 達:1.(dn)   [達尼爾書]    [Daniel]    [共14章]   [思高聖經]
  
           前編　歷史敘述 (1-6)
 達:1.1      [耶路撒冷陷]  猶大王約雅金在位第三年，巴比倫王拿步高前來圍攻耶路撒冷，
 達:1.2      上主將猶大王約雅金和天主殿內的一部分器皿，交在拿步高手中，他便將這些器皿帶到史納爾地方，存放在他神殿的庫房內。
 達:1.3      [達尼爾與三同伴被選入宮]  君王吩咐他的宦官長阿市培納次，要他由以色列子民中，選一些王室或貴族的青年，
 達:1.4      他們應沒有缺陷，容貌俊美，足智多才，富有知識，明察事理，適合在王宮內充當侍從，應教給他們加色丁文字和語言。
 達:1.5      君王且給他們指定了，每天要吃君王所吃的食品和所飲的美酒，如此教養他們三年；期滿以後，他們便可侍立在君王左右。
 達:1.6      他們中為猶大後裔的，有達尼爾、阿納尼雅、米沙耳和阿匝黎雅。
 達:1.7      宦官長另給他們起了名字：給達尼爾起名叫貝特沙匝，阿納尼雅叫沙得辣客，米沙耳叫默沙客，阿匝黎雅叫阿貝得乃哥。
 達:1.8      [忠於教規]  但是阿尼爾心中早已拿定主意，決不讓自己為君王的食品和君王飲的美酒所玷污，所以他請求宦官長使自己免受玷污。
 達:1.9      天主賞達尼爾在宦官長眼中獲得寵遇和同情。
 達:1.10     宦官長對達尼爾說：「我害怕我的主上君王，他原給你們指定了飲食，若見你們的面容比你們同年的青年消瘦，這樣你們豈不是將我的頭斷送給君王! 」
 達:1.11     達尼爾對宦官長派來照管達尼爾、阿納尼雅、米沙耳和阿匝黎雅的人說：「
 達:1.12     請你一連十天試一試你的僕人們，只給我們蔬菜吃，清水喝；
 達:1.13     然後，你親自觀察我們的容貌，和那些吃君王食品的青年的容貌，就照你所觀察的，對待你的僕人們罷! 」
 達:1.14     他答應了他們的要求，試驗了他們十天。
 達:1.15     十天以後，他們的容貌比那些吃君王食品的青年顯得更為美麗，肌肉更為豐滿。
 達:1.16     負責照管的人，遂將他們的食品和應喝的美酒撤去，祇給他們蔬菜。
 達:1.17     [四青年獲得寵遇]  至於這四個青年，天主賜給了他們精通各種文字和學問的才智與聰明，而且達尼爾還通曉各種神視和夢兆。
 達:1.18     君王規定帶他們進宮的期限一滿，宦官長就領他們進見拿步高。
 達:1.19     君王和他們交談，發現其中沒有一個能及得上達尼爾、阿納尼雅、米沙耳和阿匝黎雅的，於是他們隨侍在君王前，
 達:1.20     君王無論詢問他們什麼智識和學問，發現他們都十倍於自己全國所有的巫師和術士。
 達:1.21     達尼爾就這樣一直到居魯士王元年。
  
 達:2.1      [拿步高做夢] 拿步高在位第十二年，拿步高一連做了幾個夢，遂心神不寧，不能入睡。
 達:2.2      於是君王下令召巫師、術士、方士和占星者前來給君王詳夢；他們前來了，站在君王前，
 達:2.3      君王對他們說：「我做了一個夢，心神不寧，急於要知道這夢的究竟。」
 達:2.4      占星者用【阿蘭美語】回答君王說：「大王萬歲! 請大王給你的僕人們說出夢來，我們好給大王解釋那夢的意義。」
 達:2.5      君王答覆占星者說：「我是言出必行的，如果你們不告訴我那夢和夢的意義，你們必被萬刮凌遲，你們的家必成為廢墟。
 達:2.6      但若你們告知我那夢和夢的意義，你們必獲得我的禮物、賞報和崇高的尊榮；為此你們告訴我那夢和夢的意義罷! 」
 達:2.7      他們又回答說：「請大王給你的僕人們說出夢來，好讓我們給大王解釋。」
 達:2.8      君王回答說：「我明知你們是在想爭取時間，因為你們明知我是言出必行的；
 達:2.9      如果你們不告訴我那夢，為你們只有一個判決。那麼，你們是想在我面前說謊欺騙，專待時機的轉變。現在你們要告訴我那夢，好使我知道你們能為我解釋那夢的意義。」
 達:2.10     占星者在君王面前回答說：「世上沒有一個人能說出大王所問的事，從來也沒有一位君王，不論他如何偉大，有勢力，向任何巫師、術士和占星者詢問過這樣的事。
 達:2.11     大王詢問的，確是件難事，沒有誰能告訴大王，除非那不與血肉之軀同居的神祇。」
 達:2.12     君王因此生氣大發雷霆，下令消滅巴比倫所有的智者。
 達:2.13     要殺智者的諭令發出之後，人們就搜索達尼爾和他的同伴，要將他們殺死。
 達:2.14     [達尼爾要求緩刑] 君王的衛隊長阿黎約客出發，要殺巴比倫的智者之時，達尼爾機警明智地應付了他。
 達:2.15     達尼爾問君王的全權大臣阿黎約客說：「君王發出的諭令，為什麼這樣迫切」﹖阿黎約客遂將事情告訴了達尼爾。
 達:2.16     達尼爾進去要求君王給他延長限期，好為君王詳解夢兆。
 達:2.17     然後回到家裏，把事情告訴了自己的同伴阿納尼雅、米沙耳和阿匝黎雅，
 達:2.18     要他們為這秘密事，懇求上天的大主施恩，挽救達尼爾和他的同伴與巴比倫其餘的智者，免被殺害。
 達:2.19     於是在夜間的神視中，這個秘密就啟示給達尼爾了；達尼爾遂讚美上天的大主，
 達:2.20     說：「願天主的名，從永遠直到永遠受讚美，因為智慧和能力都屬於他。
 達:2.21     是他變更四時季節，是他廢黜君王，也興立君主，賜智者以智慧，賜識者以聰敏；
 達:2.22     是他啟示隱秘深奧之事，洞悉暗中的事，因為光明居於他內。
 達:2.23     我祖先的天主，我稱謝讚頌你，因為你賜給了我智慧和能力。我們祈求你的事，現在你已曉諭了我們，使我們知道了君王的秘密。」
 達:2.24     [達尼爾去見拿步高王]  達尼爾遂去見 派殺戮巴比倫智者的阿黎約客，對他這樣說：「請暫且先不要殺害巴比倫的智者，帶我去見君王，我要給君王解夢。」
 達:2.25     於是阿黎約客立刻引達尼爾去見君王，對君王說：「我從猶大被擄的子民中找得一人，他會給大王解夢。」
 達:2.26     君王對名叫貝耳特沙匝的達尼爾說道：「你能告訴我，我所見的夢和夢的意義嗎﹖」
 達:2.27     達尼爾回答君王說：「大王所問的奧秘，不是智者、術士、巫師和占卜者所能告訴大王的；
 達:2.28     但是，在天上有一位啟示奧秘的大主! 他已將那日後要發生的事曉諭給大王。大王!你在床上腦中所得的夢，所見的神視是這樣：
 達:2.29     大王!  你睡在床上忽然想到日後所要發生的事，啟示奧秘的那位，把要發生的事已曉諭給你。
 達:2.30     這奧秘已啟示給我，並非因為我比任何活人更有智慧，而只是為把夢兆告訴大王，叫你知道你心心中的思念。」
 達:2.31     [詳述夢境]  「大王!  你夢見一尊巨大的立像。這尊立像異常高大，非常光輝燦爛，立在君王面前，相貌可怕。
 達:2.32     這尊立像，頭是純金的，胸和臂是銀的，腹和股是銅的。
 達:2.33     脛是鐵的，腳一部份是鐵，一部份是泥的。
 達:2.34     大王，你在觀望，忽有一塊石頭，未經手鑿即滾下，擊中了立像，把鐵泥的腳，打得粉碎；
 達:2.35     同時鐵、泥、銅、銀和金立即完全粉碎，有如夏天禾場上的糠秕，被風吹去，無蹤無影；那塊擊碎立像的石頭卻變成了一座大山，佔據了全地。」
 達:2.36     [詳解夢兆]  「夢是這樣的，現在我們要給大王解釋夢兆。
 達:2.37     大王!  你是王中之王，上天大主賜給了你領土、勢力、權威和尊榮，
 達:2.38     凡有人居住的地方，田野的走獸，天空的飛鳥，都交在你手中，由你統治這一切，你便是那屬金的頭。
 達:2.39     在你以後，將興起另一個比你稍弱的國家，以後興起第三個國家，屬銅，她要統轄大地；
 達:2.40     相繼而來的是第四個，堅強如鐵的國家，就如鐵能粉碎擊破一切，這個國家也要如鐵粉碎擊破一切，
 達:2.41     至於你見腳和趾，一部分是泥，一部分是鐵，表示這個國家必要分裂，然而國內仍有鐵的堅強，正如你見鐵與泥相混一樣。
 達:2.42     腳趾一部分是鐵，一部份是泥，表示這個國家一部分強，一部分弱。
 達:2.43     你見鐵與泥混合，是說他們要與其他人種相混合，但是彼此不能相合，就如鐵不能與泥相混合一樣。
 達:2.44     在這些君王時代，上天的大主必要興起一個永不滅亡的國家，她的王權也決不歸於其他民族，她要粉碎和毀滅這一切邦國，惟獨她永存弗替，
 達:2.45     就如你所見那塊未經手鑿，即從山上滾下的石頭，把鐵、銅、泥、銀和金打得粉碎一樣。偉大的天主已曉諭了大王，今後將要發生的事。這夢是真實的，夢的解釋也是正確的。」
 達:2.46     [達尼爾及同伴升官]  拿步高於是俯首至地，叩拜達尼爾，下令給他奉上禮物和香品，
 達:2.47     然後開口對達尼爾說：「的確，你們的天主是萬神的天主，萬王的主宰，奧秘的啟示者，因為你能啟示這個奧秘。」
 達:2.48     王遂擢升達尼爾，賞賜他很多珍貴的禮品，派他治理巴比倫全省，做巴比倫所有智者的首領。
 達:2.49     達尼爾要求君王委任沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥掌管巴比倫省的政務；達尼爾自己卻留在朝廷內。
  
 達:3.1      [拿步高豎立金像]  拿步高王製造了一尊高六十肘，寬六肘的金像，立在巴比倫省的杜辣平原上。
 達:3.2      拿步高王就派人召集總督、省長、知縣、參謀、司庫、法官、警官和各省官長，前來參與拿步高立像的開光典禮。
 達:3.3      於是總督、省長、知縣、參謀、司庫、法官、警官和各省官長都聚集前來，參與拿步高王立像的開光典禮，都站在拿步高立的像前。
 達:3.4      傳令官高聲呼喊說：「各民族、各邦國、各異語人民! 這是給你們下的令：
 達:3.5      你們幾時聽到角、笙、琴、瑟、箏、簫及各種樂器齊奏，就當俯伏朝拜拿步高王立的金像。
 達:3.6      凡不俯伏朝拜的，應當立刻投在烈火窯中。」
 達:3.7      因此，當在場的人聽見角、笙、琴、瑟、箏、簫及各種樂器齊奏時，各民族、各邦國、各異語人民都俯伏朝拜了拿步高王所立的金像。
 達:3.8      [三青年不叩拜金像] 當時，有幾個加色丁人前來控告猶太人，
 達:3.9      對拿步高王啟奏說：「大王萬歲!
 達:3.10     大王!  你發出了諭令，要所有聽見角、笙、琴、瑟、箏、簫及各種樂器齊奏的人，都應立刻俯伏朝拜金像，
 達:3.11     誰不俯伏朝拜，就應立即把他投入烈火窯中。
 達:3.12     然而有幾個你所委任管理巴比倫省政務的猶太人，即沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥，大王! 他們不尊重你的諭令，不恭敬你的神，也不朝拜你所立的金像。」
 達:3.13     拿步高勃然大怒，遂下令傳沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥來；這幾個人就被帶到君王前，
 達:3.14     拿步高便對他們說：「沙得辣客、默沙客、阿貝得乃哥! 你們是真存心不恭敬我的神，不朝拜我立的金像嗎﹖
 達:3.15     現在你們準備好，一聽見角、笙、琴、瑟、箏、簫及各種樂器齊奏，就俯伏朝拜我製造的像；若是你們不朝拜，你們就立刻被投入烈火窯中，看有什麼神能由我手中將你們救出﹖」
 達:3.16     沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥回答拿步高王說：「關於這事，我們無須回答；
 達:3.17     如果我們所恭敬的天主肯救我們，大王! 他必會救我們脫離火窯和脫離你的手；
 達:3.18     如果他不肯，大王! 你應當知道，我們仍然不願意恭敬你的神，也不朝拜你所立的金像。」
 達:3.19     [三青年被投入火窯] 拿步高一聽這話，怒火填胸，立刻對沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥變了臉，下令要人將火窯燒得比往常更熱七倍，
 達:3.20     又命軍中的幾個壯士將沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥捆起來，投入烈火窯中。
 達:3.21     這三個人穿著外氅、長袍、頭巾和其他的衣服，被捆起來，投入烈火窯中。
 達:3.22     由於君王的命令急迫，火窯又燒得猛烈，火燄反將投擲沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥的那些人燒死了。
 達:3.23     至於沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥三個人，被捆著落入烈火窯中。
 達:3.24     [阿匝黎雅的祈禱]  他們在火燄中來回走動，歌頌天主，讚美上主。
 達:3.25     阿匝黎雅立在火燄中，開口這樣祈禱說：
 達:3.26     「上主，我們祖先的天主! 你是可讚美，可稱頌的! 你的名應受尊榮，直到永遠!
 達:3.27     因為你對我們所行的一切是公義的，你的一切作為是信實的，你的一切道路是正直的，你的一切審判是正確的。
 達:3.28     在你所加於我們和加於我們祖先的聖城耶路撒冷的一切事上，你執行了公正的審判：由於我們的罪過，你按照真理和正義使這一切事臨於我們身上。
 達:3.29     我們犯罪作惡，離棄了你，在一切事上犯了重罪，沒有聽從你的誡命，
 達:3.30     也沒有遵守，也沒有執行你為我們的好處，給我們所吩咐的事。
 達:3.31     因此你所加於我們的一切，和你對我們所行的一切，都是按照公正的審判而行的。
 達:3.32     你將我們交在無法無天，邪妄無信的仇人手中，又將我們交於一位不義和全世界上最凶暴不仁的君王手中。
 達:3.33     現在，我們那裏還敢開口! 你的僕人和恭敬你的人們，只有羞愧和恥辱。
 達:3.34     為了你的名，求你不要永遠拋棄我們，也不要廢除你的盟約；
 達:3.35     為了你的朋友亞巴郎，你的僕人依撒格和你的聖者以色列，求你不要使你的仁愛離開我們，
 達:3.36     因為你曾向他們應許過，要使他們的後裔繁多，有如天上的星辰，海邊的沙粒。
 達:3.37     恩主啊! 由於我們的罪過，我們比任何民族都渺小，我們今天在全世界上成了微賤的。
 達:3.38     目前我們沒有元首，沒有先知，沒有領袖，沒有全燔祭，沒有祭祀，沒有供物，沒有馨香祭，沒有地方可以給你薦新，好蒙受你的仁愛。
 達:3.39     但願我們能藉著懺悔的心和謙虛的精神蒙你悅納，就如獻上公羊和公牛的全燔祭，又如獻上了萬隻肥羊；
 達:3.40     這樣也希望我們今天在你面前所行的祭獻，能當作滿全了我們對你應盡的義務，因為凡信賴你的，決不會蒙受羞辱。
 達:3.41     現在我們全心隨從你，敬畏你，尋求你的慈顏，望你不要使我們羞慚。
 達:3.42     但願你按照你的寬容和你無限的仁慈，善待我們，
 達:3.43     以你的奇能拯救我們! 上主，願光榮歸於你的名!
 達:3.44     願那些迫害你僕人的人們都蒙受羞辱，喪失他們的一切權勢，使他們蒙受恥辱，粉碎他們的一切力量，
 達:3.45     好叫他們認識你是上主，惟一無二的天主，在全世界上應受光榮。」
 達:3.46     [三青年安然無恙]  那些將三青年投入火窯中的君王的僕役，仍不斷用石油、瀝青、麻屑和碎柴增加火勢，
 達:3.47     以致火燄自窯內上騰，高達四十九肘；
 達:3.48     噴出的火燄竟將火窯周圍的加色丁人，捲去燒死了。
 達:3.49     但是上主的天使降到窯中，來到阿匝黎雅及他同伴身旁，把窯中的火燄推出，
 達:3.50     使窯中彷彿吹起清涼的微風，火燄不但不能接近他們，且也不能給他們招來什麼痛苦和煩惱。
 達:3.51     [三青年讚美上主歌]  於是他們三人在火窯中同聲歌頌、光榮、讚美天主說：「
 達:3.52     上主，我們祖先的天主，你是可讚美的，應受稱讚，應受頌揚，直到永遠! 你光榮的聖名，是可讚美的，應極受稱讚，極受頌揚，直到永遠。
 達:3.53     在你光榮的聖殿中，你是可讚美的，應極受歌頌，極受光榮，直到永遠!
 達:3.54     在你王國的寶座上，你是可讚美的，應極受歌頌，應極受頌揚，直到永遠!
 達:3.55     你鑒察深淵，坐於革魯賓之上，是可讚美的，應受歌頌，應受光榮，直到永遠!
 達:3.56     你在天空穹蒼之上，是可讚美的，應受歌頌，應備受光榮，直到永遠!
 達:3.57     上主的一切化工，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.58     上主的天使，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.59     層層高天，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.60     天上的水，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.61     上主的軍旅，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠。
 達:3.62     太陽月亮，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.63     天上的星辰，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.64     雨和露，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.65     所有的風，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.66     火與熱，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.67     寒和暑，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.68     露和霜，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.69     凍和冷，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.70     冰和雪，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.71     夜和晝，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.72     光和暗，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.73     閃和電，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.74     願大地，讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.75     山嶽丘陵，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.76     地上的生物，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.77     水泉水源，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.78     海洋江河，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.79     鯨魚和水中所有生物，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.80     天空所有飛鳥，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.81     野獸家畜，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠。
 達:3.82     普世人類，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.83     以色列子民，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.84     上主的眾司祭，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.85     上主的眾僕人，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.86     義人的心靈，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.87     聖潔和心謙的人，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠!
 達:3.88     阿納尼雅、阿匝黎雅和米沙耳，請讚美上主，歌頌稱揚他，直到永遠! 因為他由陰府中救出了我們，從死亡的掌握中搶救了我們；由烈火窯中救出了我們，從火燄中拯救了我們。
 達:3.89     你們要稱謝上主，因為他是美善的，因為他的仁慈，永遠常存!
 達:3.90     凡敬拜上主的，請讚美眾神之神，歌頌稱揚他，因為他的仁慈，永遠常存! 」
 達:3.91     [承認真主]  那時拿步高王十分驚慌，急忙站起，問他的臣僕說：「我們不是把他們三個人全捆起來拋入烈火窯中了嗎﹖」僕人回答君王說：「大王，實在是! 」
 達:3.92     君王又問說：「怎麼我看見有四個人無拘無束地在火中行走，絲毫沒有受傷，而且那第四個人的外貌，彷彿是神的兒子。」
 達:3.93     於是拿步高走近烈火窯口，說道：「至高天主的僕人沙得辣客、默沙客、和阿貝得乃哥，你們出來罷! 」沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥即從火中出來。
 達:3.94     省長、太守、總督和君王的臣僕一齊前來，查看這幾個人，見烈火在他們身上一點不發生作用，連他們頭上的一根頭髮都沒有燒掉，他們的外氅也沒有變色，他們身上也沒有一點火的氣味。
 達:3.95     於是拿步高說道：「沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥的天主，是可讚美的! 他打發了自己的天使來，救護那些信賴自己的僕人，他們敢違背王命，寧願捐軀，除自己的天主以外，不願事奉叩拜其他任何神祇。
 達:3.96     為此我今頒發詔書，無論那一個民族，那一邦國，那一個異語人民，凡對沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥的天主敢出言不恭的，必被萬剮凌遲，他們的住宅必成為廢墟，因為沒有其他的神能像他這樣施行拯救。」
 達:3.97     然後君王在巴比倫省擢陞了沙得辣客、默沙客和阿貝得乃哥。
 達:3.98     [拿步高的詔書]  拿步高王詔告居於普世的各民族，各邦國及各異語人民說：「願平安豐富地賜予你們!
 達:3.99     至高天主對我所行的神蹟奇事，我以為最好宣布出來。
 達:3.100    他的神蹟何其偉大，他的奇事何其可畏! 他的王國是永遠的王國，他的主權世世常存!
  
