He changes times and seasons, deposing some kings and establishing others. He gives wisdom to the wise; he imparts knowledge to those with understanding;

Then King Nebuchadnezzar bowed down with his face to the ground and paid homage to Daniel. He gave orders to offer sacrifice and incense to him.

And when his mind became arrogant and his spirit filled with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and his honor was removed from him.

Then the king departed to his palace. But he spent the night without eating, and no diversions were brought to him. He was unable to sleep.

But reports will trouble him from the east and north, and he will set out in a tremendous rage to destroy and wipe out many.

From the time that the daily sacrifice is removed and the abomination that causes desolation is set in place, there are 1,290 days.

The king issued an order to summon the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and wise men in order to explain his dreams to him. So they came and awaited the king’s instructions.

But Daniel replied to the king, “Keep your gifts, and give your rewards to someone else! However, I will read the writing for the king and make known its interpretation.

I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up and again carried out the king’s business. But I was astonished at the vision, and there was no one to explain it.

I prayed to the LORD my God, confessing in this way: “O Lord, great and awesome God who is faithful to his covenant with those who love him and keep his commandments,

He said to me, “Don’t be afraid, you who are valued. Peace be to you! Be strong! Be really strong!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. I said, “Sir, you may speak now, for you have given me strength.”

“But you, his son Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, although you knew all this.

But the court will convene, and his ruling authority will be removed – destroyed and abolished forever!

He spoke with me, instructing me as follows: “Daniel, I have now come to impart understanding to you.

At an appointed time he will again invade the south, but this latter visit will not turn out the way the former one did.

When they stumble, they will be granted some help. But many will unite with them deceitfully.

Then Daniel (whose name is also Belteshazzar) was upset for a brief time; his thoughts were alarming him. The king said, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream and its interpretation alarm you.” But Belteshazzar replied, “Sir, if only the dream were for your enemies and its interpretation applied to your adversaries!

The king replied, “I know for sure that you are attempting to gain time, because you see that my decision is firm.

So a decree went out, and the wise men were about to be executed. They also sought Daniel and his friends so that they could be executed.

The king then asked Daniel (whose name was also Belteshazzar), “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I saw, as well as its interpretation?”