animals.
You will be forced to eat grass like oxen,
and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven.
Seven years will pass over you
until you have learned
that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever he wishes.
23 “As for the command to leave untouched the stump and the roots of the tree, this means that your kingdom will once again be subject to your rule once you come to acknowledge the sovereignty of Heaven.[d] 24 May the king be willing to take my advice. Atone for your sins with deeds of righteousness, and for your iniquities with mercy to the oppressed. If you do so, you will enjoy a long and peaceful life.”[e]
25 The Dream Is Fulfilled. All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 26 At the end of twelve months, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace, 27 the king said, “How magnificent Babylon is! Was it not built as a royal residence by my mighty strength and for my majestic glory?”[f]
28 These words were not completely out of his mouth when a voice came from heaven:
“To you, King Nebuchadnezzar, it is decreed:
your kingdom has been taken from you.
29 You shall be banished from human society
as you are forced to dwell with wild beasts
and feed on grass as the oxen do.
Seven years shall pass over you
until you have learned
that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men
and gives it to whomever he wishes.”
30 This sentence was immediately fulfilled. Nebuchadnezzar was cast out from human society, and he ate grass as oxen do. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails became like a bird’s talons.
31 When the period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes to heaven and my power of reasoning was restored to me.
I blessed the Most High,
and I praised and glorified him
who lives forever.
32 All who dwell on earth count for nothing;
he does as he pleases with the powers of heaven[g]
and the inhabitants on earth.
No one can stay his hand
or say to him, “What are you doing?”
33 At that very moment my power of reason returned to me, and my glory and splendor were restored to me. My counselors and my lords sought my counsel. I was reestablished in my kingdom, and my power was greatly increased.
34 Therefore, now I, Nebuchadnezzar,
praise and exalt and glorify
the King of heaven.
For all of his works are right,
and all of his ways are just.
Also, he is able to humble
all those who follow the path of pride.
Footnotes
- Daniel 4:1 There do exist, in fact, some documents about a king who withdrew for some years to an oasis and who consulted a Jewish seer. This would be Nabonidus, who reigned a half-century after Nebuchadnezzar (556–539 B.C.). Everyone knows of the immense pride of Nebuchadnezzar, who turned his city into one of the wonders of the world. In our story, the author has drawn on recollections and information that were not accurate, while reserving the right to attribute everything to the person with whom he is concerned, Nebuchadnezzar.
- Daniel 4:1 The king is tormented by the way in which a tree, the symbol par excellence of life and immortality (see Gen 3:9), is treated in his dream. In the Bible, a tree serves also to describe the destiny of a person, of a sovereign (Pss 1:3; 37:35; Ezek 31). By reserving to Daniel the responsibility for interpreting the king’s nightmare, the author shows the superiority of Jewish wisdom in explaining the difficult mysteries of human existence.
- Daniel 4:16 This is a kind of prophecy that announces the lot reserved for Nebuchadnezzar: this most prestigious and most acclaimed of kings will undergo a trial before being converted unless he changes his present ways.
- Daniel 4:23 God is called Heaven in order not to profane God’s name by uttering it; to him alone, dominion belongs.
- Daniel 4:24 A classic locus for the doctrine of the efficacy of good works.
- Daniel 4:27 The words of the king are similar to those found in royal inscriptions of the Mesopotamian kings.
- Daniel 4:32 The powers of heaven are the heavenly creatures.
Daniel 4
New American Standard Bible
The King Acknowledges God
4 [a]Nebuchadnezzar the king to all the peoples, nations, and populations of all [b]languages who live in all the earth: “May your [c](A)peace be great! 2 I am pleased to declare the signs and miracles that the (B)Most High God has done for me.
3 How great are His (C)signs
And how mighty are His miracles!
His (D)kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And His dominion is from generation to generation.
The Vision of a Great Tree
4 “[d]I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and (E)happy in my palace. 5 I saw a (F)dream and it startled me; and these appearances as I lay on my bed and the (G)visions [e]in my mind kept alarming me. 6 So I gave orders to (H)bring into my presence all the wise men of Babylon, so that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then the (I)soothsayer priests, the sorcerers, the [f]Chaldeans, and the diviners came in and I related the dream [g]to them, but they could not make its (J)interpretation known to me. 8 But finally Daniel came in before me, whose name is (K)Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is [h](L)a spirit of the holy gods; and I related the dream [i]to him, saying, 9 ‘Belteshazzar, (M)chief of the soothsayer priests, since I know that (N)a spirit of the holy gods is in you and (O)no secret baffles you, (P)tell me the visions of my dream which I have seen, along with its interpretation.