 達:4.1      [詳述夢境]  我拿步高安居在家中，在宮內行樂的時候，
 達:4.2      忽然做了一夢，這夢使我害怕；我當時在床上所有的幻想，腦中所有的異象，使我心慌意亂，
 達:4.3      遂下了一道諭令，召巴比倫所有的智者到我面前來，給我解說那夢的意義。
 達:4.4      巫師、術士、占星者、占卜者都來了，我當面給他們說出了那夢，但他們卻不能給我解說那夢的意義。
 達:4.5      最後，達尼爾來到我面前，－他按我神的名字，起名叫貝耳特沙匝，這人身上具有至聖神明的精神；我給他講述夢說：「
 達:4.6      巫師長貝耳特沙匝! 我知道你這個人具有至聖神明的精神，沒有什麼奧秘可以難住你，請聽我夢中所見的異象，給我一個解釋：
 達:4.7      我在床上腦中所有的異象是這樣：我忽然看見從地中生出一棵樹來，極其高大。
 達:4.8      這棵樹長的非常粗壯，高可摩天，大地四極都可見到；
 達:4.9      樹葉美麗，果實繁多，足以供養一切生靈，田野的走獸安息在它的蔭下，空中的飛鳥棲息在它的枝杈上，一切生物都由它獲得供養。
 達:4.10     我在床上，在我腦海所得的異象中，我看見有一位守衛兼聖者自天降下，
 達:4.11     他大聲呼喊說：砍倒這棵樹，砍斷它的枝條，搖落它的葉子，打下它的果實，叫走獸離開它下面，叫飛鳥飛離它的枝杈，
 達:4.12     但在地上只留下它根上的餘幹，用鐵索和銅鏈將它捆住，放在田野的青草，
 達:4.13     使他的心改變不像人心，給他一個獸心，在他身上要這樣經歷七段時期。
 達:4.14     這是守衛者宣布的定案，這是聖者所出的命令，好使眾生知道：是至高者統治世人的國家，他將國權願意給誰，就給誰；他可以將人間最卑賤的立為最高者。
 達:4.15     這是我拿步高王所做的夢。現在，貝耳特沙匝! 請你給我說出這夢的意義，因為我國內所有的智者，都不能使我知道這夢的意義，只有你能，因為只有你具有至聖神明的精神。
 達:4.16     [達尼爾詳解夢意]  名叫貝特沙匝的達尼爾，一時愕然，他想像的事，使他恐懼；君王於是說道：「貝耳特沙匝! 不要為這夢和這夢的意義心亂! 」貝耳特沙匝回答說：「我的主上! 願這夢應驗在仇恨你的人身上，願這夢的朕兆應驗在你的敵人身上!
 達:4.17     你所見的那棵樹，長的非常粗大，高可摩天，大地四極都可見到，
 達:4.18     樹葉美麗，果實繁多，足以供養一切生靈，田野的走獸安息在它的蔭下，空中的飛鳥棲息在它的枝條上。
 達:4.19     大王! 那樹就是你，你長得高大強壯，你的偉大高可摩天，你的權勢達於地極。
 達:4.20     至於大王所見的那位警衛兼聖者自天降下說：砍倒、毀滅這棵樹! 只在地上留下它根子的餘幹，用鐵索和銅鏈將它捆住，放在田野的青草中，讓他為露水浸濕，與田野的走獸分食，這樣在他身上直到經歷了七段時期。－
 達:4.21     大王!  這是那夢的意義，這是要臨到我主，大王身上的至高者的判決：
 達:4.22     你將由人間被驅逐，與田野的走獸為伍，你吃草如同牛一樣，為露水浸濕，要這樣經歷七段時期，直到你承認至高者統治世人的國度，願意給誰，就給誰。
 達:4.23     至於所說在地中只留下樹根的餘幹，是說到你承認上天統治一切時，你的國仍再歸於你。
 達:4.24     為此，大王! 望你接納我的勸告：厲行正義，補贖罪過，憐貧濟困，以抵償不義；如此你的福樂或許可得延長。」
 達:4.25     [夢境的應驗]  這一切都臨在拿步高王身上：
 達:4.26     十二個月以後，王在巴比倫王宮的樓台上散步時，
 達:4.27     自言自語說：「這不是我以大能大力，為彰顯我的威榮而建為王都的大巴比倫嗎﹖」
 達:4.28     這些話君王還未說出口，便有聲音從天上傳來說：「拿步高王! 現在有話告訴你：你的王位已被人奪去了!
 達:4.29     你要由人間被驅逐，與田野的走獸為伍，你要吃草如同牛一樣，這樣，在你身上經歷七段時期，直到你承認至高者統治世人的國度，他願意給誰，就給誰。」
 達:4.30     這話立即在拿步高身上應驗了：他被逐離開了人群，吃草如同牛一樣，他的身體為露水浸濕，直報他的頭髮長得有如鷹的羽翼，指甲有如鳥的爪子。
 達:4.31     [君王知過復位]  這期限過了以後，我拿步高舉目望天，我的理智恢復了常態，我立刻稱謝至高者，讚美頌揚永生者，因為他的主權永遠常存，他的王國世世常在。
 達:4.32     地上的一切居民為他等於虛無，他對天上的軍旅和地上的居民隨意而行，沒有能阻止他的，或問他說：你作什麼﹖
 達:4.33     就在那一時刻，我的理智恢復了常態，恢復了我王國的光榮，仍享威嚴富貴，我的朝臣和大官仍前來求見；我的國又歸我所有，並且也給我增加了極大的權勢。
 達:4.34     現在，我拿步高要稱頌、讚揚和光榮天上的君王，因為他的一切作為是真理，他的到路是正義；凡行動傲慢的，他都能壓伏。」
  
 達:5.1      [褻瀆聖器]  貝耳沙匝王為大員千人擺設了盛筵，並與千人宴飲。
 達:5.2      貝耳沙匝乘著酒興，命人將他父親拿步高從耶路撒冷殿中劫掠的金銀器皿取來，給君王和他的大員並自己的妻妾用來飲酒。
 達:5.3      於是人把從耶路撒冷天主殿宇聖所內劫掠的金銀器皿取來，給君王和他的大員並妻妾用來飲酒；
 達:5.4      大家一面飲酒，一面讚揚自己用金、銀、銅、鐵、木、石製的神像。
 達:5.5      [怪手寫字]  正在此時，忽然出現了一個人的手指，在燈台後面王宮的粉牆上寫字，君王也看見了那寫字的手掌。
 達:5.6      當時君王的面色立即改變，心意煩亂，兩腰關節鬆弛，兩膝互相碰擊，
 達:5.7      君王遂大聲喊叫，命召術士、占星者和占卜者來；君王就向巴比倫的智者說：不論誰，如能閱讀這些字，給我解說其中的意義，就必身被絳袍，帶上金項鏈，位居全國第三。
 達:5.8      巴比倫所有的智者都來了，卻沒有一個人能閱讀那些文字，也不能給君王說明所含有的意義。
 達:5.9      因此貝耳沙匝王極其驚慌，面色大變，他的大臣也都不知所措。
 達:5.10     [太后舉薦達尼爾]  太后聽到了君王和大臣們的喧嘩聲，遂進入坐席的大廳，啟奏說：「大王萬歲! 你不要心慌意亂，面容也不必改變；
 達:5.11     你國內現有一個人，具有至聖神明的精神，你父親在日，已發見他具有真知灼見，智慧如神。你父親拿步高王，曾立他為所有巫師、術士、占星者和占卜者的首領，
 達:5.12     就因為在他身上具有一種卓越的精神、學識和聰敏，能詳解夢境，釋謎破惑；君王就將他達尼爾的名字改作貝耳特沙匝。現在就召達尼爾前來，他必能說出其中的意義。」
 達:5.13     [君王命召達尼爾]  於是達尼爾被引到王前，問達尼爾說：「你就是我父王昔日由猶大擄來的猶大俘虜中的達尼爾嗎﹖
 達:5.14     我聽說你有神的精神，具有真知灼見，和卓越的智慧。
 達:5.15     方纔智者和術士被引至我前，要他們念這些文字，給我說明其中的意義，但是他們卻都不能給我解釋這些文字的意義。
 達:5.16     我聽說你能解釋疑難，現在你若能念這些文字，給我說明其中的意義，你就要身披絳袍，帶上金項鏈，位居全國第三。」
 達:5.17     [達尼爾責斥君王的罪過]  達尼爾回答君王說：「你的禮物仍歸你所有，你的酬報可賞給他人，至於我，我仍要給大王念這些文字，使大王得知其中的含義。
 達:5.18     大王! 至高者天主曾將國家、威權、光榮和尊嚴賞賜了你的父親拿步高；
 達:5.19     由於天主賞賜了他這樣大的威權，各民族，各邦國，各異語人民，在他面前無不震驚害怕；他願意殺的就殺，他願意活的就活，他願意升的就升，他願意貶的就貶。
 達:5.20     但在他心高氣傲，目空一切的時候，便從王位上被推下來，喪失了自己的光榮，
 達:5.21     由人間被驅逐，他的心相似獸心，與野驢為為伍，吃草如同牛一樣；他的身體為露水浸濕，直到他承認至高者天主統治世人的國度，他願意給誰統治，就給誰。
 達:5.22     貝耳沙匝! 你是他的兒子，雖然你知道這一切，但是你仍不低首下心，
 達:5.23     反而自高自大，抵抗上天的大主，命人將他殿宇的器皿給你拿來，供你和你的大臣並你的妻妾用來飲酒，並且你讚美那些不能看，不能聽，不能知的金、銀、銅、鐵、木、石製的神像，卻不知尊崇那掌握你的氣息，註定你一切命途的天主。
 達:5.24     為此，他使一隻手掌出現，寫了這些字。
 達:5.25     寫出來的這些字是：「默乃，默乃，特刻耳，培勒斯。」
 達:5.26     這些字的含義是：「默乃：」天主數了你的國祚，使它完結；
 達:5.27     「特刻耳：」你在天秤上被衡量了，不夠分量；
 達:5.28     「培勒斯：」你的國被瓜分了，給了瑪待人和波斯人。」
 達:5.29     於是貝耳沙匝下令，給達尼爾披上絳袍，帶上金項鏈，並宣布他位居全國第三。
 達:5.30     當夜加色丁王貝耳沙匝即為人所殺。
  
