As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge, aptitude for learning, and wisdom. Daniel also could understand all kinds of visions and dreams.

"During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor its sovereignty left in the hands of another people. It will shatter and crush all of these kingdoms, and it will stand forever.

Bound firmly with ropes, these three men Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell into the blazing fire furnace.

As these words were being spoken by the king, a voice came out of heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, this is declared to you:

These are the meanings of the words: MENE: God has audited your kingdom and has ended it.

along with three chief administrators from them, one of which was Daniel. The regional authorities reported to these three administrators, so that the king would experience no losses.

So these men said, "We'll never find any basis for complaint against Daniel unless we build it on the requirements of his God."

Then these administrators and regional authorities went as a group to the king and said this, "Your majesty, live forever!

So I approached one of those who was standing nearby and began to ask the meaning of all of this. He spoke to me and caused me to understand the interpretation of these things.

He said, "These four great animals are four kings who will rise to power from the earth.

I'll inform you about what has been recorded in the Book of Truth. No one stands firmly with me against these opponents, except Michael your prince.

He'll enter the Beautiful Land, and many will fall, even though these will escape his control: Edom, Moab, and certain Ammonite officials.

"I heard the man dressed in linen clothes, who was standing above the waters of the river as he lifted his right and left hands to heaven and swore by the one who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and a half. When the shattering of the power of the holy people has occurred, all these things will conclude."

"He answered, "Go on your way, Daniel, because these matters are wrapped up and sealed until the time of the end.