10 ‘Now these were the (Q)visions [j]in my mind as I lay on my bed: I was looking, and behold, there was a (R)tree in the middle of the [k]earth and its height was great.
11 The tree grew large and became strong
And its height (S)reached to the sky,
And it was visible to the end of the whole earth.
12 Its foliage was (T)beautiful and its fruit abundant,
And in it was food for all.
The (U)animals of the field [l]found (V)shade under it,
And the (W)birds of the sky lived in its branches,
And all [m]living creatures fed from it.
13 ‘I was looking in the (X)visions [n]in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, (Y)an angelic watcher, a (Z)holy one, descended from heaven.
14 He shouted out and spoke as follows:
“(AA)Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,
Shake off its foliage and scatter its fruit;
Let the (AB)animals flee from under it
And the birds from its branches.
15 Yet (AC)leave the stump [o]with its roots in the ground,
But with a band of iron and bronze around it
In the new grass of the field;
And let him be drenched with the dew of heaven,
And let [p]him share with the animals in the grass of the earth.
16 Let his [q]mind change from that of a human
And let an animal’s [r]mind be given to him,
And let (AD)seven [s]periods of time pass over him.
17 This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers,
And the decision is a command of the holy ones,
In order that the living may (AE)know
That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind,
And (AF)He grants it to whomever He wishes
And sets over it the (AG)lowliest of people.”
18 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, since none of the (AH)wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, because a (AI)spirit of the holy gods is in you.’
Daniel Interprets the Vision
19 “Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his (AJ)thoughts alarmed him. The king responded and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not (AK)let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.’ Belteshazzar replied, ‘(AL)My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you, and its interpretation to (AM)your adversaries! 20 The (AN)tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth, 21 and whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the animals of the field lived and in whose branches the birds of the sky settled— 22 it is (AO)you, O king; for you have become great and grown strong, and your [t]majesty has become great and reached to the sky, and your (AP)dominion to the end of the earth. 23 And in that the king saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from heaven and saying, “(AQ)Chop down the tree and destroy it; yet leave the stump [u]with its roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new grass of the field, let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let [v]him share with the animals of the field until (AR)seven [w]periods of time pass over him,” 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has (AS)come upon my lord the king: 25 that you be (AT)driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the animals of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven [x]periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the (AU)Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and (AV)bestows it on whomever He wishes. 26 And in that it was commanded to (AW)leave the stump [y]with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will [z]remain as yours after you recognize that it is (AX)Heaven that rules. 27 Therefore, O king, may my (AY)advice be pleasing to you: (AZ)wipe away your sin by doing righteousness, and your wrongdoings by (BA)showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a (BB)prolonging of your prosperity.’
The Vision Fulfilled
28 “All of this (BC)happened to Nebuchadnezzar the king. 29 (BD)Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king began speaking and was saying, ‘Is this not Babylon the (BE)great, which I myself have built as a royal [aa]residence by the might of my power and for the honor of my majesty?’ 31 While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice [ab]came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: [ac]sovereignty has been removed from you, 32 and (BF)you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the animals of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and (BG)seven [ad]periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the (BH)Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’ 33 Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was (BI)driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.
34 “But at the end of [ae]that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my [af]reason returned to me, and I blessed the (BJ)Most High and praised and honored (BK)Him who lives forever;
For His dominion is an (BL)everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 (BM)All the inhabitants of the earth are of no account,
But (BN)He does according to His will among the army of heaven
And among the inhabitants of earth;
And (BO)no one can [ag]fend off His hand
Or say to Him, ‘(BP)What have You done?’
36 At that time my [ah](BQ)reason returned to me. And my majesty and (BR)splendor were [ai]restored to me for the honor of my kingdom, and my state counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my [aj]sovereignty, and surpassing (BS)greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of (BT)heaven, for (BU)all His works are [ak]true and His ways [al]just; and He is able to humble those who (BV)walk in pride.”
Footnotes
- Daniel 4:1 Ch 3:31 in Aram
- Daniel 4:1 Lit tongues
- Daniel 4:1 Or welfare; or prosperity
- Daniel 4:4 Ch 4:1 in Aram
- Daniel 4:5 Lit of my head
- Daniel 4:7 Probably master astrologers, diviners, etc.