 達:6.1      [達尼爾任監察史]  瑪待人達理阿承受了王位，那時他約六十二歲。
 達:6.2      他認為更好在國內設立一百二十個總督，分治全國；
 達:6.3      在這些總督之上另設三位監察史－達尼爾便是其中之一－各總督應向他們述職，這樣可免君王煩勞。
 達:6.4      這位達尼爾，由於他具有超凡的精神，辦事勝過其他監察史和總督，所以君王有意立他治理全國。
 達:6.5      [達尼爾遭受嫉視]  因此監察史和總督，竭力在達尼爾處理國事上，尋找機會陷害他，卻總不能找到任何可控告他的事實和過失，因為達尼爾忠信可靠，所以在他身上總找不到任何疏忽和過錯。
 達:6.6      於是這些人說道：「我們若不在他的神的法律上尋找，就找不到陷害達尼爾的任何事。」
 達:6.7      這些監察史和總督，便群集到君王前，對君王說：「達理阿大王，萬歲!
 達:6.8      國內的眾監察史、知縣、總督、大臣和省長，都計議請下一道詔書，立一禁令：三十天內，凡不向你大王，而向任何神祇或任何人祈求的，應將他投入獅子圈內。
 達:6.9      大王! 請你現在就立刻下這道禁令，簽署這項文告，人就不能再更改，因為按瑪待人和波斯人的法律，那是不可更改的。」
 達:6.10     達理阿遂簽署了這文告禁令。
 達:6.11     [被投入獅圈]  達尼爾一知道君王簽署了這項文告，便回了家。他樓房的窗戶是向著耶路撒冷開的－他每天仍照常三次屈膝跪拜，祈求稱謝自己的天主，如往日所行的一樣。
 達:6.12     那些人群集前來，看見達尼爾正在自己的天主前祈求哀禱，
 達:6.13     他們遂去見君王，向他提及禁令說：「陛下不是簽署了這樣的一道禁令：三十天內，凡不向大王，而向任何神祇或任何人祈求的，應將他投入獅子圈內嗎﹖」君王回答說：「確有此事! 照瑪待人和波斯人的法律是不可更改的。」
 達:6.14     他們便對君王說道：「大王! 猶大俘虜中的那個達尼爾，竟然不介意陛下和陛下所簽署的禁令，仍照常一日三次自作祈禱。」
 達:6.15     君王聽了這些話，十分難過，有心要救達尼爾，君王直到日落要設法解救他。
 達:6.16     但是那些人又群集到君王前，對君王說：「大王! 陛下要知道瑪待人和波斯人的法律：凡君王所立的禁令和法令，是不可更改的。」
 達:6.17     君王於是下令，將達尼爾逮捕投入獅子圈內。君王對達尼爾說：「願你恒心恭敬的天主拯救救你! 」
 達:6.18     遂即移了一塊大石，封住圈口，君王蓋上自己的御璽，大臣們蓋上自己的印章，免得達尼爾的案件發生意外的變化。
 達:6.19     [獅子不傷害先知]  然後君王回了王宮，整夜絕食，斷絕娛樂，並徹夜失眠未睡。
 達:6.20     清晨，天一亮，君王便起來，急速往獅子圈去了，
 達:6.21     一來到獅子圈旁，就哀聲呼喊，向達尼爾說道：「永生天主的僕人達尼爾! 你恒心恭敬的天主真能由獅子口裏拯救你嗎﹖」
 達:6.22     達尼爾遂對君王說：「大王萬歲!  」
 達:6.23     我的天主曾打發他的天使閉住獅子的口，一點沒有傷害我，因為我在他面前是無罪的；大王! 我即在陛下面前，也從沒有做過什麼傷害人的事。」
 達:6.24     君王非常高興，遂下令將達尼爾從獅子圈裏提出來。達尼爾便從獅子圈裏被提出來，他身上絲毫沒有受到損傷，因為他信賴了自己的天主。
 達:6.25     君王遂下令逮捕那些控告達尼爾的人，將他們和他們的兒子、妻子，都投入獅子圈裏，他們還沒有到獅子圈底，獅子就向他們撲來，捉住他們，將他們的骨頭全咬碎了。
 達:6.26     [詔示全國敬畏上主]  達理阿於是詔告居民於普世的各民族，各邦國及各異語人民說：「願平安常與你們同在!
 達:6.27     我今頒發詔書，諭令我所統轄的全國人民，都應在達尼爾的天主前起敬起畏，因為他是生活永在的天主，他的國永不滅亡，他的王權永遠常存。
 達:6.28     他拯救施援，在天上地下實行神蹟奇事；是他拯救達尼爾脫免獅子的爪牙。」
 達:6.29     這位達尼爾就這樣在達理阿和波斯人居魯士為王時，事事亨通。
  
           第七編　  神視敘述 (7-12)
 達:7.1      [神見四巨獸]  巴比倫王貝爾沙匝元年，達尼爾睡在床上，作了一夢，在腦海裏見了一些異象；他遂寫下那夢，記述了這事的始末。
 達:7.2      達尼爾說道：我夜間見了一個異象：看見天上忽然起了四股巨風，震盪了大海，
 達:7.3      遂有四種巨獸從海中出來，各有不同的形狀：
 達:7.4      第一個相似獅子，具有鷹的翅膀；我觀看，直至看見牠的翅膀被拔去，由地上被舉起來，兩腳直立像一個人，且給了牠一顆人心。
 達:7.5      又看見另一個獸，就是第二個，相似熊，半身側立，口內牙齒間銜著三根肋骨；有人吩咐牠說：「起來，大量吞食肉罷! 」
 達:7.6      後來我又觀看，看見另有一獸，相似豹子，有四個頭，背上有四隻鳥的翅膀，且賜給了牠統治權。
 達:7.7      此後，我在夜間的神視中觀看，看見第四個獸，非常可怕，極其兇猛，有巨大的鐵牙，吞噬咬碎，又把剩餘的用腳踐踏；牠與以前各獸不同，尚有十隻角。
 達:7.8      我定睛注視這些角時，看見在那些角中又生出另一隻小角，在這小角前面，以前的角中有三隻角竟被連根拔除；看，小角上還有眼睛，相似人的眼睛，有一個誇大的口。
 達:7.9      [天上的法庭]  我觀望，直到安置了寶座，上面坐著一位萬古常存者，他的衣服潔白如雪，他的頭髮潔白如羊毛，他的寶座好似火燄，寶座的輪子如同烈火。
 達:7.10     一道火河湧出，從他面前流下，有千萬服事他的，有億兆侍立在他面前的，審判者已坐堂，案卷已展開。
 達:7.11     那時，我因那隻角說出大話而注意觀望，一直觀望到那獸被殺，牠的屍體被撕毀，被投入火內。
 達:7.12     至於其餘的獸，他們的統治權被剝奪；至於牠們的壽命，也被注定直到某一個時候和期限。
 達:7.13     我仍在夜間的神視中觀望；看見一位相似人子者，乘著天上的雲彩而來，走向萬古常存者，遂即被引到他面前。
 達:7.14     他便賜給似人子者統治權、尊榮和國度，各民族、各邦國及各異語人民都要侍奉他；他的王權是永遠的王權，永存不替，他的國度永不滅亡。
 達:7.15     [解釋異象的意義]  我達尼爾，因此心中憂愁，我所見的異象使我煩亂，
 達:7.16     我遂走近一位侍者，問他關於這一切事的實情；他便告訴了我，使我知道這些事的意義說：「
 達:7.17     這四個巨獸就是將在世界上興起的四個君王；
 達:7.18     但至高者的聖民要承受王國，永遠佔有，直至萬世萬代。」
 達:7.19     當時我又想知道有關那第四個獸的實情，因為牠與眾不同，非常可怕，牠的牙是鐵的，爪是銅的，吞噬咬碎，又把剩餘的用腳踐踏。
 達:7.20     我又願意知道牠頭上的那十隻角及生於其中的那另一隻角，即那隻使三隻角墮於牠前的角，這角還有眼睛，有誇大的口，並且它的形狀比其餘的角都大。
 達:7.21     我觀看，看見這隻角正在與聖民交戰，竟戰勝了他們，
 達:7.22     直到萬古常存者降來，為至高者的聖民伸冤，於是期限到了，而眾聖民取得了國權。
 達:7.23     侍者告訴我說：「這第四個獸就是將在世界上興起的地四個國，她與其他各國不同，她要併吞、蹂躪且粉碎天下。
 達:7.24     至於那十隻角，即指將由此國而興起的十個君王；他們以後，將興起另一位君王，他與以前者不同，他要制勝三個君王，
 達:7.25     他要說褻瀆至高者的話，企圖消滅至高者的聖民，擅自改變節慶和法律；聖民將被交在他手中，直到一段時期，另兩段時期和半段時期；
 達:7.26     然後審判者要坐堂，奪去他的統治權，將他永遠消滅，
 達:7.27     將王國的統治權和天下萬邦的尊威，賜給至高者的聖民：他的國是永遠的國，一切邦國都要服事他，順從他。
 達:7.28     此事敘述至此結束，我達尼爾心中十分煩亂，面色都改變了，但我仍將此事存在心中。
  
 達:8.1      [公綿羊與公山羊相爭的異象]  貝爾沙匝王在位第三年，在以前顯現給我的異象之後，又有異象顯現給我達尼爾。
 達:8.2      我觀看這異象；我觀看時，恍惚見我在厄藍省的穌撒禁城；在神視中，我恍惚見我在烏來河畔。
 達:8.3      我舉目仰視，看見有一隻公綿羊站在河畔，牠有兩隻角，這兩隻角都很高，但一隻角卻高於另一隻角，且那較高的是較晚長出來的。
 達:8.4      我見那隻公綿羊向西、向北、向南牴撞，走獸中沒有能抵禦牠，能擺脫牠勢力的；牠任意行事，自高自大。
 達:8.5      我定睛注視之時，看見有一隻公山羊由西而來，跑遍天下而腳不著地；這隻公山羊在兩眼之間，有一隻顯著的角。
 達:8.6      牠來到我所見立在河畔而有兩隻角的公綿羊那裏，就憤怒地猛力向牠衝去。
 達:8.7      我見牠走近公綿羊前憤怒地觝撞牠，將牠的雙角撞斷，那公綿羊就再無力抵抗，公山羊把牠擊倒在地，用腳踐踏，竟沒有誰能救公綿羊擺脫牠的勢力。
 達:8.8      後來這公山羊長的極其強大；正當牠極強大的時候，牠那隻高大的角被折斷了，代替這角而生出來的是四隻卓絕的角，向著天下四方：
 達:8.9      其中之一又生出一小角來，長得極其高大，向南、向東，亦向著光華之地。
 達:8.10     這角逐漸增高，直達天上的萬象，且把一些天象和星宿打落在地，加以蹂躪。
 達:8.11     他又自高自大，直達天象之君，取消了他的日常祭，破壞了他的聖所，且加以劫掠；
 達:8.12     又在獻日常祭處，安放了罪孽，將真理拋棄於地；他如此作了，也成功了。
 達:8.13     我聽見一位聖者在說話，另一位聖者問那說話的說：「關於廢除日常祭，招致毀滅的罪孽，聖所和天軍遭蹂躪的異象，要延長到何時呢﹖」
 達:8.14     那說話的回答他說：「要延長二千三百晝夜，以後聖所再要恢復原狀。」
 達:8.15     [異象的意義]  我達尼爾見了這異象之後，便渴望明瞭其中的意義；看見有一個外貌像人的立在我面前，
 達:8.16     同時我聽見在烏來河中間有人的聲音呼喊說：「加俾額爾! 給這人解說這異象罷! 」
 達:8.17     他便向我站立的地方走來；我見他來近，就害怕起來，俯伏在地；他對我說：「人子，你要明白! 這異象是關於末世時期的。」
 達:8.18     他與我說話時，我就昏迷過去了，臉伏於地上；他撫摸了我，使我起來，站在原處。
 達:8.19     他說：「看，我要把在盛怒末期將要發生的事告訴你，因為這事是關於末期的。
 達:8.20     你所見具有兩角的公綿羊是瑪待和波斯君王，
 達:8.21     多毛的公山羊是雅汪君王，牠兩眼之間高大的角是第一位君王，
 達:8.22     代替被折斷的腳而另生出的四隻角，是指由他的民族中崛起的四個王國，但沒有前一個那樣強盛。
 達:8.23     在他們王國的末期，惡貫滿盈之時，要興起一位面貌凶惡，詭計多端的君王。
 達:8.24     他必勢力強大，但那力量不是出於自己；他卻有驚人的破壞力，他所行的無不成功，要摧毀強有力者和聖民，
 達:8.25     憑自己的機智必攻擊聖民，靠自己的權術獲得成功；他心中妄自尊大，趁人不備而毀滅許多人民，且起而攻擊萬君之君，但終於未經人手而自趨崩潰。
 達:8.26     關於所說的晝夜數目的異象，是真實的，但你對這異象要保守秘密，因為是關於遙遠日期的事而說的。」
 達:8.27     我達尼爾疲憊患病數日，然後纔起來處理君王的政務。我對這異象仍驚奇不已，因我不能明白其中的意義。
  
 達:9.1      [達尼爾注意耶肋米亞的預言]  瑪待族的薛西斯的兒子達理阿作加塞色丁國的君王第一年，
 達:9.2      在他為王元年，我達尼爾注意了經書中上主對耶肋米亞先知有關年數所說的話，即關於耶路撒冷的荒蕪應滿七十年的事。
 達:9.3      我面向吾主天主，以祈禱、懇求、禁食、穿苦衣，頂灰塵，求問他。
 達:9.4      [達尼爾的祈禱]  我哀求上主我的天主而認罪說：「哎! 吾主，偉大可敬畏的天主! 你對那些愛你和遵守你誡命的人，必守約施恩。
 達:9.5      我們犯了罪，行了不義，作惡反叛，離棄了你的誡命和法令。
 達:9.6      我們沒有聽從你的眾僕人先知，因你的名向我們的君王，我們的首長，我們的祖先，和全國人民所說的話。
 達:9.7      吾主，正義歸於你! 而滿面羞愧歸於我們，就如今日歸於猶大人民，歸於耶路撒冷的居民，歸於所有不忠於你而被你驅至各地或遠或近的以色列人一樣。
 達:9.8      吾主，滿面羞愧歸於我們，歸於我們的君王，歸於我們的首長以及我們的祖先，因為我們犯罪得罪了你，
 達:9.9      然而慈悲和寬宥應歸於上主我們的天主，因為我們實在都背叛了他，
 達:9.10     沒有聽從上主我們天主的勸告，也沒有遵行他藉自己的僕人眾先知，向我們所宣示的訓令。
 達:9.11     以色列人實在全都違犯離棄了你的法律，沒有聽從你的聲音；因此，在天主的僕人梅瑟的法律上，所記載的咒罵和詛咒，都傾注在我們身上了，因為我們犯罪得罪了他，
 達:9.12     所以他履行了他對我們和管理我們的官長所說的話：使我們遭受了普天下從未遭受過像耶路撒冷所遭受的這樣大的災難，
 達:9.13     全如梅瑟法律上所記載的。這一切災禍都降在我們身上，而我們仍不想平息上主我們天主的義怒，遠離我們的罪惡，明白你的真理；
 達:9.14     因此上主注視著災禍，好把它降在我們身上，因為上主我們的天主，在所行的一切作為上是正義的，只是我們仍未聽他的聲音。
 達:9.15     吾主，我們的天主! 你曾以你強有力的手，領你的人民出了埃及地，而彰顯了你的名聲，有如今日；我們現今卻仍然犯罪作惡。
 達:9.16     吾主，求你照你所有的仁義，使你的忿怒和憤恨離開你的城耶路撒冷，即你的聖山；因為，由於我們的罪過和我們祖先的罪惡，耶路撒冷和你的人民已成了我們四鄰的笑柄。
 達:9.17     所以，現在，我們的天主! 願你俯聽你僕人的祈禱和哀求! 吾主，為了你自己的緣故，再以你的慈顏光照你現已荒涼的聖所。
 達:9.18     我的天主! 求你側耳俯聽，睜眼垂視我們的廢墟，和屬你名下的城市! 我們將我們的哀禱呈於你前，不是因我們的正義，而只是依賴你的大慈大悲。
 達:9.19     吾主，求你俯聽! 吾主，求你寬宥! 吾主，求你垂聽，迅速實行! 為了你自己的緣故，我的天主，你不要再遲延，因為你的城和你的人民，是屬你名下的。」
 達:9.20     [加俾額爾再次顯現]  我還在陳訴、祈禱和承認我罪及我人民以色列的罪，並為天主的聖山，將我的哀禱陳於上主我的天主面前時，
 達:9.21     即我還在祈禱傾訴之際，約在晚祭時，先前我在異象中所見的那似人的加俾額爾，急速再向我飛來；
 達:9.22     他一來到，就對我說：「達尼爾! 我現在顯現出來，是為叫你完全明白，
 達:9.23     當你開始哀求時，便有話傳出，要我前來通知你，因為你是個極可愛的人；所以你應該注意這話，理解這異象! 」
 達:9.24     [七十星期的預言]  「關於你的人民，和你的聖城已注定了七十個星期，為終止過犯，為結束罪惡，為賠補不義，為帶來永遠的正義，為應驗神視和預言，為給至聖者傅油。
 達:9.25     你應該知道，也應該明白：自從頒發重建耶路撒冷的命令，直到受傅的君王，共是七個星期；再經六十二個星期，城邑的廣場和溝渠，要重新建起來，且是在困難之時；
 達:9.26     六十二個星期之後，一位受傅者雖然無罪，卻要被殺害，且那將要來臨的首領的民族要破壞這城和聖所，但他的結局是在洪流中；直到末期要有戰爭，及決定了的毀滅。
 達:9.27     在一個星期內，他要使祭祀和供物停止，在聖所內要設立所招致荒涼的可憎之物，直到決定了的毀滅傾注在破壞者的身上。」
  
 達:10.1     [達尼爾獲得可怕的啟示]  波斯王居魯士第三年，那名叫貝耳特沙匝的達尼爾得了一個啟示，這啟示是真實的，是有關一場大戰的事；達尼爾注意了這事，也明白了這異象。
 達:10.2     在這些日子裏，我達尼爾憂悶了三個星期，
 達:10.3     我食不知味，酒肉也沒有沾過唇，也沒有用油抹過身，直到滿了三個星期。
 達:10.4     [天使的顯現]  正月二十四日，我在底格里斯大河邊時，
 達:10.5     我舉目觀望：看見有一個人身穿麻衣，腰束敖非爾金帶，
 達:10.6     他的身體好像碧玉，他的面容好似閃電，他的眼睛有如火炬，他的手臂和腿有如磨光了的銅，他說話的聲音彷彿群眾的喧嚷。
 達:10.7     惟獨我達尼爾看見了這異象，隨從我的人都沒有看見，只有一種巨大的恐怖臨到他們身上，因而他們都逃避隱藏了。
 達:10.8     只留下我一個人，獨自觀看這巨大的異象；我頓時全身無力，容貌改變，面色蒼白，沒有一點氣力，
 達:10.9     但仍能聽到他說話的聲音；一聽到他說話的聲音，我就昏迷過去，俯伏於地。
 達:10.10    忽然有一隻手觸摸我，使我用膝和手掌勉強支持，
 達:10.11    然後他對我說：「達尼爾，最可愛的人! 你要明白我對你所說的話! 你站起來，因為我現在是被派到你這裏來的。」他對說這話時，我站立起來，渾身戰慄。
 達:10.12    他又對我說：「達尼爾，你不要害怕! 因為自從你下決心要明白此事，在你的天主前，自卑自賤的第一天以來，你的祈禱就得蒙應允，我就是因你的祈禱而來的。
 達:10.13    但是波斯國的護守天使卻反對我，使我在波斯國護守天使那裏滯留了二十一天，後來忽有總領護守天使之一的彌額爾前來協助我，
 達:10.14    我纔來了，為叫你明白，你的百姓在末日所要遭遇的事，因為這神視是有關那未來之日的。」
 達:10.15    [天使啟示神視的意義]  他對我說這些話時，我俯首至地，啞口無言。
 達:10.16    忽然有個像人子的手，觸摸了我的唇，我便開口向那站在我面前的說道：「我主! 由於這異象，我又感到非常痛苦，沒有一點氣力。
 達:10.17    我主的這個僕人如何能同我主說話﹖因為我現在全身無力，連呼吸也沒有了。」
 達:10.18    那像人子的又撫摸了我，堅固我，
 達:10.19    說：「極可愛的! 不要害怕! 願你平安! 鼓起勇氣，振作精神! 」他一對我說話，我立刻覺得有了力量，於是我說：「我主，請你發言罷! 因為你堅固了我。」
 達:10.20    他於是說：「你知道我為什麼到你這裏來﹖現在我要回去，同波斯的護守天使交戰。我一去，希臘的護守天使就會前來。
 達:10.21    我要把載於真理書上的事告訴你。除了你們的護守天使彌額爾外，沒有前來協助我的。
  
 達:11.1     瑪待人達理阿王元年，他前來堅固我，協助我。
 達:11.2     [有關波斯的啟示]  現在我要把真事告訴你：看，在波斯還要興起三位君王，第四位要擁有大量的財富，遠遠超過以前所有的君王；他因財富而強盛，於是煽動萬國對抗雅汪國。
 達:11.3     [亞歷山大帝國的分裂]以後要興起一位英勇的君王，他獨掌大權，統治一切，為所欲為。
 達:11.4     但當他極盛的時候，他的國必要瓦解，他的天下必要四分五裂，而不歸於他的後裔；也沒有相似他所有的統治權，他的國必要滅亡，歸屬不是他後裔的外人。
 達:11.5     [埃及和敘利亞時戰時和]  南方的君王要強盛起來，但他的將領中，有一個比他更強的要獲得政權；他王國的勢力非常強大。
 達:11.6     幾年以後他們要締結同盟，南方君王的公主要嫁給北方的君王，以求修好；但是她得不到勢力，她和她所生的也不能久存；她和她的侍從，她的兒子以及輔助她的都要被殺害。到那時，
 達:11.7     必從她根上出生一個嫩枝，繼承父位；他必興師出征，進入北方君王的保壘，將他們擊敗，獲得勝利；
 達:11.8     並將他們的神像、鑄像和金銀寶器劫往埃及，從此數年之久與北方的君王對峙；
 達:11.9     但北方的君王終要侵入南方君王的國土，事後仍返回本國。
 達:11.10    他的兒子必要備戰，招募強大的勁旅，親自出征；衝過時，相似洪水氾濫；他必猛攻，直逼敵軍的保壘。
 達:11.11    南方的君王必然大怒，出師與北方的君王交戰，北方的君王也必調集大軍，但這支大軍必被交在敵方手中。
 達:11.12    這支大軍被擄去以後，南方的君王便心高氣傲，不過他雖擊斃千萬大軍，仍不能強盛，
 達:11.13    因為北方君王必再調集大軍，比以前更為龐大，數年以後，再率領大軍，帶著大量的輜重，出征南下。
 達:11.14    那時，將有許多人起來攻擊南方君王，你百姓中的匪徒也要起來，為應驗異象，但他們終必失敗。
 達:11.15    北方的君王就前來，興建壁壘，攻取堅城，南方的軍隊不能抵抗，連精銳的部隊也無力抵禦。
 達:11.16    來攻南方君王的，必任意而行，沒有人能抵抗；他還要立足在華麗之地，破壞之權操在他手中。
 達:11.17    他企圖征服整個南國，遂與南方君王立約通婚，將自己的女兒嫁給他，好傾覆他的國，但是他的企圖沒有成功，也沒有見效。
 達:11.18    此後，他要轉向各島嶼，佔據了許多島嶼；但有一個將官要阻止他的蠻橫，使他的蠻橫害了自己。
 達:11.19    他遂轉身回到他國內的保壘裏，終於一蹶不振，從此消失不見。
 達:11.20    以後另有一人代他興起，他要派橫徵暴歛的人遍行國內華麗之地，但他沒有過幾天，就喪了命，不是由於叛變，也不是由於作戰。
 達:11.21    [厄丕法乃篡位無道]  這以後將有一個下賤的人代他興起；原來人沒有將治國的權力授給他，他卻乘人不備，以陰謀篡奪了王位。
 達:11.22    來進攻他的大軍要被他完全擊潰，同盟之君也要被擊敗。
 達:11.23    有人與他聯合，他即施行騙術；他借助少數的人民，就漸漸強大起來。
 達:11.24    他又乘人不備，侵入省內肥沃之區，實行他祖先及他祖先的祖先所未行過的事，將戰利品、掠奪物和財產分給自己的黨羽；又策劃陰謀進攻保壘，但只到某一限期。
 達:11.25    [出征埃及]  他要竭盡自己的精力，鼓起勇氣，率領大軍進攻南方君王；南方君王亦率領極強大的勁旅奮起迎戰，但無法抵禦，因為有人籌劃陰謀陷害他；
 達:11.26    那些破壞他的，正是吃他飯的人；他的勁旅將潰不成軍，傷亡的極多。
 達:11.27    兩位君王都存心不良，同坐一桌，各說謊話，而毫無成就，因為必須到所定的時期，纔有結局。
 達:11.28    北方的君王卻要帶著大量的財物返回本國；他既存心與聖約作對，也必採取行動，然後纔回國。
 達:11.29    [二次出征埃及]  到了預定的時期，他必再度南征，但是第二次卻不如第一次，
 達:11.30    因為此次基廷的船必來攻擊他，他只得驚慌而歸。 [迫害猶太教]  他遂遷怒於聖約，任意妄為；回去以後，他必重用那些背棄聖約的人士。
 達:11.31    那些迎合他意思的軍隊，也去褻瀆聖所的保壘，廢除日常祭，在那裏設立了那招致荒涼的可憎之物。
 達:11.32    至於那些作惡違犯聖約的人士，他要用詐術使他們更加敗壞，但那認識自己天主的人民必也更加堅強有力。
 達:11.33    民間賢明之士必要訓誨民眾，但他們有很多日子要受刀劍、烈火、充軍和劫掠的迫害。
 達:11.34    在他們受迫害時，稍微得到一些援助，但是有許多人卻懷著奸詐的心與他們聯合。
 達:11.35    有些賢明之士要受迫害，是為鍛鍊、洗滌和潔淨他們，直到時期結束，因為預定的時期尚未來到。
 達:11.36    [妄自尊大無法無天]  這位君王要任意妄為，妄自尊大，高舉自己在眾神之上，要發出怪謬的言論，反抗萬神之神，他暫時行事順利，直到天主的義怒洩盡，因為天主決定的事必要應驗。
 達:11.37    他不尊重自己祖先的神，也不尊重婦女們所愛的神，他不尊重任何神明，因為他將自己高舉在一切之上；
 達:11.38    卻去敬拜保壘之神，以金銀、寶石和珍品恭奉他祖先所不認識的神。
 達:11.39    他要憑藉外神的助佑，攻擊堅固的保壘；凡附和他的，他必增加他們的光榮，使他們治理民眾，分封土地，做為賞報。
 達:11.40    [可悲的結局]  到末期，南方的君王將要與他交戰；北方的君王也要率領戰車、騎兵和許多戰艦，像旋風般向他還擊，侵入他的國土；所經之地，有如洪水破堤。
 達:11.41    他要侵入華麗之地，千萬人要喪亡，但是厄東、摩阿布和大部分阿孟子民，卻要逃脫他的手。
 達:11.42    他又要伸手攻擊各國，埃及地亦不能幸免；
 達:11.43    他要佔有金銀府庫和埃及的一切寶物。利比亞和雇士人也要來與他聯合。
 達:11.44    但是來自東方和北方的消息要使他震驚；他遂懷著盛怒去討伐，要許多人殺盡滅絕。
 達:11.45    他要在海洋和美麗聖山之間，支搭他堂皇的帳幕，但此時已到了他的末日，已沒有任何人能援助他。
  
 達:12.1     [義人的最後勝利]  那時保佑你國家子民的偉大護守天使彌額爾必要起來；那將是一個災難的時期，是自開國以來，直到那時從未有過的；那時，你的人民，凡是名錄在那書上的，都必得救。
 達:12.2     許多長眠於塵土中的人，要醒起來：有的要入於永生，有的要永遠蒙羞受辱。
 達:12.3     賢明之士要發光有如穹蒼的光輝；那些引導多人歸於正義的人，要永遠發光如同星辰。
 達:12.4     [給達尼爾的最後訓諭]  至於你，達尼爾! 你要隱藏這些話，密封這部書，直到末期；將有許多人要探討，因而智識必要增長。
 達:12.5     [兩位天使的神視]  那時我達尼爾觀望：看見另有兩位天使，一位站在河岸這邊，一位站在河岸那邊。
 達:12.6     就問那身穿細麻衣，站在河水上的人說：「幾時這些奇事纔會實現呢﹖」
 達:12.7     聽見那身穿細麻衣，站在河水上的人向天舉起左手及右手，指著永生者起誓說：「的確，這事必須經過一段時期，另兩段時期和半段時期：直到摧殘聖民的勢力終止時，這一切事纔要實現。」
 達:12.8     [達尼爾欲知詳情]  我聽了以後，仍不明白，便問說：「我主! 這些事的結局究竟怎樣﹖」
 達:12.9     他回答說：「達尼爾，你去罷! 因為這些事隱藏密封，直到末期。
 達:12.10    將有許多人要使自己純潔清白，並受鍛鍊，而惡人卻要更加作惡；凡作惡的人不能明白，惟有賢明之士纔能明白。
 達:12.11    [迫害的期限]  自從廢棄日常祭，設立那招致荒涼的可憎之物的時候起，必要經歷一千二百九十天。
 達:12.12    凡能守候直到一千三百三十五天的，是有福的。
 達:12.13    你應去等候末期，好好安息罷! 到末日，你要起來接受你的福分。」
  
 達:13.1     [蘇撒納的家世]  從前有一個人住在巴比倫，名叫約雅金，
 達:13.2     他娶了一個妻子名叫蘇撒納，是希耳克雅的女兒；這女子非常美麗，而且敬畏上主，
 達:13.3     原來她的父母都是義人，常按照梅瑟的法律教育了自己的女兒。
 達:13.4     約雅金是個很富有的人，靠近他的住宅有一個果園；由於他比眾人更有聲望，猶太人經常到他那裏集會。
 達:13.5     [兩個邪惡的長老]  那一年，有兩個長老由人民選為民長，上主曾論及這類人說：「邪惡充塞巴比倫，是由於只在表面上治理人民的長老和民長。」
 達:13.6     這兩個人經常到約雅金的家裏來；凡有訴訟的，都到這裏來見他們。
 達:13.7     中午時，人民離去以後，蘇撒納常走進她丈夫的果園裏散步。
 達:13.8     那兩個長老每天見她進去散步，遂對她起了邪念。
 達:13.9     他們昧著良心，轉眼不看上天，全不思念正義的裁判。
 達:13.10    他們二人雖然都為了暗戀她而傷感，卻不敢彼此披露自己的隱情，
 達:13.11    因為他們都羞於說明自己希望與她交合的慾念。
 達:13.12    但他們二人仍然天天爭著去窺看她。
 達:13.13    [兩個長老圖姦蘇撒納]  一天，這人對那人說：「我們現在回家罷，因為已到午飯的時候了。」他們出去以後，便各自走了。
 達:13.14    接著又都走回原來的地方，他們互問走回來的原因之後，便都承認了自己的慾念；於是他們二人同謀，尋找一個能遇到蘇撒納一人獨處的時機。
 達:13.15    他們在等待一個適當的機會時，有一天蘇撒納像往日一樣，只帶著兩個婢女進了果園，由於天熱，她想在園中沐浴。
 達:13.16    那時園中除了這兩個藏著窺暗她的長老外，沒有別人。
 達:13.17    蘇撒納對婢女說：「將油和香皂給我拿來，關上園門，我要沐浴。」
 達:13.18    她們便遵命去作，關上園門，從側門出去，去取她吩咐她們的東西，全不知道這兩個長老隱藏在那裏。
 達:13.19    婢女們一走出去，這兩個長老便起來，跑到她面前，
 達:13.20    對她說：「看，園門關了，沒有人能看見我們，我們早就愛上了你，你要答應我們，與我們交合罷!
 達:13.21    不然，我們就要作證控告你，說有一個青年人同你在一起，所以你纔打發婢女們離開你。」
 達:13.22    蘇撒納歎息說：「我真是左右為難! 因為我若作了這事，我是必死無疑；我若不作這事，我也難逃你們的手。
 達:13.23    我不如不作，寧可若在你們手裏，也不願在上主面前犯罪。」
 達:13.24    蘇撒納遂高聲喊叫，這兩個長老為對付她也喊叫起來，
 達:13.25    其中一個跑去開了園門。
 達:13.26    家人一聽見園中的喊聲，就急忙從側門跑進來，要看看她遭遇了什麼事。
 達:13.27    但是當長老們說出這段話以後，僕人們都感覺羞慚，因為從來沒有人說蘇撒納有過這樣的事。
 達:13.28    [蘇撒納受誣被判死刑]  第二天，人民聚集到她丈夫約雅金那裏的時候，那兩個長老也走來了，滿懷惡意，一心要將蘇撒納置於死地。
 達:13.29    他們在人民面前說：「派人將希耳克雅的女兒，約雅金的妻子，蘇撒納帶上來! 」差人便去了。
 達:13.30    蘇撒納同他的父母，她的孩子和所有的親戚都來了。
 達:13.31    蘇撒納長得體態輕盈，相貌美麗。
 達:13.32    這兩個壞人命她除去面紗──因為她原是帶著面紗的──好讓自己飽嘗她的美色。
 達:13.33    她的親友和看見她的人都在哭泣。
 達:13.34    那兩個長老遂在人民中站起來，把手按在蘇撒納的頭上。
 達:13.35    她哭著仰視上天，衷心依賴上主。
 達:13.36    兩個長老說：「當時只有我們兩人在園中散步，她同兩個婢女進來，隨即關了園門，並辭退了兩個婢女。
 達:13.37    一個預先藏在園中的青年人，走到她面前，與她睡在一起。
 達:13.38    我們在園中的角落裏看見這種醜事，便跑到他們那裏。
 達:13.39    我們雖然看見他們二人在一起，但我們卻不能捉住那個青年，因為他比我們有力，他便開門逃走了。
 達:13.40    我們捉住這女人以後，問她那個青年是誰，
 達:13.41    她卻不肯告訴我們：對於這些事，我們是見證。」會眾相信了他們，因為他們是人民的長老和民長，於是便定了蘇撒納的死罪。
 達:13.42    [達尼爾為蘇撒納申冤]  蘇撒納遂大聲呼號說：「永生的天主! 你洞察隱秘的事，凡事在發生以前，你已知道了；
 達:13.43    你知道他們對我所作的是假見證；看，現在我要死了，然而我並沒有作過，他們惡意對我所捏造的事。」
 達:13.44    上主俯聽了她的呼聲；
 達:13.45    當她被押赴刑場的時候，天主感動了一個青年人的聖善心靈，這青年名叫達尼爾，
 達:13.46    他便高聲呼喊說：「對於流這女人的血，我是沒有罪的! 」
 達:13.47    民眾轉過身來問他說：「你說這話有什麼意思呢﹖」
 達:13.48    達尼爾立在民眾中間說：「以色列子民! 你們怎麼這樣糊塗﹖未經審問，不查實情，就定一個以色列女子的罪案嗎﹖
 達:13.49    你們再回審判廳! 因為他們二人作了假見證，誣陷了她。」
 達:13.50    於是民眾急忙回去，眾長老對達尼爾說：「請你來，坐在我們中間，明白地告訴我們，因為天主把長老的智慧賜給了你。」
 達:13.51    達尼爾對他們說：「將這兩個長老隔離開，讓我來審問他們。」
 達:13.52    把他們二人隔開以後，達尼爾叫過其中的一個來，對他說：「你這個一生作惡的老妖，你以前犯的罪，現在已臨到你身上了!
 達:13.53    你宣布不義的裁判，判定無辜者有罪，釋放有罪的人，雖然上主曾說：不可殺害無辜和正義的人。
 達:13.54    如果你真看見了她，現在你告訴我：你看見他們在一起是在什麼樹下﹖」他回答說：「是在乳香樹下。」
 達:13.55    達尼爾說：「夠了! 你在說謊，應砍你的頭，因為天主的天使已奉天主的命，要把你斬為兩段。」
 達:13.56    達尼爾叫他退下，命將另一個帶上來，對他說：「客納罕的苗裔而非猶大的苗裔啊! 美色迷惑了你，淫慾顛倒了你的心。
 達:13.57    你們一向這樣對待了以色列的女子們，她們由於害怕而與你們交往，但是這個猶大女子，卻不能忍受你們的邪惡!
 達:13.58    現在你告訴我：你發現他們在一起，是在什麼樹下﹖」他回答說：「是在樟樹下。」
 達:13.59    達尼爾對他說：「的確，你也一樣在說謊話，也必要砍下你的頭! 天主的天使手中已拿了利劍在等待著，要將你斬為兩段，消滅你們。」
 達:13.60    全會眾遂大聲吶喊，讚美天主，因為他拯救了那些仰望他的人。
 達:13.61    [兩個長老被判死刑]  眾人都起來攻擊那兩個長老，因為達尼爾按照他們二人的口供，證實了他們作假見證；他們怎樣惡意對待了自己的近人，民眾也怎樣對待了他們。
 達:13.62    於是眾人按照梅瑟的法律將他們處死；這樣，那一天救了無辜者的血。
 達:13.63    為此，希耳克雅和他的妻子為女兒蘇撒納，同蘇撒納的丈夫約雅金和自己全體親友，一起稱謝了天主，因為在蘇撒納身上沒有找到什麼敗德的事。
 達:13.64    從那一天以後，達尼爾在人民面前大受尊重。
  
