15 But leave its stump and rootsin the ground,surrounded by grassand held by chainsof iron and bronze.‘Make sure that this rulerlives like the animalsout in the open fields,unprotected from the dew.
16 Give him the mindof a wild animalfor seven long years.
17 This punishment is givenat the commandof the holy angels.It will show to all who livethat God Most Highcontrols all kingdomsand chooses for their rulerspersons of humble birth.’
18 “Daniel, that was the dream that none of the wise men in my kingdom were able to understand. But I am sure that you will understand what it means, because the holy gods have given you some special powers.”
19 For a while, Daniel was terribly confused and worried by what he was thinking. But I said, “Don't be bothered either by the dream or by what it means.”Daniel replied:Your Majesty, I wish the dream had been against your enemies.
20 You saw a tree that grew so big and strong that it reached up to heaven and could be seen from anywhere on earth.
21 Its leaves were beautiful, and it produced enough fruit for all living creatures; animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches.