Next I noticed the man dressed in linen with the writing kit at his side bringing back word: “I have done just as you commanded me.”

As I watched, I saw on the platform above the top of the cherubim something like a sapphire, resembling the shape of a throne, appearing above them.

So see here, I have stretched out my hand against you and cut off your rations. I have delivered you into the power of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed by your obscene conduct.

Consider! It is planted, but will it prosper? Will it not wither completely when the east wind blows on it? Will it not wither in the soil where it sprouted?’”

“But suppose he in turn has a son who notices all the sins his father commits, considers them, and does not follow his father’s example.

As for his father, because he practices extortion, robs his brother, and does what is not good among his people, he will die for his iniquity.

On the same day they slaughtered their sons for their idols, they came to my sanctuary to desecrate it. This is what they have done in the middle of my house.

“They even sent for men from far away; when the messenger arrived, those men set out. For them you bathed, painted your eyes, and decorated yourself with jewelry.

So I prophesied as I was commanded. There was a sound when I prophesied – I heard a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

As I watched, I saw tendons on them, then muscles appeared, and skin covered over them from above, but there was no breath in them.

When he brought me there, I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring stick in his hand. He was standing in the gateway.

Then he brought me to the outer court. I saw chambers there, and a pavement made for the court all around; thirty chambers faced the pavement.

Then he led me toward the south. I saw a gate on the south. He measured its jambs and its porches; they had the same dimensions as the others.

For the chambers on the outer court were 87½ feet long, while those facing the temple were 175 feet long.

I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east; the sound was like that of rushing water; and the earth radiated his glory.

Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple. As I watched, I noticed the glory of the Lord filling the Lord’s temple, and I threw myself face down.

Then he brought me out to the outer court and led me past the four corners of the court, and I noticed that in every corner of the court there was a court.

While I, Daniel, was watching the vision, I sought to understand it. Now one who appeared to be a man was standing before me.

I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen; around his waist was a belt made of gold from Upaz.

He said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I am about to return to engage in battle with the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece is coming.