 達:14.1     [達尼爾拒拜貝耳]  阿斯提雅革歸到他祖先那裏以後，波斯人居魯士便繼承了他的王位。
 達:14.2     達尼爾與王住在一起，且受王尊敬，遠在他所有的同僚之上。
 達:14.3     巴比倫有一個偶像名叫貝耳，每天這偶像耗費十二袋細麵，四十隻綿羊和六桶酒。
 達:14.4     君王也恭敬這偶像，每天都去禮拜；但是達尼爾卻崇拜自己的天主。
 達:14.5     君王曾對他說：「為什麼你不崇拜貝耳﹖」達尼爾回答說：「我不敬拜人手製造的偶像，我只敬拜創造天地，主宰全人類的生活的天主。」
 達:14.6     君王對他說：「你不以為貝耳是生活的神嗎﹖你不見貝耳每天吃喝那麼多嗎﹖」
 達:14.7     達尼爾笑著說：「大王，不要受欺騙! 它裏面是泥土，外面是黃銅，決不會吃，也不會喝。」
 達:14.8     君王大怒，命人將貝耳的司祭召來，對他們說：「你們若不告訴我是誰吃了這些供物，你們就該死；如果你能證明是貝耳吃了，達尼爾就該死，因為他褻瀆了貝耳。」
 達:14.9     達尼爾對君王說：「就照你的話做罷! 」貝耳的司祭共有七十人，此外還有他們的妻子和兒女。
 達:14.10    於是君王同達尼爾進了貝耳的廟宇。
 達:14.11    貝耳的司祭們說：「看，我們都出去! 大王! 你擺上食物，供上調好的酒，然後關上廟門，門上蓋上你的御印；明天早上你來時，如果發現不是貝耳吃了這一切食物，我們情願受死；否則，那誣告我們的達尼爾就該死。」
 達:14.12    他們自以為得意，因為他們在供桌下面早開了一個暗門，天天從那裏進來，吃光桌上的供物。
 達:14.13    [達尼爾揭穿秘密]  司祭們出去以後，就在貝耳面前擺上食物。
 達:14.14    達尼爾命自己的僕役拿灰來，只當著君王面前，將灰撒遍整個廟宇，然後出去，將門關好，蓋上君王的御印，就走了。
 達:14.15    到了夜間，司祭們照常各自帶著妻子和孩子進來，吃盡喝盡了一切。
 達:14.16    大清早，君王起來，達尼爾便陪伴著他一同前來；
 達:14.17    君王問他說：「達尼爾! 印封還完好嗎﹖」達尼爾答說：「大王! 印封還完好。」
 達:14.18    及至開了門，君王一看見供桌，即刻大聲喊叫說：「貝耳! 你是偉大的! 你毫無虛假! 」
 達:14.19    達尼爾笑了，並請君王留步，不要進去，說：「請看砌石的地面上；仔細察看這些腳印是誰的腳印﹖」
 達:14.20    君王說：「我看是男人、女人和孩子的腳印。」
 達:14.21    於是君王大怒，令人逮捕了司祭和他們的妻子兒女，這時他們纔給君王指出他們是由暗門進來，吃盡供桌上的食物。
 達:14.22    君王遂將他們殺掉，將貝耳交由達尼爾處理；達尼爾便推翻了貝耳和他的廟宇。
 達:14.23    [達尼爾殺死大龍]  在那地方有一條巴比倫人所敬拜的大龍。
 達:14.24    君王對達尼爾說：「現在你卻不能說這不是生活的神了罷，那麼你就應該崇拜牠。」
 達:14.25    達尼爾回答說：「我崇拜的是上主，我的天主，因為只有他是永生的天主；這條龍不是永生的神。大王! 請給我全權! 我不用刀，也不用棍，就可殺死這條龍。」
 達:14.26    君王說：「我給你全權! 」
 達:14.27    達尼爾取了瀝青、脂油和頭髮，攙和在一起煎熬，作成丸子送到龍口裏；龍吃下以後，就爆裂了。於是達尼爾說：「請看，你們所敬拜的神! 」
 達:14.28    [達尼爾被拋入獅圈]  巴比倫人聽了這事以後，非常憤怒，遂團結起來攻擊君王，說：「君王竟變成了一個猶太人，他推倒了貝耳，擊殺了大龍，屠殺了司祭。」
 達:14.29    他們來見君王說：「請把達尼爾交給我們；否則，我們要殺死你和你全家的人。」
 達:14.30    君王見眾人迫他太甚，不得已只好將達尼爾交給他們。
 達:14.31    他們便將達尼爾拋入獅子圈內，達尼爾在那裏有六天之久。
 達:14.32    圈裏有七隻獅子，每天給牠們兩個屍體，兩隻綿羊，但那時卻沒有給牠們，好叫牠們吞食達尼爾。
 達:14.33    當時在猶大有個先知哈巴谷，他做好了肉湯，把餅切好放在罐裏，正要往田間去，送給收割莊稼的人。
 達:14.34    那時上主的天使便對哈巴谷說：「把你預備下的午飯，帶到巴比倫去，送給在獅子圈裏的達尼爾罷! 」
 達:14.35    哈巴谷說：「我主! 我從未見過巴比倫，也不知道獅子圈在什麼地方。」
 達:14.36    上主的天使便抓緊他的頭頂，握住他的頭髮，將他提起，瞬息之間，把他放在巴比倫的獅子圈口。
 達:14.37    哈巴谷呼喊說：「達尼爾，達尼爾! 請吃天主給你送來的午飯罷! 」
 達:14.38    達尼爾說：「天主! 你想起了我，你沒有拋棄愛慕你的人。」
 達:14.39    於是達尼爾起來吃了；天主的天使立刻又把哈巴谷送回到原來的地方。
 達:14.40    [達尼爾獲救]  到了第七天，君王前來哀悼達尼爾。當他走近獅子圈往裏面觀看時，望見達尼爾坐在那裏。
 達:14.41    君王遂大聲呼喊說：「上主，達尼爾的天主! 你是偉大的，除你以外沒有別的神。」
 達:14.42    於是君王將達尼爾拉上來，將那些想陷害他的人拋進獅子圈裏，頃刻之間，他們在君王面前，便被獅子吞噬了。
 達:14.43    君王遂宣佈說：「全地的君民都應敬畏達尼爾的天主，因為他施救，在地上行了神蹟奇事，從獅子圈裏拯救了達尼爾。」  [達尼爾完篇]
  
 dn:1.       [Dabiel]  14 chapters    [達尼爾]  [英文版]
  
 dn:1.1.     In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came and laid siege to Jerusalem.
 dn:1.2.     The Lord handed over to him Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and some of the vessels of the temple of God, which he carried off to the land of Shinar, and placed in the temple treasury of his god.
 dn:1.3.     The king told Ashpenaz, his chief chamberlain, to bring in some of the Israelites of royal blood and of the nobility,
 dn:1.4.     young men without any defect, handsome, intelligent and wise, quick to learn, and prudent in judgment, such as could take their place in the king's palace; they were to be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans;
 dn:1.5.     after three years' training they were to enter the king's service. The king allotted them a daily portion of food and wine from the royal table.
 dn:1.6.     Among these were men of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
 dn:1.7.     The chief chamberlain changed their names: Daniel to Belteshazzar, Hananiah to Shadrach, Mishael to Meshach, and Azariah to Abednego.
 dn:1.8.     But Daniel was resolved not to defile himself with the king's food or wine; so he begged the chief chamberlain to spare him this defilement.
 dn:1.9.     Though God had given Daniel the favor and sympathy of the chief chamberlain,
 dn:1.10.    he nevertheless said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king; it is he who allotted your food and drink. If he sees that you look wretched by comparison with the other young men of your age, you will endanger my life with the king."
 dn:1.11.    Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief chamberlain had put in charge of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
 dn:1.12.    "Please test your servants for ten days. Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.
 dn:1.13.    Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table, and treat your servants according to what you see."
 dn:1.14.    He acceded to this request, and tested them for ten days;
 dn:1.15.    after ten days they looked healthier and better fed than any of the young men who ate from the royal table.
 dn:1.16.    So the steward continued to take away the food and wine they were to receive, and gave them vegetables.
 dn:1.17.    To these four young men God gave knowledge and proficiency in all literature and science, and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams.
 dn:1.18.    At the end of the time the king had specified for their preparation, the chief chamberlain brought them before Nebuchadnezzar.
 dn:1.19.    When the king had spoken with all of them, none was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; and so they entered the king's service.
 dn:1.20.    In any question of wisdom or prudence which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom.
 dn:1.21.    Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.
  
 dn:2.1.     In the second year of his reign, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which left his spirit no rest and robbed him of his sleep.
 dn:2.2.     So he ordered that the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans be summoned to interpret the dream for him. When they came and presented themselves to the king,
 dn:2.3.     he said to them, "I had a dream which will allow my spirit no rest until I know what it means."
 dn:2.4.     The Chaldeans answered the king (Aramaic): "O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream and we will give its meaning."
 dn:2.5.     The king answered the Chaldeans, "This is what I have decided: unless you tell me the dream and its meaning, you shall be cut to pieces and your houses destroyed.
 dn:2.6.     But if you tell me the dream and its meaning, you shall receive from me gifts and presents and great honors. Now tell me the dream and its meaning."
 dn:2.7.     Again they answered, "Let the king tell his servants the dream and we will give its meaning."
 dn:2.8.     But the king replied: "I know for certain that you are bargaining for time, since you know what I have decided.
 dn:2.9.     If you do not tell me the dream, there can be but one decree for you. You have framed a false and deceitful interpretation to present me with till the crisis is past. Tell me the dream, therefore, that I may be sure that you can also give its correct interpretation."
 dn:2.10.    The Chaldeans answered the king: "There is not a man on earth who can do what you ask, O king; never has any king, however great and mighty, asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or Chaldean.
 dn:2.11.    What you demand, O king, is too difficult; there is no one who can tell it to the king except the gods who do not dwell among men."
 dn:2.12.    At this the king became violently angry and ordered all the wise men of Babylon to be put to death.
 dn:2.13.    When the decree was issued that the wise men should be slain, Daniel and his companions were also sought out.
 dn:2.14.    Then Daniel prudently took counsel with Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had set out to kill the wise men of Babylon:
 dn:2.15.    "O officer of the king," he asked, "what is the reason for this harsh order from the king?" When Arioch told him,
 dn:2.16.    Daniel went and asked for time from the king, that he might give him the interpretation.
 dn:2.17.    Daniel went home and informed his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
 dn:2.18.    that they might implore the mercy of the God of heaven in regard to this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
 dn:2.19.    During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven:
 dn:2.20.    "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power are his.
 dn:2.21.    He causes the changes of the times and seasons, makes kings and unmakes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who understand.
 dn:2.22.    He reveals deep and hidden things and knows what is in the darkness, for the light dwells with him.
 dn:2.23.    To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because you have given me wisdom and power. Now you have shown me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the king's dream."
 dn:2.24.    So Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, "Do not put the wise men of Babylon to death. Bring me before the king, and I will tell him the interpretation of the dream." Arioch quickly brought Daniel to the king and said,
 dn:2.25.    "I have found a man among the Judean captives who can give the interpretation to the king."
 dn:2.26.    The king asked Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Can you tell me the dream that I had, and its meaning?"
 dn:2.27.    In the king's presence Daniel made this reply: "The mystery about which the king has inquired, the wise men, enchanters, magicians, and astrologers could not explain to the king.
 dn:2.28.    But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what is to happen in days to come; this was the dream you saw as you lay in bed.
 dn:2.29.    To you in your bed there came thoughts about what should happen in the future, and he who reveals mysteries showed you what is to be.
 dn:2.30.    To me also this mystery has been revealed; not that I am wiser than any other living person, but in order that its meaning may be made known to the king, that you may understand the thoughts in your own mind.
 dn:2.31.    "In your vision, O king, you saw a statue, very large and exceedingly bright, terrifying in appearance as it stood before you.
 dn:2.32.    The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs bronze,
 dn:2.33.    the legs iron, its feet partly iron and partly tile.
 dn:2.34.    While you looked at the statue, a stone which was hewn from a mountain without a hand being put to it, struck its iron and tile feet, breaking them in pieces.
 dn:2.35.    The iron, tile, bronze, silver, and gold all crumbled at once, fine as the chaff on the threshing floor in summer, and the wind blew them away without leaving a trace. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
 dn:2.36.    "This was the dream; the interpretation we shall also give in the king's presence.
 dn:2.37.    You, O king, are the king of kings; to you the God of heaven has given dominion and strength, power and glory;
 dn:2.38.    men, wild beasts, and birds of the air, wherever they may dwell, he has handed over to you, making you ruler over them all; you are the head of gold.
 dn:2.39.    Another kingdom shall take your place, inferior to yours, then a third kingdom, of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth.
 dn:2.40.    There shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; it shall break in pieces and subdue all these others, just as iron breaks in pieces and crushes everything else.
 dn:2.41.    The feet and toes you saw, partly of potter's tile and partly of iron, mean that it shall be a divided kingdom, but yet have some of the hardness of iron. As you saw the iron mixed with clay tile,
 dn:2.42.    and the toes partly iron and partly tile, the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.
 dn:2.43.    The iron mixed with clay tile means that they shall seal their alliances by intermarriage, but they shall not stay united, any more than iron mixes with clay.
 dn:2.44.    In the lifetime of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed or delivered up to another people; rather, it shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and put an end to them, and it shall stand forever.
 dn:2.45.    That is the meaning of the stone you saw hewn from the mountain without a hand being put to it, which broke in pieces the tile, iron, bronze, silver, and gold. The great God has revealed to the king what shall be in the future; this is exactly what you dreamed, and its meaning is sure."
 dn:2.46.    Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell down and worshiped Daniel and ordered sacrifice and incense offered to him.
 dn:2.47.    To Daniel the king said, "Truly your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries; that is why you were able to reveal this mystery."
 dn:2.48.    He advanced Daniel to a high post, gave him many generous presents, made him ruler of the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
 dn:2.49.    At Daniel's request the king made Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego administrators of the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the king's court.
  
