⁴⁸ Then the king placed Daniel in a high^(A) position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.^{(B) 49} Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon,^(C) while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.^(D)

²⁸ Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel^(A) and rescued^(B) his servants! They trusted^(C) in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.^{(D) 29} Therefore I decree^(E) that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble,^(F) for no other god can save^(G) in this way.”

³⁰ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.^(H)

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree

¹¹ There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods^(A) in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom^(B) like that of the gods.^(C) Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners.^{(D) 12} He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar,^(E) was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles^(F) and solve difficult problems.^(G) Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.^(H)”

²⁹ Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck,^(A) and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.^(B)