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.
18 Sir, the Most High God made your father a great and powerful man and brought him much honour and glory.
19 God did such great things for him that people of all nations and races shook with fear.Your father had the power of life or death over everyone, and he could honour or ruin anyone he chose.