 dn:3.1.     King Nebuchadnezzar had a golden statue made, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, which he set up in the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.
 dn:3.2.     He then ordered the satraps, prefects, and governors, the counselors, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the officials of the provinces to be summoned to the dedication of the statue which he had set up.
 dn:3.3.     The satraps, prefects, and governors, the counselors, treasurers, judges, and magistrates and all the officials of the provinces, all these came together for the dedication and stood before the statue which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
 dn:3.4.     A herald cried out: "Nations and peoples of every language, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments,
 dn:3.5.     you are ordered to fall down and worship the golden statue which King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.
 dn:3.6.     Whoever does not fall down and worship shall be instantly cast into a white-hot furnace."
 dn:3.7.     Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments, the nations and peoples of every language all fell down and worshiped the golden statue which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
 dn:3.8.     At that point, some of the Chaldeans came and accused the Jews
 dn:3.9.     to King Nebuchadnezzar: "O king, live forever!
 dn:3.10.    O king, you issued a decree that everyone who heard the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments should fall down and worship the golden statue;
 dn:3.11.    whoever did not was to be cast into a white-hot furnace.
 dn:3.12.    There are certain Jews whom you have made administrators of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego; these men, O king, have paid no attention to you; they will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up."
 dn:3.13.    Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and sent for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were promptly brought before the king.
 dn:3.14.    King Nebuchadnezzar questioned them: "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will not serve my god, or worship the golden statue that I set up?
 dn:3.15.    Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments; otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace; and who is the God that can deliver you out of my hands?"
 dn:3.16.    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter.
 dn:3.17.    If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us!
 dn:3.18.    But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up."
 dn:3.19.    Nebuchadnezzar's face became livid with utter rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual
 dn:3.20.    and had some of the strongest men in his army bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the white-hot furnace.
 dn:3.21.    They were bound and cast into the white-hot furnace with their coats, hats, shoes and other garments,
 dn:3.22.    for the king's order was urgent. So huge a fire was kindled in the furnace that the flames devoured the men who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into it.
 dn:3.23.    But these three fell, bound, into the midst of the white-hot furnace.
 dn:3.24.    They walked about in the flames, singing to God and blessing the Lord.
 dn:3.25.    In the fire Azariah stood up and prayed aloud:
 dn:3.26.    "Blessed are you, and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and glorious forever is your name.
 dn:3.27.    For you are just in all you have done; all your deeds are faultless, all your ways right, and all your judgments proper.
 dn:3.28.    You have executed proper judgments in all that you have brought upon us and upon Jerusalem, the holy city of our fathers. By a proper judgment you have done all this because of our sins;
 dn:3.29.    For we have sinned and transgressed by departing from you, and we have done every kind of evil.
 dn:3.30.    Your commandments we have not heeded or observed, nor have we done as you ordered us for our good.
 dn:3.31.    Therefore all you have brought upon us, all you have done to us,you have done by a proper judgment.
 dn:3.32.    You have handed us over to our enemies, lawless and hateful rebels; to an unjust king, the worst in all the world.
 dn:3.33.    Now we cannot open our mouths; we, your servants, who revere you, have become a shame and a reproach.
 dn:3.34.    For your name's sake, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant.
 dn:3.35.    Do not take away your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your beloved, Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one,
 dn:3.36.    To whom you promised to multiply their offspring like the stars of heaven, or the sand on the shore of the sea.
 dn:3.37.    For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins.
 dn:3.38.    We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no holocaust, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you.
 dn:3.39.    But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received;
 dn:3.40.    As though it were holocausts of rams and bullocks, or thousands of fat lambs, So let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame.
 dn:3.41.    And now we follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and we pray to you.
 dn:3.42.    Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.
 dn:3.43.    Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord:
 dn:3.44.    Let all those be routed who inflict evils on your servants; Let them be shamed and powerless, and their strength broken;
 dn:3.45.    Let them know that you alone are the Lord God, glorious over the whole world."
 dn:3.46.    Now the king's men who had thrown them in continued to stoke the furnace with brimstone, pitch, tow, and faggots.
 dn:3.47.    The flames rose forty-nine cubits above the furnace,
 dn:3.48.    and spread out, burning the Chaldeans nearby.
 dn:3.49.    But the angel of the Lord went down into the furnace with Azariah and his companions, drove the fiery flames out of the furnace,
 dn:3.50.    and made the inside of the furnace as though a dew-laden breeze were blowing through it. The fire in no way touched them or caused them pain or harm.
 dn:3.51.    Then these three in the furnace with one voice sang, glorifying and blessing God:
 dn:3.52.    "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.
 dn:3.53.    Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.
 dn:3.54.    Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
 dn:3.55.    Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
 dn:3.56.    Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.
 dn:3.57.    Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.58.    Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.59.    You heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.60.    All you waters above the heavens, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.61.    All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.62.    Sun and moon, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.63.    Stars of heaven, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.64.    Every shower and dew, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.65.    All you winds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.66.    Fire and heat, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.67.    [Cold and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.68.    Dew and rain, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.69.    Frost and chill, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.70.    Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.71.    Nights and days, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.72.    Light and darkness, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.73.    Lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.74.    Let the earth bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.75.    Mountains and hills, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.76.    Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.77.    You springs, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.78.    Seas and rivers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.79.    You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.80.    All you birds of the air, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.81.    All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.82.    You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.83.    O Israel, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.84.    Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.85.    Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.86.    Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.87.    Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever.
 dn:3.88.    Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. For he has delivered us from the nether world, and saved us from the power of death; He has freed us from the raging flame and delivered us from the fire.
 dn:3.89.    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
 dn:3.90.    Bless the God of gods, all you who fear the Lord; praise him and give him thanks, because his mercy endures forever." Hearing them sing, and astonished at seeing them alive,
 dn:3.91.    King Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" "Assuredly, O king," they answered.
 dn:3.92.    "But," he replied, "I see four men unfettered and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God."
 dn:3.93.    Then Nebuchadnezzar came to the opening of the white-hot furnace and called to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "Servants of the most high God, come out." Thereupon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire.
 dn:3.94.    When the satraps, prefects, governors, and nobles of the king came together, they saw that the fire had had no power over the bodies of these men; not a hair of their heads had been singed, nor were their garments altered; there was not even a smell of fire about them.
 dn:3.95.    Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants that trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
 dn:3.96.    Therefore I decree for nations and peoples of every language that whoever blasphemes the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut to pieces and his house destroyed. For there is no other God who can rescue like this."
 dn:3.97.    Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
 dn:3.98.    King Nebuchadnezzar to the nations and peoples of every language, wherever they dwell on earth: abundant peace!
 dn:3.99.    It has seemed good to me to publish the signs and wonders which the most high God has accomplished in my regard.
 dn:3.100.   How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders; his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures through all generations.
  
 dn:4.1.     Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, content and prosperous.
 dn:4.2.     I had a terrifying dream as I lay in bed, and the images and the visions of my mind frightened me.
 dn:4.3.     So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me to give the interpretation of the dream.
 dn:4.4.     When the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers had come in, I related the dream before them; but none of them could tell me its meaning.
 dn:4.5.     Finally there came before me Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy God. I repeated the dream to him:
 dn:4.6.     "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy God is in you and no mystery is too difficult for you; tell me the meaning of the visions that I saw in my dream.
 dn:4.7.     "These were the visions I saw while in bed: I saw a tree of great height at the center of the world.
 dn:4.8.     It was large and strong, with its top touching the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of the earth.
 dn:4.9.     Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, providing food for all. Under it the wild beasts found shade, in its branches the birds of the air nested; all men ate of it.
 dn:4.10.    In the vision I saw while in bed, a holy sentinel came down from heaven,
 dn:4.11.    and cried out: " 'Cut down the tree and lop off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit; let the beasts flee its shade, and the birds its branches.
 dn:4.12.    But leave in the earth its stump and roots, fettered with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field. Let him be bathed with the dew of heaven; his lot be to eat, among beasts, the grass of the earth.
 dn:4.13.    Let his mind be changed from the human; let him be given the sense of a beast, till seven years pass over him.
 dn:4.14.    By decree of the sentinels is this decided, by order of the holy ones, this sentence; That all who live may know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men: He can give it to whom he will, or set over it the lowliest of men.'
 dn:4.15.    "This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me its meaning. Although none of the wise men in my kingdom can tell me the meaning, you can, because the spirit of the holy God is in you."
 dn:4.16.    Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while, terrified by his thoughts. "Belteshazzar," the king said to him, "let not the dream or its meaning terrify you."
 dn:4.17.    "My lord," Belteshazzar replied, "this dream should be for your enemies, and its meaning for your foes. The large, strong tree that you saw, with its top touching the heavens, that could be seen by the whole earth,
 dn:4.18.    which had beautiful foliage and abundant fruit, providing food for all, under which the wild beasts lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air dwelt--
 dn:4.19.    you are that tree, O king, large and strong! Your majesty has become so great as to touch the heavens, and your rule extends over the whole earth.
 dn:4.20.    As for the king's vision of a holy sentinel that came down from heaven and proclaimed: 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave in the earth its stump and roots, fettered with iron and bronze in the grass of the field; let him be bathed with the dew of heaven, and let his lot be among wild beasts till seven years pass over him'-
 dn:4.21.    this is its meaning, O king; this is the sentence which the Most High has passed upon my lord king:
 dn:4.22.    You shall be cast out from among men and dwell with wild beasts; you shall be given grass to eat like an ox and be bathed with the dew of heaven; seven years shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.
 dn:4.23.    The command that the stump and roots of the tree are to be left means that your kingdom shall be preserved for you, once you have learned it is heaven that rules.
 dn:4.24.    Therefore, O king, take my advice; atone for your sins by good deeds, and for your misdeeds by kindness to the poor; then your prosperity will be long."
 dn:4.25.    All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.
 dn:4.26.    Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace in Babylon,
 dn:4.27.    the king said, "Babylon the great! Was it not I, with my great strength, who built it as a royal residence for my splendor and majesty?"
 dn:4.28.    While these words were still on the king's lips, a voice spoke from heaven, "It has been decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that your kingdom is taken from you!
 dn:4.29.    You shall be cast out from among men, and shall dwell with wild beasts; you shall be given grass to eat like an ox, and seven years shall pass over you, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will."
 dn:4.30.    At once this was fulfilled. Nebuchadnezzar was cast out from among men, he ate grass like an ox, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle, and his nails like the claws of a bird.
 dn:4.31.    When this period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes to heaven; my reason was restored to me, and I blessed the Most High, I praised and glorified him who lives forever: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures through all generations.
 dn:4.32.    All who live on the earth are counted as nothing; he does as he pleases with the powers of heaven as well as with those who live on the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"
 dn:4.33.    At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and my splendor returned to me. My nobles and lords sought me out; I was restored to my kingdom, and became much greater than before.
 dn:4.34.    Therefore, I, Nebuchadnezzar, now praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because all his works are right and his ways just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
  
 dn:5.1.     King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his lords, with whom he drank.
 dn:5.2.     Under the influence of the wine, he ordered the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar, his father, had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, to be brought in so that the king, his lords, his wives and his entertainers might drink from them.
 dn:5.3.     When the gold and silver vessels taken from the house of God in Jerusalem had been brought in, and while the king, his lords, his wives and his entertainers were drinking
 dn:5.4.     wine from them, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.
 dn:5.5.     Suddenly, opposite the lampstand, the fingers of a human hand appeared, writing on the plaster of the wall in the king's palace. When the king saw the wrist and hand that wrote,
 dn:5.6.     his face blanched; his thoughts terrified him, his hip joints shook, and his knees knocked.
 dn:5.7.     The king shouted for the enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers to be brought in. "Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means," he said to the wise men of Babylon, "shall be clothed in purple, wear a golden collar about his neck, and be third in the government of the kingdom."
 dn:5.8.     But though all the king's wise men came in, none of them could either read the writing or tell the king what it meant.
 dn:5.9.     Then King Belshazzar was greatly terrified; his face went ashen, and his lords were thrown into confusion.
 dn:5.10.    When the queen heard of the discussion between the king and his lords, she entered the banquet hall and said, "O king, live forever! Be not troubled in mind, nor look so pale!
 dn:5.11.    There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy God; during the lifetime of your father he was seen to have brilliant knowledge and god-like wisdom. In fact, King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers,
 dn:5.12.    because of the extraordinary mind possessed by this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. He knew and understood how to interpret dreams, explain enigmas, and solve difficulties. Now therefore, summon Daniel to tell you what this means."
 dn:5.13.    Then Daniel was brought into the presence of the king. The king asked him, "Are you the Daniel, the Jewish exile, whom my father, the king, brought from Judah?
 dn:5.14.    I have heard that the spirit of God is in you, that you possess brilliant knowledge and extraordinary wisdom.
 dn:5.15.    Now, the wise men and enchanters were brought in to me to read this writing and tell me its meaning, but they could not say what the words meant.
 dn:5.16.    But I have heard that you can interpret dreams and solve difficulties; if you are able to read the writing and tell me what it means, you shall be clothed in purple, wear a gold collar about your neck, and be third in the government of the kingdom."
 dn:5.17.    Daniel answered the king: "You may keep your gifts, or give your presents to someone else; but the writing I will read for you, O king, and tell you what it means.
 dn:5.18.    The Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar a great kingdom and glorious majesty.
 dn:5.19.    Because he made him so great, the nations and peoples of every language dreaded and feared him. Whomever he wished, he killed or let live; whomever he wished, he exalted or humbled.
 dn:5.20.    But when his heart became proud and his spirit hardened by insolence, he was put down from his royal throne and deprived of his glory;
 dn:5.21.    he was cast out from among men and was made insensate as a beast; he lived with wild asses, and ate grass like an ox; his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until he learned that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of men and appoints over it whom he will.
 dn:5.22.    You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this;
 dn:5.23.    you have rebelled against the Lord of heaven. You had the vessels of his temple brought before you, so that you and your nobles, your wives and your entertainers, might drink wine from them; and you praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, that neither see nor hear nor have intelligence. But the God in whose hand is your life breath and the whole course of your life, you did not glorify.
 dn:5.24.    By him were the wrist and hand sent, and the writing set down.
 dn:5.25.    "This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, TEKEL, and PERES. These words mean:
 dn:5.26.    MENE, God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it;
 dn:5.27.    TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting;
 dn:5.28.    PERES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
 dn:5.29.    Then by order of Belshazzar they clothed Daniel in purple, with a gold collar about his neck, and proclaimed him third in the government of the kingdom.
 dn:5.30.    The same night Belshazzar, the Chaldean king, was slain:
  