- Daniel 4:7 Lit before
- Daniel 4:8 Or possibly the Spirit of the holy God, and so throughout the ch
- Daniel 4:8 Lit before
- Daniel 4:10 Lit of my head
- Daniel 4:10 Or land, and so throughout the ch
- Daniel 4:12 Or dwelt under it
- Daniel 4:12 Lit flesh
- Daniel 4:13 Lit of my head
- Daniel 4:15 Lit of
- Daniel 4:15 Lit his share be with
- Daniel 4:16 Lit heart
- Daniel 4:16 Lit heart
- Daniel 4:16 I.e., years
- Daniel 4:22 Lit greatness
- Daniel 4:23 Lit of
- Daniel 4:23 Lit his share be with
- Daniel 4:23 I.e., years
- Daniel 4:25 I.e., years
- Daniel 4:26 Lit of
- Daniel 4:26 Lit be enduring to you
- Daniel 4:30 Lit house
- Daniel 4:31 Lit fell
- Daniel 4:31 Or kingdom
- Daniel 4:32 I.e., years
- Daniel 4:34 Lit the days
- Daniel 4:34 Lit understanding
- Daniel 4:35 Lit strike against
- Daniel 4:36 Lit understanding
- Daniel 4:36 Lit returning
- Daniel 4:36 Or kingdom
- Daniel 4:37 Lit truth
- Daniel 4:37 Lit justice
Daniel 4
Nueva Traducción Viviente
El rey Nabucodonosor sueña con un árbol
4 [a]El rey Nabucodonosor envió el siguiente mensaje a la gente de todas las razas, naciones y lenguas del mundo:
«¡Paz y prosperidad a todos!
2 »Quiero que todos conozcan las señales milagrosas y las maravillas que el Dios Altísimo ha realizado en mi favor.
3 ¡Cuán grandiosas son sus señales
y cuán poderosas sus maravillas!
Su reino durará para siempre,
y su dominio por todas las generaciones.
4 [b]»Yo, Nabucodonosor, vivía en mi palacio con comodidad y prosperidad. 5 Una noche tuve un sueño que me asustó; mientras estaba en la cama vi visiones que me aterraron. 6 Así que emití una orden llamando a todos los sabios de Babilonia para que me explicaran el significado de mi sueño. 7 Cuando se presentaron los magos, los brujos, los astrólogos[c] y los adivinos, les conté el sueño, pero no pudieron explicarme el significado. 8 Finalmente Daniel se presentó ante mí y le conté el sueño. (Daniel lleva el nombre de mi dios, Beltsasar. El espíritu de los dioses santos vive en él).
9 »Le dije: “Beltsasar, jefe de los magos, sé que el espíritu de los dioses santos vive en ti y que ningún misterio es demasiado profundo para que lo resuelvas. Dime ahora el significado de mi sueño.
10 »”Mientras estaba acostado en mi cama, soñé esto: vi un enorme árbol en medio de la tierra. 11 El árbol creció muy alto y se hizo fuerte y se elevó hacia los cielos para que todo el mundo lo viera. 12 Sus hojas eran verdes y nuevas, y tenía abundancia de fruta para que todos comieran. Los animales salvajes vivían bajo su sombra y las aves anidaban en sus ramas. Todo el mundo se alimentaba de ese árbol.
13 »”Luego mientras soñaba, vi a un mensajero,[d] un santo que descendía del cielo. 14 El mensajero gritó:
‘¡Talen el árbol y córtenle las ramas!
¡Sacúdanle las hojas y desparramen su fruta!
Espanten los animales salvajes que están bajo su sombra
y las aves que están en sus ramas.
15 Pero dejen en la tierra el tocón con las raíces,
sujeto con una faja de hierro y bronce
y rodeado por la hierba tierna.
Que lo moje el rocío del cielo,
y que viva con los animales salvajes entre las plantas del campo.
16 Durante siete períodos de tiempo,
que tenga la mente de un animal salvaje,
en lugar de una mente humana.
17 Pues esto es lo que decretaron los mensajeros;[e]
es lo que ordenan los santos,
para que todos sepan
que el Altísimo gobierna los reinos del mundo
y los entrega a cualquiera que él elija,
incluso a las personas más humildes’.
18 »”Beltsasar, ese fue el sueño que tuve yo, el rey Nabucodonosor. Ahora dime qué significa, porque ninguno de los sabios de mi reino ha podido hacerlo. Sin embargo, tú puedes decírmelo porque el espíritu de los dioses santos vive en ti”.
