As it turned out, among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

He will attack mighty fortresses, aided by a foreign deity. To those who recognize him he will grant considerable honor. He will place them in authority over many people, and he will parcel out land for a price.

I heard, but I did not understand. So I said, “Sir, what will happen after these things?”

However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. (There is no one who strengthens me against these princes, except Michael your prince.

As for that statue, its head was of fine gold, its chest and arms were of silver, its belly and thighs were of bronze.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to King Nebuchadnezzar, “We do not need to give you a reply concerning this.

“After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it.

They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever!

And in that you saw iron mixed with wet clay, so people will be mixed with one another without adhering to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.

While I was watching in my mind’s visions on my bed, a holy sentinel came down from heaven.

He has carried out his threats against us and our rulers who were over us by bringing great calamity on us – what has happened to Jerusalem has never been equaled under all heaven!

Now all of this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.

What he will honor is a god of fortresses – a god his fathers did not acknowledge he will honor with gold, silver, valuable stones, and treasured commodities.

Let his mind be altered from that of a human being, and let an animal’s mind be given to him, and let seven periods of time go by for him.

After entering into an alliance with him, he will behave treacherously; he will ascend to power with only a small force.

Its legs were of iron; its feet were partly of iron and partly of clay.

Then King Belshazzar was very terrified, and he was visibly shaken. His nobles were completely dumbfounded.

Then a hand touched me and set me on my hands and knees.

To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed.

Now as for these four young men, God endowed them with knowledge and skill in all sorts of literature and wisdom – and Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.