13. So Daniel was taken to the king. The king asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the captives that my grandfather brought from Judah?
14. I’ve heard that you have the spirit of the gods and that you have insight, good judgment, and extraordinary wisdom.
15. The wise advisers and the psychics were brought to me to read this writing and tell me its meaning. But they couldn’t tell me its meaning.
16. I have heard that you can interpret such things and untangle problems. If you can read the writing and tell ⌊me⌋ its meaning, you will be dressed in purple, wear a gold chain on your neck, and become the third-highest ruler in the kingdom.”
17. Daniel told the king, “Keep your gifts. Give your gifts and awards to someone else. I’ll still read the writing for you and tell you its meaning.
18. “Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your grandfather Nebuchadnezzar a kingdom, might, honor, and glory.
19. People from every province, nation, and language trembled and were terrified by him, because God gave him power. Nebuchadnezzar killed whomever he wanted to kill, and he kept alive whomever he wanted to keep alive. He promoted whomever he wanted to promote, and he demoted whomever he wanted to demote.