Daniel explica el sueño
19 »Al oír el relato, Daniel (también llamado Beltsasar) se quedó agobiado por un rato, atemorizado por el significado del sueño. Entonces el rey le dijo: “Beltsasar, no te alarmes por el sueño y lo que significa”.
»Beltsasar respondió: “¡Mi señor, quisiera que los sucesos anticipados en este sueño ocurrieran a sus enemigos y no a usted! 20 El árbol que usted vio crecía alto y se hacía fuerte y se elevaba hacia los cielos para que todo el mundo lo viera. 21 Sus hojas eran verdes y nuevas, y tenía abundancia de fruta para que todos comieran. Los animales salvajes vivían bajo su sombra y las aves anidaban en sus ramas. 22 Ese árbol es usted, su majestad. Pues usted ha crecido y se ha hecho fuerte y poderoso; su esplendor llega hasta el cielo y su gobierno hasta los confines de la tierra.
23 »”Luego usted vio a un mensajero, un santo que descendía del cielo y decía: ‘Talen el árbol y destrúyanlo, pero dejen en la tierra el tocón con las raíces, sujeto con una faja de hierro y bronce, y rodeado por la hierba tierna. Que lo moje el rocío del cielo. Que viva con los animales del campo durante siete períodos de tiempo’.
24 »”Esto es lo que significa el sueño, su majestad, y lo que el Altísimo ha declarado que le sucederá a mi señor, el rey. 25 Usted será expulsado de la sociedad humana y vivirá en el campo con los animales salvajes. Comerá pasto como el ganado y el rocío del cielo lo mojará. Durante siete períodos de tiempo vivirá de esta manera hasta que reconozca que el Altísimo gobierna los reinos del mundo y los entrega a cualquiera que él elija. 26 Sin embargo, quedaron en la tierra el tocón y las raíces del árbol. Esto significa que usted recibirá nuevamente el reino cuando haya reconocido que es el cielo el que gobierna.
27 »”Rey Nabucodonosor, por favor, acepte mi consejo. Deje de pecar y haga lo correcto. Apártese de su perverso pasado y sea compasivo con los pobres. Quizá, entonces, pueda seguir prosperando”.
Cumplimiento del sueño
28 »Sin embargo, todas estas cosas le ocurrieron al rey Nabucodonosor. 29 Doce meses más tarde, el rey caminaba sobre la terraza del palacio real en Babilonia 30 y mientras contemplaba la ciudad, dijo: “¡Miren esta grandiosa ciudad de Babilonia! Edifiqué esta hermosa ciudad con mi gran poder para que fuera mi residencia real a fin de desplegar mi esplendor majestuoso”.
31 »Mientras estas palabras aún estaban en su boca, se oyó una voz desde el cielo que decía: “¡Rey Nabucodonosor, este mensaje es para ti! Ya no eres gobernante de este reino. 32 Serás expulsado de la sociedad humana. Vivirás en el campo con los animales salvajes y comerás pasto como el ganado. Durante siete períodos de tiempo vivirás de esta manera hasta que reconozcas que el Altísimo gobierna los reinos del mundo y los entrega a cualquiera que él elija”.
33 »En ese mismo momento se cumplió la sentencia y Nabucodonosor fue expulsado de la sociedad humana. Comió pasto como el ganado y lo mojó el rocío del cielo. Vivió de esa manera hasta que el pelo le creció tan largo como las plumas de las águilas y las uñas como las garras de un ave.
Nabucodonosor alaba a Dios
34 »Cuando se cumplió el tiempo, yo, Nabucodonosor, levanté los ojos al cielo. Recuperé la razón, alabé y adoré al Altísimo y di honra a aquel que vive para siempre.
Su dominio es perpetuo,
y eterno es su reino.
35 Todos los hombres de la tierra
no son nada comparados con él.
Él hace lo que quiere
entre los ángeles del cielo
y entre la gente de la tierra.
Nadie puede detenerlo ni decirle:
“¿Por qué haces estas cosas?”.
36 »Cuando recobré la razón, también recuperé mi honra, mi gloria y mi reino. Mis asesores y nobles me buscaron y fui restituido como cabeza de mi reino, con mayor honra que antes.
37 »Ahora, yo, Nabucodonosor, alabo, glorifico y doy honra al Rey del cielo. Todos sus actos son justos y verdaderos, y es capaz de humillar al soberbio».
Chinese New Version (CNV). Copyright © 1976, 1992, 1999, 2001, 2005 by Worldwide Bible Society.
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La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente, © Tyndale House Foundation, 2010. Todos los derechos reservados.
