11 In your kingdom there is a man who has been given special powers by the holy gods. When your father Nebuchadnezzar was king, this man was known to be as clever, intelligent, and wise as the gods themselves. Your father put him in charge of all who claimed they could talk with the spirits or understand the meanings in the stars or tell about the future.
12 He also changed the man's name from Daniel to Belteshazzar. Not only is he wise and intelligent, but he can explain dreams and riddles and solve difficult problems. Send for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.
13 When Daniel was brought in, the king said:So you are Daniel, one of the captives my father brought back from Judah!
14 I was told that the gods have given you special powers and that you are intelligent and very wise.
15 Neither my advisers nor the men who talk with the spirits of the dead could read this writing or tell me what it means.
16 But I have been told that you understand everything and that you can solve difficult problems. Now then, if you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will become the third most powerful man in my kingdom. You will wear royal purple robes and have a gold chain around your neck.
17 Daniel answered:Your Majesty, I will read the writing and tell you what it means. But you may keep your gifts or give them to someone else.