1. During the second year that Nebuchadnezzar was king, he had such horrible nightmares that he could not sleep.
2. So he called in his counsellors, advisers, magicians, and wise men,
3. and said, “I am disturbed by a dream that I don't understand, and I want you to explain it.”
4. They answered in Aramaic, “Your Majesty, we hope you live for ever! We are your servants. Please tell us your dream, and we will explain what it means.”
5. But the king replied, “No! I have made up my mind. If you don't tell me both the dream and its meaning, you will be chopped to pieces and your houses will be torn down.
6. However, if you do tell me both the dream and its meaning, you will be greatly rewarded and highly honoured. Now tell me the dream and explain what it means.”
7. “Your Majesty,” they said, “if you will only tell us your dream, we will interpret it for you.”