16. Let his mind be changed from that of a man,and let him be given the mind of an animalfor seven periods of time.
17. This word is by decree of the observers;the matter is a command from the holy ones.This is so the living will knowthat the Most High is rulerover the kingdom of men.He gives it to anyone He wantsand sets the lowliest of men over it.
18. This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can make the interpretation known to me. But you can, because you have the spirit of the holy gods.”
19. Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was stunned for a moment, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king said, “Belteshazzar, don’t let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.”Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies!
20. The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, whose top reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth,
21. whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant — and on it was food for all, under it the wild animals lived, and in its branches the birds of the air lived —