 dn:6.1      And Darius the Mede succeeded to the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.
 dn:6.2.     Darius decided to appoint over his entire kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to safeguard his interests;
 dn:6.3.     these were accountable to three supervisors, one of whom was Daniel.
 dn:6.4.     Daniel outshone all the supervisors and satraps because an extraordinary spirit was in him, and the king thought of giving him authority over the entire kingdom.
 dn:6.5.     Therefore the supervisors and satraps tried to find grounds for accusation against Daniel as regards the administration. But they could accuse him of no wrongdoing; because he was trustworthy, no fault of neglect or misconduct was to be found in him.
 dn:6.6.     Then these men said to themselves, "We shall find no grounds for accusation against this Daniel unless by way of the law of his God."
 dn:6.7.     So these supervisors and satraps went thronging to the king and said to him, "King Darius, live forever!
 dn:6.8.     All the supervisors of the kingdom, the prefects, satraps, nobles, and governors are agreed that the following prohibition ought to be put in force by royal decree: no one is to address any petition to god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king; otherwise he shall be cast into a den of lions.
 dn:6.9.     Now, O king, issue the prohibition over your signature, immutable and irrevocable under Mede and Persian law."
 dn:6.10.    So King Darius signed the prohibition and made it law.
 dn:6.11.    Even after Daniel heard that this law had been signed, he continued his custom of going home to kneel in prayer and give thanks to his God in the upper chamber three times a day, with the windows open toward Jerusalem.
 dn:6.12.    So these men rushed in and found Daniel praying and pleading before his God.
 dn:6.13.    Then they went to remind the king about the prohibition: "Did you not decree, O king, that no one is to address a petition to god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king; otherwise he shall be cast into a den of lions?" The king answered them, "The decree is absolute, irrevocable under the Mede and Persian law."
 dn:6.14.    To this they replied, "Daniel, the Jewish exile, has paid no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you issued; three times a day he offers his prayer."
 dn:6.15.    The king was deeply grieved at this news and he made up his mind to save Daniel; he worked till sunset to rescue him.
 dn:6.16.    But these men insisted. "Keep in mind, O king," they said, "that under the Mede and Persian law every royal prohibition or decree is irrevocable."
 dn:6.17.    So the king ordered Daniel to be brought and cast into the lions' den. To Daniel he said, "May your God, whom you serve so constantly, save you."
 dn:6.18.    To forestall any tampering, the king sealed with his own ring and the rings of the lords the stone that had been brought to block the opening of the den.
 dn:6.19.    Then the king returned to his palace for the night; he refused to eat and he dismissed the entertainers. Since sleep was impossible for him,
 dn:6.20.    the king rose very early the next morning and hastened to the lions' den.
 dn:6.21.    As he drew near, he cried out to Daniel sorrowfully, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has the God whom you serve so constantly been able to save you from the lions?"
 dn:6.22.    Daniel answered the king: "O king, live forever!
 dn:6.23.    My God has sent his angel and closed the lions' mouths so that they have not hurt me. For I have been found innocent before him; neither to you have I done any harm, O king!"
 dn:6.24.    This gave the king great joy. At his order Daniel was removed from the den, unhurt because he trusted in his God.
 dn:6.25.    The king then ordered the men who had accused Daniel, along with their children and their wives, to be cast into the lions' den. Before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
 dn:6.26.    Then King Darius wrote to the nations and peoples of every language, wherever they dwell on the earth: "All peace to you!
 dn:6.27.    I decree that throughout my royal domain the God of Daniel is to be reverenced and feared: "For he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be without end.
 dn:6.28.    He is a deliverer and savior, working signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, and he delivered Daniel from the lions' power."
 dn:6.29.    So Daniel fared well during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
  
 dn:7.1      In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream as he lay in bed, and was terrified by the visions of his mind. Then he wrote down the dream; the account began:
 dn:7.2.     In the vision I saw during the night, suddenly the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea,
 dn:7.3.     from which emerged four immense beasts, each different from the others.
 dn:7.4.     The first was like a lion, but with eagle's wings. While I watched, the wings were plucked; it was raised from the ground to stand on two feet like a man, and given a human mind.
 dn:7.5.     The second was like a bear; it was raised up on one side, and among the teeth in its mouth were three tusks. It was given the order, "Up, devour much flesh."
 dn:7.6.     After this I looked and saw another beast, like a leopard; on its back were four wings like those of a bird, and it had four heads. To this beast dominion was given.
 dn:7.7.     After this, in the visions of the night I saw the fourth beast, different from all the others, terrifying, horrible, and of extraordinary strength; it had great iron teeth with which it devoured and crushed, and what was left it trampled with its feet.
 dn:7.8.     I was considering the ten horns it had, when suddenly another, a little horn, sprang out of their midst, and three of the previous horns were torn away to make room for it. This horn had eyes like a man, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly.
 dn:7.9.     As I watched, Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire.
 dn:7.10.    A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.
 dn:7.11.    I watched, then, from the first of the arrogant words which the horn spoke, until the beast was slain and its body thrown into the fire to be burnt up.
 dn:7.12.    The other beasts, which also lost their dominion, were granted a prolongation of life for a time and a season.
 dn:7.13.    As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him,
 dn:7.14.    He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
 dn:7.15.    I, Daniel, found my spirit anguished within its sheath of flesh, and I was terrified by the visions of my mind.
 dn:7.16.    I approached one of those present and asked him what all this meant in truth; in answer, he made known to me the meaning of the things:
 dn:7.17.    "These four great beasts stand for four kingdoms which shall arise on the earth.
 dn:7.18.    But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingship, to possess it forever and ever."
 dn:7.19.    But I wished to make certain about the fourth beast, so very terrible and different from the others, devouring and crushing with its iron teeth and bronze claws, and trampling with its feet what was left;
 dn:7.20.    about the ten horns on its head, and the other one that sprang up, before which three horns fell; about the horn with the eyes and the mouth that spoke arrogantly, which appeared greater than its fellows.
 dn:7.21.    For, as I watched, that horn made war against the holy ones and was victorious
 dn:7.22.    until the Ancient One arrived; judgment was pronounced in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, and the time came when the holy ones possessed the kingdom.
 dn:7.23.    He answered me thus: "The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, different from all the others; It shall devour the whole earth, beat it down, and crush it.
 dn:7.24.    The ten horns shall be ten kings rising out of that kingdom; another shall rise up after them, Different from those before him, who shall lay low three kings.
 dn:7.25.    He shall speak against the Most High and oppress the holy ones of the Most High, thinking to change the feast days and the law. They shall be handed over to him for a year, two years, and a half-year.
 dn:7.26.    But when the court is convened, and his power is taken away by final and absolute destruction,
 dn:7.27.    Then the kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, Whose kingdom shall be everlasting: all dominions shall serve and obey him."
 dn:7.28.    The report concluded: I, Daniel, was greatly terrified by my thoughts, and my face blanched, but I kept the matter to myself.
  
 dn:8.1      After this first vision, I, Daniel, had another, in the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar.
 dn:8.2.     In my vision I saw myself in the fortress of Susa in the province of Elam; I was beside the river Ulai.
 dn:8.3.     I looked up and saw standing by the river a ram with two great horns, the one larger and newer than the other.
 dn:8.4.     I saw the ram butting toward the west, north, and south. No beast could withstand it or be rescued from its power; it did what it pleased and became very powerful.
 dn:8.5.     As I was reflecting, a he-goat with a prominent horn on its forehead suddenly came from the west across the whole earth without touching the ground.
 dn:8.6.     It approached the two-horned ram I had seen standing by the river, and rushed toward it with savage force.
 dn:8.7.     I saw it attack the ram with furious blows when they met, and break both its horns. It threw the ram, which had not the force to withstand it, to the ground, and trampled upon it; and no one could rescue it from its power.
 dn:8.8.     The he-goat became very powerful, but at the height of its power the great horn was shattered, and in its place came up four others, facing the four winds of heaven.
 dn:8.9.     Out of one of them came a little horn which kept growing toward the south, the east, and the glorious country.
 dn:8.10.    Its power extended to the host of heaven, so that it cast down to earth some of the host and some of the stars and trampled on them.
 dn:8.11.    It boasted even against the prince of the host, from whom it removed the daily sacrifice, and whose sanctuary it cast down,
 dn:8.12.    as well as the host, while sin replaced the daily sacrifice. It cast truth to the ground, and was succeeding in its undertaking.
 dn:8.13.    I heard a holy one speaking, and another said to whichever one it was that spoke, "How long shall the events of this vision last concerning the daily sacrifice, the desolating sin which is placed there, the sanctuary, and the trampled host?"
 dn:8.14.    He answered him, "For two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be purified."
 dn:8.15.    While I, Daniel, sought the meaning of the vision I had seen, a manlike figure stood before me,
 dn:8.16.    and on the Ulai I heard a human voice that cried out, "Gabriel, explain the vision to this man."
 dn:8.17.    When he came near where I was standing, I fell prostrate in terror. But he said to me, "Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the end time."
 dn:8.18.    As he spoke to me, I fell forward in a faint; he touched me and made me stand up.
 dn:8.19.    "I will show you," he said, "what is to happen later in the period of wrath; for at the appointed time, there will be an end.
 dn:8.20.    "The two-horned ram you saw represents the kings of the Medes and Persians.
 dn:8.21.    The he-goat is the king of the Greeks, and the great horn on its forehead is the first king.
 dn:8.22.    The four that rose in its place when it was broken are four kingdoms that will issue from his nation, but without his strength.
 dn:8.23.    "After their reign, when sinners have reached their measure, There shall arise a king, impudent and skilled in intrigue.
 dn:8.24.    He shall be strong and powerful, bring about fearful ruin, and succeed in his undertaking. He shall destroy powerful peoples;
 dn:8.25.    his cunning shall be against the holy ones, his treacherous conduct shall succeed. He shall be proud of heart and destroy many by stealth. But when he rises against the prince of princes, he shall be broken without a hand being raised.
 dn:8.26.    The vision of the evenings and the mornings is true, as spoken; Do you, however, keep this vision undisclosed, because the days are to be many."
 dn:8.27.    I, Daniel, was weak and ill for some days; then I arose and took care of the king's affairs. But I was appalled at the vision, which I could not understand.
  
 dn:9.1      It was the first year that Darius, son of Ahasuerus, of the race of the Medes, reigned over the kingdom of the Chaldeans;
 dn:9.2.     in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, tried to understand in the Scriptures the counting of the years of which the LORD spoke to the prophet Jeremiah: that for the ruins of Jerusalem seventy years must be fulfilled.
 dn:9.3.     I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
 dn:9.4.     I prayed to the LORD, my God, and confessed, "Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments!
 dn:9.5.     We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
 dn:9.6.     We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land.
 dn:9.7.     Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you.
 dn:9.8.     O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you.
 dn:9.9.     But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you
 dn:9.10.    and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.
 dn:9.11.    Because all Israel transgressed your law and went astray, not heeding your voice, the sworn malediction, recorded in the law of Moses, the servant of God, was poured out over us for our sins.
 dn:9.12.    You carried out the threats you spoke against us and against those who governed us, by bringing upon us in Jerusalem the greatest calamity that has ever occurred under heaven.
 dn:9.13.    As it is written in the law of Moses, this calamity came full upon us. As we did not appease the LORD, our God, by turning back from our wickedness and recognizing his constancy,
 dn:9.14.    so the LORD kept watch over the calamity and brought it upon us. You, O LORD, our God, are just in all that you have done, for we did not listen to your voice.
 dn:9.15.    "Now, O Lord, our God, who led your people out of the land of Egypt with a strong hand, and made a name for yourself even to this day, we have sinned, we are guilty.
 dn:9.16.    O Lord, in keeping with all your just deeds, let your anger and your wrath be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain. On account of our sins and the crimes of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become the reproach of all our neighbors.
 dn:9.17.    Hear, therefore, O God, the prayer and petition of your servant; and for your own sake, O Lord, let your face shine upon your desolate sanctuary.
 dn:9.18.    Give ear, O my God, and listen; open your eyes and see our ruins and the city which bears your name. When we present our petition before you, we rely not on our just deeds, but on your great mercy.
 dn:9.19.    O Lord, hear! O Lord, pardon! O Lord, be attentive and act without delay, for your own sake, O my God, because this city and your people bear your name!"
 dn:9.20.    I was still occupied with my prayer, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, presenting my petition to the LORD, my God, on behalf of his holy mountain--
 dn:9.21.    I was still occupied with this prayer, when Gabriel, the one whom I had seen before in vision, came to me in rapid flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.
 dn:9.22.    He instructed me in these words: "Daniel, I have now come to give you understanding.
 dn:9.23.    When you began your petition, an answer was given which I have come to announce, because you are beloved. Therefore, mark the answer and understand the vision.
 dn:9.24.    "Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and for your holy city: Then transgression will stop and sin will end, guilt will be expiated, Everlasting justice will be introduced, vision and prophecy ratified, and a most holy will be anointed.
 dn:9.25.    Know and understand this: From the utterance of the word that Jerusalem was to be rebuilt Until one who is anointed and a leader, there shall be seven weeks. During sixty-two weeks it shall be rebuilt, With streets and trenches, in time of affliction.
 dn:9.26.    After the sixty-two weeks an anointed shall be cut down when he does not possess the city; And the people of a leader who will come shall destroy the sanctuary. Then the end shall come like a torrent; until the end there shall be war, the desolation that is decreed.
 dn:9.27.    For one week he shall make a firm compact with the many; Half the week he shall abolish sacrifice and oblation; On the temple wing shall be the horrible abomination until the ruin that is decreed is poured out upon the horror."
  
 dn:10.1     In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel, who had been named Belteshazzar. The revelation was certain: a great war; he understood it from the vision.
 dn:10.2.    In those days, I, Daniel, mourned three full weeks.
 dn:10.3.    I ate no savory food, I took no meat or wine, and I did not anoint myself at all until the end of the three weeks.
 dn:10.4.    On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was on the bank of the great river, the Tigris.
 dn:10.5.    As I looked up, I saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold around his waist.
 dn:10.6.    His body was like chrysolite, his face shown like lightning, his eyes were like fiery torches, his arms and feet looked like burnished bronze, and his voice sounded like the roar of a multitude.
 dn:10.7.    I alone, Daniel, saw the vision; but great fear seized the men who were with me; they fled and hid themselves, although they did not see the vision.
 dn:10.8.    So I was left alone, seeing this great vision. No strength remained in me; I turned the color of death and was powerless.
 dn:10.9.    When I heard the sound of his voice, I fell face forward in a faint.
 dn:10.10.   But then a hand touched me, raising me to my hands and knees.
 dn:10.11.   "Daniel, beloved," he said to me, "understand the words which I am speaking to you; stand up, for my mission now is to you." When he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
 dn:10.12.   "Fear not, Daniel," he continued; "from the first day you made up your mind to acquire understanding and humble yourself before God, your prayer was heard. Because of it I started out,
 dn:10.13.   but the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood in my way for twenty-one days, until finally Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kings of Persia,
 dn:10.14.   and came to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the days to come; for there is yet a vision concerning those days."
 dn:10.15.   While he was speaking thus to me, I fell forward and kept silent.
 dn:10.16.   Then something like a man's hand touched my lips; I opened my mouth and said to the one facing me, "My lord, I was seized with pangs at the vision and I was powerless.
 dn:10.17.   How can my lord's servant speak with you, my lord? For now no strength or even breath is left in me."
 dn:10.18.   The one who looked like a man touched me again and strengthened me, saying,
 dn:10.19.   "Fear not, beloved, you are safe; take courage and be strong."
 dn:10.20.   When he spoke to me, I grew strong and said, "Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me." "Do you know," he asked, "why I have come to you? Soon I must fight the prince of Persia again. When I leave, the prince of Greece will come;
 dn:10.21.   but I shall tell you what is written in the truthful book. No one supports me against all these except Michael, your prince,
  
 dn:11.1.    standing as a reinforcement and a bulwark for me.
 dn:11.2.    Now I shall tell you the truth. "Three kings of Persia are yet to come; and a fourth shall acquire the greatest riches of all. Strengthened by his riches, he shall rouse all the kingdom of Greece.
 dn:11.3.    But a powerful king shall appear and rule with great might, doing as he pleases.
 dn:11.4.    No sooner shall he appear than his kingdom shall be broken and divided in four directions under heaven; but not among his descendants or in keeping with his mighty rule, for his kingdom shall be torn to pieces and belong to others than they.
 dn:11.5.    "The king of the south shall grow strong, but one of his princes shall grow stronger still and govern a domain greater than his.
 dn:11.6.    After some years they shall become allies: the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north in the interest of peace. But her bid for power shall fail: and her line shall not be recognized, and she shall be given up, together with those who brought her, her son and her husband. But later
 dn:11.7.    a descendant of her line shall succeed to his rank, and shall come against the rampart and enter the stronghold of the king of the north, and conquer them.
 dn:11.8.    Even their gods, with their molten images and their precious vessels of silver and gold, he shall carry away as booty into Egypt. For years he shall have nothing to do with the king of the north.
 dn:11.9.    Then the latter shall invade the land of the king of the south, and return to his own country.
 dn:11.10.   "But his sons shall prepare and assemble a great armed host, which shall advance like a flood, then withdraw. When it returns and surges around the stronghold,
 dn:11.11.   the king of the south, provoked, shall go out to fight against the king of the north, whose great host shall make a stand but shall be given into his hand
 dn:11.12.   and be carried off. In the pride of his heart, he shall lay low tens of thousands, but he shall not triumph.
 dn:11.13.   For the king of the north shall raise another army, greater than before; after some years he shall attack with this large army and great resources.
 dn:11.14.   In those times many shall resist the king of the south, and outlaws of your people shall rise up in fulfillment of vision, but they shall fail.
 dn:11.15.   When the king of the north comes, he shall set up siegeworks and take the fortified city by storm. The power of the south shall not withstand him, and not even his picked troops shall have the strength to resist.
 dn:11.16.   He shall attack him and do as he pleases, with no one to withstand him. He shall stop in the glorious land, dealing destruction.
 dn:11.17.   He shall set himself to penetrate the entire strength of his kingdom. He shall conclude an agreement with him and give him a daughter in marriage in order to destroy the kingdom, but this shall not succeed in his favor.
 dn:11.18.   He shall turn to the coastland and take many, but a leader shall put an end to his shameful conduct, so that he cannot renew it against him.
 dn:11.19.   He shall turn to the strongholds of his own land, but shall stumble and fall, to be found no more.
 dn:11.20.   In his stead one shall arise who will send a tax collector through the glorious kingdom, but he shall soon be destroyed, though not in conflict or in battle.
 dn:11.21.   "There shall rise in his place a despicable person, to whom the royal insignia shall not be given. By stealth and fraud he shall seize the kingdom.
 dn:11.22.   Armed might shall be completely overwhelmed by him and crushed, and even the prince of the covenant.
 dn:11.23.   After allying with him, he shall treacherously rise to power with a small party.
 dn:11.24.   By stealth he shall enter prosperous provinces and do that which his fathers or grandfathers never did; he shall distribute spoil, booty, and riches among them and devise plots against their strongholds; but only for a time.
 dn:11.25.   He shall call on his strength and cleverness to meet the king of the south with a great army; the king of the south shall prepare for battle with a very large and strong army, but he shall not succeed because of the plots devised against him.
 dn:11.26.   Even his table companions shall seek to destroy him, his army shall be overwhelmed, and many shall fall slain.
 dn:11.27.   The two kings, resolved on evil, shall sit at table together and exchange lies, but they shall have no success, because the appointed end is not yet.
 dn:11.28.   "He shall turn back toward his land with great riches, his mind set against the holy covenant; he shall arrange matters and return to his land.
 dn:11.29.   At the time appointed he shall come again to the south, but this time it shall not be as before.
 dn:11.30.   When ships of the Kittim confront him, he shall lose heart and retreat. Then he shall direct his rage and energy against the holy covenant; those who forsake it he shall once more single out.
 dn:11.31.   Armed forces shall move at his command and defile the sanctuary stronghold, abolishing the daily sacrifice and setting up the horrible abomination.
 dn:11.32.   By his deceit he shall make some who were disloyal to the covenant apostatize; but those who remain loyal to their God shall take strong action.
 dn:11.33.   The nation's wise men shall instruct the many; though for a time they will become victims of the sword, of flames, exile, and plunder.
 dn:11.34.   When they fall, few people shall help them, but many shall join them out of treachery.
 dn:11.35.   Of the wise men, some shall fall, so that the rest may be tested, refined, and purified, until the end time which is still appointed to come.
 dn:11.36.   "The king shall do as he pleases, exalting himself and making himself greater than any god; he shall utter dreadful blasphemies against the God of gods. He shall prosper only till divine wrath is ready, for what is determined must take place.
 dn:11.37.   He shall have no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one in whom women delight; for no god shall he have regard, because he shall make himself greater than all.
 dn:11.38.   Instead, he shall give glory to the god of strongholds; a god unknown to his fathers he shall glorify with gold, silver, precious stones, and other treasures.
 dn:11.39.   To defend the strongholds he shall station a people of a foreign god. Whoever acknowledges him he shall provide with abundant honor; he shall make them rule over the many and distribute the land as a reward.
 dn:11.40.   "At the appointed time the king of the south shall come to grips with him, but the king of the north shall overwhelm him with chariots and horsemen and a great fleet, passing through the countries like a flood.
 dn:11.41.   He shall enter the glorious land and many shall fall, except Edom, Moab, and the chief part of Ammon, which shall escape from his power.
 dn:11.42.   He shall extend his power over the countries, and not even the land of Egypt shall escape.
 dn:11.43.   He shall control the riches of gold and silver and all the treasures of Egypt; Libya and Ethiopia shall be in his train.
 dn:11.44.   When news from the east and the north terrifies him, he shall set out with great fury to slay and to doom many.
 dn:11.45.   He shall pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the sea and the glorious holy mountain, but he shall come to his end with none to help him.
  
 dn:12.1.    "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book.
 dn:12.2.    Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.
 dn:12.3.    But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.
 dn:12.4.    "As for you, Daniel, keep secret the message and seal the book until the end time; many shall fall away and evil shall increase."
 dn:12.5.    I, Daniel, looked and saw two others, one standing on either bank of the river.
 dn:12.6.    One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was upstream, "How long shall it be to the end of these appalling things?"
 dn:12.7.    The man clothed in linen, who was upstream, lifted his right and left hands to heaven; and I heard him swear by him who lives forever that it should be for a year, two years, a half-year; and that, when the power of the destroyer of the holy people was brought to an end, all these things should end.
 dn:12.8.    I heard, but I did not understand; so I asked, "My lord, what follows this?"
 dn:12.9.    "Go, Daniel," he said, "because the words are to be kept secret and sealed until the end time.
 dn:12.10.   Many shall be refined, purified, and tested, but the wicked shall prove wicked; none of them shall have understanding, but the wise shall have it.
 dn:12.11.   From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the horrible abomination is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.
 dn:12.12.   Blessed is the man who has patience and perseveres until the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.
 dn:12.13.   Go, take your rest, you shall rise for your reward at the end of days."
  
 dn:13.1.    In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim,
 dn:13.2.    who married a very beautiful and God-fearing woman, Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah;
 dn:13.3.    her pious parents had trained their daughter according to the law of Moses.
 dn:13.4.    Joakim was very rich; he had a garden near his house, and the Jews had recourse to him often because he was the most respected of them all.
 dn:13.5.    That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, of whom the Lord said, "Wickedness has come out of Babylon: from the elders who were to govern the people as judges."
 dn:13.6.    These men, to whom all brought their cases, frequented the house of Joakim.
 dn:13.7.    When the people left at noon, Susanna used to enter her husband's garden for a walk.
 dn:13.8.    When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her.
 dn:13.9.    They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.
 dn:13.10.   Though both were enamored of her, they did not tell each other their trouble,
 dn:13.11.   for they were ashamed to reveal their lustful desire to have her.
 dn:13.12.   Day by day they watched eagerly for her.
 dn:13.13.   One day they said to each other, "Let us be off for home, it is time for lunch." So they went out and parted;
 dn:13.14.   but both turned back, and when they met again, they asked each other the reason. They admitted their lust, and then they agreed to look for an occasion when they could meet her alone.
 dn:13.15.   One day, while they were waiting for the right moment, she entered the garden as usual, with two maids only. She decided to bathe, for the weather was warm.
 dn:13.16.   Nobody else was there except the two elders, who had hidden themselves and were watching her.
 dn:13.17.   "Bring me oil and soap," she said to the maids, "and shut the garden doors while I bathe."
 dn:13.18.   They did as she said; they shut the garden doors and left by the side gate to fetch what she had ordered, unaware that the elders were hidden inside.
 dn:13.19.   As soon as the maids had left, the two old men got up and hurried to her.
 dn:13.20.   "Look," they said, "the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us; give in to our desire, and lie with us.
 dn:13.21.   If you refuse, we will testify against you that you dismissed your maids because a young man was here with you."
 dn:13.22.   "I am completely trapped," Susanna groaned. "If I yield, it will be my death; if I refuse, I cannot escape your power.
 dn:13.23.   Yet it is better for me to fall into your power without guilt than to sin before the Lord."
 dn:13.24.   Then Susanna shrieked, and the old men also shouted at her,
 dn:13.25.   as one of them ran to open the garden doors.
 dn:13.26.   When the people in the house heard the cries from the garden, they rushed in by the side gate to see what had happened to her.
 dn:13.27.   At the accusations by the old men, the servants felt very much ashamed, for never had any such thing been said about Susanna.
 dn:13.28.   When the people came to her husband Joakim the next day, the two wicked elders also came, fully determined to put Susanna to death. Before all the people they ordered:
 dn:13.29.   "Send for Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim." When she was sent for,
 dn:13.30.   she came with her parents, children and all her relatives.
 dn:13.31.   Susanna, very delicate and beautiful,
 dn:13.32.   was veiled; but those wicked men ordered her to uncover her face so as to sate themselves with her beauty.
 dn:13.33.   All her relatives and the onlookers were weeping.
 dn:13.34.   In the midst of the people the two elders rose up and laid their hands on her head.
 dn:13.35.   Through her tears she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly.
 dn:13.36.   The elders made this accusation: "As we were walking in the garden alone, this woman entered with two girls and shut the doors of the garden, dismissing the girls.
 dn:13.37.   A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her.
 dn:13.38.   When we, in a corner of the garden, saw this crime, we ran toward them.
 dn:13.39.   We saw them lying together, but the man we could not hold, because he was stronger than we; he opened the doors and ran off.
 dn:13.40.   Then we seized this one and asked who the young man was,
 dn:13.41.   but she refused to tell us. We testify to this." The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death.
 dn:13.42.   But Susanna cried aloud: "O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be:
 dn:13.43.   you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me."
 dn:13.44.   The Lord heard her prayer.
 dn:13.45.   As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel,
 dn:13.46.   and he cried aloud: "I will have no part in the death of this woman."
 dn:13.47.   All the people turned and asked him, "What is this you are saying?"
 dn:13.48.   He stood in their midst and continued, "Are you such fools, O Israelites! To condemn a woman of Israel without examination and without clear evidence?
 dn:13.49.   Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her."
 dn:13.50.   Then all the people returned in haste. To Daniel the elders said, "Come, sit with us and inform us, since God has given you the prestige of old age."
 dn:13.51.   But he replied, "Separate these two far from one another that I may examine them."
 dn:13.52.   After they were separated one from the other, he called one of them and said: "How you have grown evil with age! Now have your past sins come to term:
 dn:13.53.   passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty, although the Lord says, "The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.'
 dn:13.54.   Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together."
 dn:13.55.   "Under a mastic tree," he answered. "Your fine lie has cost you your head," said Daniel; "for the angel of God shall receive the sentence from him and split you in two."
 dn:13.56.   Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. "Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah," Daniel said to him, "beauty has seduced you, lust has subverted your conscience.
 dn:13.57.   This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your wickedness.
 dn:13.58.   Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together."
 dn:13.59.   "Under an oak," he said. "Your fine lie has cost you also your head," said Daniel; "for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to make an end of you both."
 dn:13.60.   The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those that hope in him.
 dn:13.61.   They rose up against the two elders, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of perjury. According to the law of Moses, they inflicted on them the penalty they had plotted to impose on their neighbor:
 dn:13.62.   they put them to death. Thus was innocent blood spared that day.
 dn:13.63.   Hilkiah and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna, as did Joakim her husband and all her relatives, because she was found innocent of any shameful deed.
 dn:13.64.   And from that day onward Daniel was greatly esteemed by the people.

 dn:14.1.    After King Astyages was laid with his fathers, Cyrus the Persian succeeded to his kingdom.
 dn:14.2.    Daniel was the king's favorite and was held in higher esteem than any of the friends of the king.
 dn:14.3.    The Babylonians had an idol called Bel, and every day they provided for it six barrels of fine flour, forty sheep, and six measures of wine.
 dn:14.4.    The king worshiped it and went every day to adore it; but Daniel adored only his God.
 dn:14.5.    When the king asked him, "Why do you not adore Bel?" Daniel replied, "Because I worship not idols made with hands, but only the living God who made heaven and earth and has dominion over all mankind."
 dn:14.6.    Then the king continued, "You do not think Bel is a living god? Do you not see how much he eats and drinks every day?"
 dn:14.7.    Daniel began to laugh. "Do not be deceived, O king," he said; "it is only clay inside and bronze outside; it has never taken any food or drink."
 dn:14.8.    Enraged, the king called his priests and said to them, "Unless you tell me who it is that consumes these provisions, you shall die.
 dn:14.9.    But if you can show that Bel consumes them, Daniel shall die for blaspheming Bel." Daniel said to the king, "Let it be as you say!"
 dn:14.10.   There were seventy priests of Bel, besides their wives and children. When the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel,
 dn:14.11.   the priests of Bel said, "See, we are going to leave. Do you, O king, set out the food and prepare the wine; then shut the door and seal it with your ring.
 dn:14.12.   If you do not find that Bel has eaten it all when you return in the morning, we are to die; otherwise Daniel shall die for his lies against us."
 dn:14.13.   They were not perturbed, because under the table they had made a secret entrance through which they always came in to consume the food.
 dn:14.14.   After they departed the king set the food before Bel, while Daniel ordered his servants to bring some ashes, which they scattered through the whole temple; the king alone was present. Then they went outside, sealed the closed door with the king's ring, and departed.
 dn:14.15.   The priests entered that night as usual, with their wives and children, and they ate and drank everything.
 dn:14.16.   Early the next morning, the king came with Daniel.
 dn:14.17.   "Are the seals unbroken, Daniel?" he asked. And Daniel answered, "They are unbroken, O king."
 dn:14.18.   As soon as he had opened the door, the king looked at the table and cried aloud, "Great you are, O Bel; there is no trickery in you."
 dn:14.19.   But Daniel laughed and kept the king from entering. "Look at the floor," he said; "whose footprints are these?"
 dn:14.20.   "I see the footprints of men, women, and children!" said the king.
 dn:14.21.   The angry king arrested the priests, their wives, and their children. They showed him the secret door by which they used to enter to consume what was on the table.
 dn:14.22.   He put them to death, and handed Bel over to Daniel, who destroyed it and its temple.
 dn:14.23.   There was a great dragon which the Babylonians worshiped.
 dn:14.24.   "Look!" said the king to Daniel, "you cannot deny that this is a living god, so adore it."
 dn:14.25.   But Daniel answered, "I adore the Lord, my God, for he is the living God.
 dn:14.26.   Give me permission, O king, and I will kill this dragon without sword or club." "I give you permission," the king said.
 dn:14.27.   Then Daniel took some pitch, fat, and hair; these he boiled together and made into cakes. He put them into the mouth of the dragon, and when the dragon ate them, he burst asunder. "This," he said, "is what you worshiped."
 dn:14.28.   When the Babylonians heard this, they were angry and turned against the king. "The king has become a Jew," they said; "he has destroyed Bel, killed the dragon, and put the priests to death."
 dn:14.29.   They went to the king and demanded: "Hand Daniel over to us, or we will kill you and your family."
 dn:14.30.   When he saw himself threatened with violence, the king was forced to hand Daniel over to them.
 dn:14.31.   They threw Daniel into a lions' den, where he remained six days.
 dn:14.32.   In the den were seven lions, and two carcasses and two sheep had been given to them daily. But now they were given nothing, so that they would devour Daniel.
 dn:14.33.   In Judea there was a prophet, Habakkuk; he mixed some bread in a bowl with the stew he had boiled, and was going to bring it to the reapers in the field,
 dn:14.34.   when an angel of the Lord told him, "Take the lunch you have to Daniel in the lions' den at Babylon."
 dn:14.35.   But Habakkuk answered, "Babylon, sir, I have never seen, and I do not know the den!"
 dn:14.36.   The angel of the Lord seized him by the crown of his head and carried him by the hair; with the speed of the wind, he set him down in Babylon above the den.
 dn:14.37.   "Daniel, Daniel," cried Habakkuk, "take the lunch God has sent you."
 dn:14.38.   "You have remembered me, O God," said Daniel; "you have not forsaken those who love you."
 dn:14.39.   While Daniel began to eat, the angel of the Lord at once brought Habakkuk back to his own place.
 dn:14.40.   On the seventh day the king came to mourn for Daniel. As he came to the den and looked in, there was Daniel, sitting there!
 dn:14.41.   The king cried aloud, "You are great, O Lord, the God of Daniel, and there is no other besides you!"
 dn:14.42.   Daniel he took out, but those who had tried to destroy him he threw into the den, and they were devoured in a moment before his eyes. [end of Daniel]

