GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:27urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:27In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem , and besieged it . And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand , with part of the vessels of the house of God : which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god ; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god . And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs , that he should bring certain of the children of Israel , and of the king's seed , and of the princes ; Children in whom was no blemish , but well favoured , and skilful in all wisdom , and cunning in knowledge , and understanding science , and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace , and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans . And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat , and of the wine which he drank : so nourishing them three years , that at the end thereof they might stand before the king . Now among these were of the children of Judah , Daniel , Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah : Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names : for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar ; and to Hananiah , of Shadrach ; and to Mishael , of Meshach ; and to Azariah , of Abed-nego . But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat , nor with the wine which he drank : therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself . Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs . And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel , I fear my lord the king , who hath appointed your meat and your drink : for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort ? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king . Then said Daniel to Melzar , whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel , Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah , Prove thy servants , I beseech thee , ten days ; and let them give us pulse to eat , and water to drink . Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee , and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat : and as thou seest , deal with thy servants . So he consented to them in this matter , and proved them ten days . And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat . Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat , and the wine that they should drink ; and gave them pulse . As for these four children , God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom : and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams . Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in , then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar . And the king communed with them ; and among them all was found none like Daniel , Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah : therefore stood they before the king . And in all matters of wisdom and understanding , that the king inquired of them , he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm . And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus . And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams , wherewith his spirit was troubled , and his sleep brake from him . Then the king commanded to call the magicians , and the astrologers , and the sorcerers , and the Chaldeans , for to shew the king his dreams . So they came and stood before the king . And the king said unto them , I have dreamed a dream , and my spirit was troubled to know the dream . Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack , O king , live for ever : tell thy servants the dream , and we will shew the interpretation . The king answered and said to the Chaldeans , The thing is gone from me : if ye will not make known unto me the dream , with the interpretation thereof , ye shall be cut in pieces , and your houses shall be made a dunghill . But if ye shew the dream , and the interpretation thereof , ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour : therefore shew me the dream , and the interpretation thereof . They answered again and said , Let the king tell his servants the dream , and we will shew the interpretation of it . The king answered and said , I know of certainty that ye would gain the time , because ye see the thing is gone from me . But if ye will not make known unto me the dream , there is but one decree for you : for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me , till the time be changed : therefore tell me the dream , and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof . The Chaldeans answered before the king , and said , There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter : therefore there is no king , lord , nor ruler , that asked such things at any magician , or astrologer , or Chaldean . And it is a rare thing that the king requireth , and there is none other that can shew it before the king , except the gods , whose dwelling is not with flesh . For this cause the king was angry and very furious , and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon . And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain ; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain . Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard , which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon : He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain , Why is the decree so hasty from the king ? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel . Then Daniel went in , and desired of the king that he would give him time , and that he would shew the king the interpretation . Then Daniel went to his house , and made the thing known to Hananiah , Mishael , and Azariah , his companions : That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret ; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon . Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision . Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven . Daniel answered and said , Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever : for wisdom and might are his : And he changeth the times and the seasons : he removeth kings , and setteth up kings : he giveth wisdom unto the wise , and knowledge to them that know understanding : He revealeth the deep and secret things : he knoweth what is in the darkness , and the light dwelleth with him . I thank thee , and praise thee , O thou God of my fathers , who hast given me wisdom and might , and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee : for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter . Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch , whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon : he went and said thus unto him ; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon : bring me in before the king , and I will shew unto the king the interpretation . Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus unto him , I have found a man of the captives of Judah , that will make known unto the king the interpretation . The king answered and said to Daniel , whose name was Belteshazzar , Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen , and the interpretation thereof ? Daniel answered in the presence of the king , and said , The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men , the astrologers , the magicians , the soothsayers , shew unto the king ; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets , and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days . Thy dream , and the visions of thy head upon thy bed , are these ; As for thee , O king , thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed , what should come to pass hereafter : and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass . But as for me , this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living , but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king , and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart . Thou , O king , sawest , and behold a great image . This great image , whose brightness was excellent , stood before thee ; and the form thereof was terrible . This image's head was of fine gold , his breast and his arms of silver , his belly and his thighs of brass , His legs of iron , his feet part of iron and part of clay . Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands , which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay , and brake them to pieces . Then was the iron , the clay , the brass , the silver , and the gold , broken to pieces together , and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors ; and the wind carried them away , that no place was found for them : and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain , and filled the whole earth . This is the dream ; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king . Thou , O king , art a king of kings : for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom , power , and strength , and glory . And wheresoever the children of men dwell , the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand , and hath made thee ruler over them all . Thou art this head of gold . And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee , and another third kingdom of brass , which shall bear rule over all the earth . And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron : forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things : and as iron that breaketh all these , shall it break in pieces and bruise . And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes , part of potters' clay , and part of iron , the kingdom shall be divided ; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron , forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay . And as the toes of the feet were part of iron , and part of clay , so the kingdom shall be partly strong , and partly broken . And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay , they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men : but they shall not cleave one to another , even as iron is not mixed with clay . And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom , which shall never be destroyed : and the kingdom shall not be left to other people , but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms , and it shall stand for ever . Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands , and that it brake in pieces the iron , the brass , the clay , the silver , and the gold ; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter : and the dream is certain , and the interpretation thereof sure . Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face , and worshipped Daniel , and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him . The king answered unto Daniel , and said , Of a truth it is , that your God is a God of gods , and a Lord of kings , and a revealer of secrets , seeing thou couldest reveal this secret . Then the king made Daniel a great man , and gave him many great gifts , and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon , and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon . Then Daniel requested of the king , and he set Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , over the affairs of the province of Babylon : but Daniel sat in the gate of the king . Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold , whose height was threescore cubits , and the breadth thereof six cubits : he set it up in the plain of Dura , in the province of Babylon . Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes , the governors , and the captains , the judges , the treasurers , the counsellers , the sheriffs , and all the rulers of the provinces , to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up . Then the princes , the governors , and captains , the judges , the treasurers , the counsellers , the sheriffs , and all the rulers of the provinces , were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up ; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up . Then an herald cried aloud , To you it is commanded , O people , nations , and languages , That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet , flute , harp , sackbut , psaltery , dulcimer , and all kinds of musick , ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up : And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace . Therefore at that time , when all the people heard the sound of the cornet , flute , harp , sackbut , psaltery , and all kinds of musick , all the people , the nations , and the languages , fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up . Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near , and accused the Jews . They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar , O king , live for ever . Thou , O king , hast made a decree , that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet , flute , harp , sackbut , psaltery , and dulcimer , and all kinds of musick , shall fall down and worship the golden image : And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth , that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace . There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon , Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego ; these men , O king , have not regarded thee : they serve not thy gods , nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up . Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego . Then they brought these men before the king . Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them , Is it true , O Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , do not ye serve my gods , nor worship the golden image which I have set up ? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet , flute , harp , sackbut , psaltery , and dulcimer , and all kinds of musick , ye fall down and worship the image which I have made ; well : but if ye worship not , ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace ; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands ? Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , answered and said to the king , O Nebuchadnezzar , we are not careful to answer thee in this matter . If it be so , our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace , and he will deliver us out of thine hand , O king . But if not , be it known unto thee , O king , that we will not serve thy gods , nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up . Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury , and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego : therefore he spake , and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated . And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace . Then these men were bound in their coats , their hosen , and their hats , and their other garments , and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace . Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent , and the furnace exceeding hot , the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego . And these three men , Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace . Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied , and rose up in haste , and spake , and said unto his counsellers , Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire ? They answered and said unto the king , True , O king . He answered and said , Lo , I see four men loose , walking in the midst of the fire , and they have no hurt ; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God . Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace , and spake , and said , Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , ye servants of the most high God , come forth , and come hither . Then Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , came forth of the midst of the fire . And the princes , governors , and captains , and the king's counsellers , being gathered together , saw these men , upon whose bodies the fire had no power , nor was an hair of their head singed , neither were their coats changed , nor the smell of fire had passed on them . Then Nebuchadnezzar spake , and said , Blessed be the God of Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , who hath sent his angel , and delivered his servants that trusted in him , and have changed the king's word , and yielded their bodies , that they might not serve nor worship any god , except their own God . Therefore I make a decree , That every people , nation , and language , which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , shall be cut in pieces , and their houses shall be made a dunghill : because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort . Then the king promoted Shadrach , Meshach , and Abed-nego , in the province of Babylon . Nebuchadnezzar the king , unto all people , nations , and languages , that dwell in all the earth ; Peace be multiplied unto you . I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me . How great are his signs ! and how mighty are his wonders ! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom , and his dominion is from generation to generation . I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house , and flourishing in my palace : I saw a dream which made me afraid , and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me . Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me , that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream . Then came in the magicians , the astrologers , the Chaldeans , and the soothsayers : and I told the dream before them ; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof . But at the last Daniel came in before me , whose name was Belteshazzar , according to the name of my god , and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods : and before him I told the dream , saying , O Belteshazzar , master of the magicians , because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee , and no secret troubleth thee , tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen , and the interpretation thereof . Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed ; I saw , and behold a tree in the midst of the earth , and the height thereof was great . The tree grew , and was strong , and the height thereof reached unto heaven , and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth : The leaves thereof were fair , and the fruit thereof much , and in it was meat for all : the beasts of the field had shadow under it , and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof , and all flesh was fed of it . I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed , and , behold , a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven ; He cried aloud , and said thus , Hew down the tree , and cut off his branches , shake off his leaves , and scatter his fruit : let the beasts get away from under it , and the fowls from his branches : Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth , even with a band of iron and brass , in the tender grass of the field ; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven , and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth : Let his heart be changed from man's , and let a beast's heart be given unto him ; and let seven times pass over him . This matter is by the decree of the watchers , and the demand by the word of the holy ones : to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men , and giveth it to whomsoever he will , and setteth up over it the basest of men . This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen . Now thou , O Belteshazzar , declare the interpretation thereof , forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation : but thou art able ; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee . Then Daniel , whose name was Belteshazzar , was astonied for one hour , and his thoughts troubled him . The king spake , and said , Belteshazzar , let not the dream , or the interpretation thereof , trouble thee . Belteshazzar answered and said , My lord , the dream be to them that hate thee , and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies . The tree that thou sawest , which grew , and was strong , whose height reached unto the heaven , and the sight thereof to all the earth ; Whose leaves were fair , and the fruit thereof much , and in it was meat for all ; under which the beasts of the field dwelt , and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation : It is thou , O king , that art grown and become strong : for thy greatness is grown , and reacheth unto heaven , and thy dominion to the end of the earth . And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven , and saying , Hew the tree down , and destroy it ; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth , even with a band of iron and brass , in the tender grass of the field ; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven , and let his portion be with the beasts of the field , till seven times pass over him ; This is the interpretation , O king , and this is the decree of the most High , which is come upon my lord the king : That they shall drive thee from men , and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field , and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen , and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven , and seven times shall pass over thee , till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men , and giveth it to whomsoever he will . And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots ; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee , after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule . Wherefore , O king , let my counsel be acceptable unto thee , and break off thy sins by righteousness , and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor ; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity . All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar . At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon . The king spake , and said , Is not this great Babylon , that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power , and for the honour of my majesty ? While the word was in the king's mouth , there fell a voice from heaven , saying , O king Nebuchadnezzar , to thee it is spoken ; The kingdom is departed from thee . And they shall drive thee from men , and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field : they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen , and seven times shall pass over thee , until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men , and giveth it to whomsoever he will . The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar : and he was driven from men , and did eat grass as oxen , and his body was wet with the dew of heaven , till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers , and his nails like birds' claws . And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven , and mine understanding returned unto me , and I blessed the most High , and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever , whose dominion is an everlasting dominion , and his kingdom is from generation to generation : And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing : and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven , and among the inhabitants of the earth : and none can stay his hand , or say unto him , What doest thou ? At the same time my reason returned unto me ; and for the glory of my kingdom , mine honour and brightness returned unto me ; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me ; and I was established in my kingdom , and excellent majesty was added unto me . Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven , all whose works are truth , and his ways judgment : and those that walk in pride he is able to abase . Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords , and drank wine before the thousand . Belshazzar , whiles he tasted the wine , commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem ; that the king , and his princes , his wives , and his concubines , might drink therein . Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem ; and the king , and his princes , his wives , and his concubines , drank in them . They drank wine , and praised the gods of gold , and of silver , of brass , of iron , of wood , and of stone . In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand , and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace : and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote . Then the king's countenance was changed , and his thoughts troubled him , so that the joints of his loins were loosed , and his knees smote one against another . The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers , the Chaldeans , and the soothsayers . And the king spake , and said to the wise men of Babylon , Whosoever shall read this writing , and shew me the interpretation thereof , shall be clothed with scarlet , and have a chain of gold about his neck , and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom . Then came in all the king's wise men : but they could not read the writing , nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof . Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled , and his countenance was changed in him , and his lords were astonied . Now the queen , by reason of the words of the king and his lords , came into the banquet house : and the queen spake and said , O king , live for ever : let not thy thoughts trouble thee , nor let thy countenance be changed : There is a man in thy kingdom , in whom is the spirit of the holy gods ; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom , like the wisdom of the gods , was found in him ; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father , the king , I say , thy father , made master of the magicians , astrologers , Chaldeans , and soothsayers ; Forasmuch as an excellent spirit , and knowledge , and understanding , interpreting of dreams , and shewing of hard sentences , and dissolving of doubts , were found in the same Daniel , whom the king named Belteshazzar : now let Daniel be called , and he will shew the interpretation . Then was Daniel brought in before the king . And the king spake and said unto Daniel , Art thou that Daniel , which art of the children of the captivity of Judah , whom the king my father brought out of Jewry ? I have even heard of thee , that the spirit of the gods is in thee , and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee . And now the wise men , the astrologers , have been brought in before me , that they should read this writing , and make known unto me the interpretation thereof : but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing : And I have heard of thee , that thou canst make interpretations , and dissolve doubts : now if thou canst read the writing , and make known to me the interpretation thereof , thou shalt be clothed with scarlet , and have a chain of gold about thy neck , and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom . Then Daniel answered and said before the king , Let thy gifts be to thyself , and give thy rewards to another ; yet I will read the writing unto the king , and make known to him the interpretation . O thou king , the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom , and majesty , and glory , and honour : And for the majesty that he gave him , all people , nations , and languages , trembled and feared before him : whom he would he slew ; and whom he would he kept alive ; and whom he would he set up ; and whom he would he put down . But when his heart was lifted up , and his mind hardened in pride , he was deposed from his kingly throne , and they took his glory from him : And he was driven from the sons of men ; and his heart was made like the beasts , and his dwelling was with the wild asses : they fed him with grass like oxen , and his body was wet with the dew of heaven ; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men , and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will . And thou his son , O Belshazzar , hast not humbled thine heart , though thou knewest all this ; But hast lifted up thyself against the LORD of heaven ; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee , and thou , and thy lords , thy wives , and thy concubines , have drunk wine in them ; and thou hast praised the gods of silver , and gold , of brass , iron , wood , and stone , which see not , nor hear , nor know : and the God in whose hand thy breath is , and whose are all thy ways , hast thou not glorified : Then was the part of the hand sent from him ; and this writing was written . And this is the writing that was written , MENE , MENE , TEKEL , UPHARSIN . This is the interpretation of the thing : MENE ; God hath numbered thy kingdom , and finished it . TEKEL ; Thou art weighed in the balances , and art found wanting . PERES ; Thy kingdom is divided , and given to the Medes and Persians . Then commanded Belshazzar , and they clothed Daniel with scarlet , and put a chain of gold about his neck , and made a proclamation concerning him , that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom . In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain . And Darius the Median took the kingdom , being about threescore and two years old . It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes , which should be over the whole kingdom ; And over these three presidents ; of whom Daniel was first : that the princes might give accounts unto them , and the king should have no damage . Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes , because an excellent spirit was in him ; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm . Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom ; but they could find none occasion nor fault ; forasmuch as he was faithful , neither was there any error or fault found in him . Then said these men , We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel , except we find it against him concerning the law of his God . Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king , and said thus unto him , King Darius , live for ever . All the presidents of the kingdom , the governors , and the princes , the counsellers , and the captains , have consulted together to establish a royal statute , and to make a firm decree , that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days , save of thee , O king , he shall be cast into the den of lions . Now , O king , establish the decree , and sign the writing , that it be not changed , according to the law of the Medes and Persians , which altereth not . Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree . Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed , he went into his house ; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem , he kneeled upon his knees three times a day , and prayed , and gave thanks before his God , as he did aforetime . Then these men assembled , and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God . Then they came near , and spake before the king concerning the king's decree ; Hast thou not signed a decree , that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days , save of thee , O king , shall be cast into the den of lions ? The king answered and said , The thing is true , according to the law of the Medes and Persians , which altereth not . Then answered they and said before the king , That Daniel , which is of the children of the captivity of Judah , regardeth not thee , O king , nor the decree that thou hast signed , but maketh his petition three times a day . Then the king , when he heard these words , was sore displeased with himself , and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him : and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him . Then these men assembled unto the king , and said unto the king , Know , O king , that the law of the Medes and Persians is , That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed . Then the king commanded , and they brought Daniel , and cast him into the den of lions . Now the king spake and said unto Daniel , Thy God whom thou servest continually , he will deliver thee . And a stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den ; and the king sealed it with his own signet , and with the signet of his lords ; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel . Then the king went to his palace , and passed the night fasting : neither were instruments of musick brought before him : and his sleep went from him . Then the king arose very early in the morning , and went in haste unto the den of lions . And when he came to the den , he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel : and the king spake and said to Daniel , O Daniel , servant of the living God , is thy God , whom thou servest continually , able to deliver thee from the lions ? Then said Daniel unto the king , O king , live for ever . My God hath sent his angel , and hath shut the lions' mouths , that they have not hurt me : forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me ; and also before thee , O king , have I done no hurt . Then was the king exceeding glad for him , and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den . So Daniel was taken up out of the den , and no manner of hurt was found upon him , because he believed in his God . And the king commanded , and they brought those men which had accused Daniel , and they cast them into the den of lions , them , their children , and their wives ; and the lions had the mastery of them , and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den . Then king Darius wrote unto all people , nations , and languages , that dwell in all the earth ; Peace be multiplied unto you . I make a decree , That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel : for he is the living God , and stedfast for ever , and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed , and his dominion shall be even unto the end . He delivereth and rescueth , and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth , who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions . So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius , and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian . In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed : then he wrote the dream , and told the sum of the matters . Daniel spake and said , I saw in my vision by night , and , behold , the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea . And four great beasts came up from the sea , diverse one from another . The first was like a lion , and had eagle's wings : I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked , and it was lifted up from the earth , and made stand upon the feet as a man , and a man's heart was given to it . And behold another beast , a second , like to a bear , and it raised up itself on one side , and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it : and they said thus unto it , Arise , devour much flesh . After this I beheld , and lo another , like a leopard , which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl ; the beast had also four heads ; and dominion was given to it . After this I saw in the night visions , and behold a fourth beast , dreadful and terrible , and strong exceedingly ; and it had great iron teeth : it devoured and brake in pieces , and stamped the residue with the feet of it : and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it ; and it had ten horns . I considered the horns , and , behold , there came up among them another little horn , before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots : and , behold , in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man , and a mouth speaking great things . I beheld till the thrones were cast down , and the Ancient of days did sit , whose garment was white as snow , and the hair of his head like the pure wool : his throne was like the fiery flame , and his wheels as burning fire . A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him : thousand thousands ministered unto him , and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him : the judgment was set , and the books were opened . I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake : I beheld even till the beast was slain , and his body destroyed , and given to the burning flame . As concerning the rest of the beasts , they had their dominion taken away : yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time . I saw in the night visions , and , behold , one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven , and came to the Ancient of days , and they brought him near before him . And there was given him dominion , and glory , and a kingdom , that all people , nations , and languages , should serve him : his dominion is an everlasting dominion , which shall not pass away , and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed . I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body , and the visions of my head troubled me . I came near unto one of them that stood by , and asked him the truth of all this . So he told me , and made me know the interpretation of the things . These great beasts , which are four , are four kings , which shall arise out of the earth . But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom , and possess the kingdom for ever , even for ever and ever . Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast , which was diverse from all the others , exceeding dreadful , whose teeth were of iron , and his nails of brass ; which devoured , brake in pieces , and stamped the residue with his feet ; And of the ten horns that were in his head , and of the other which came up , and before whom three fell ; even of that horn that had eyes , and a mouth that spake very great things , whose look was more stout than his fellows . I beheld , and the same horn made war with the saints , and prevailed against them ; Until the Ancient of days came , and judgment was given to the saints of the most High ; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom . Thus he said , The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth , which shall be diverse from all kingdoms , and shall devour the whole earth , and shall tread it down , and break it in pieces . And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise : and another shall rise after them ; and he shall be diverse from the first , and he shall subdue three kings . And he shall speak great words against the most High , and shall wear out the saints of the most High , and think to change times and laws : and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time . But the judgment shall sit , and they shall take away his dominion , to consume and to destroy it unto the end . And the kingdom and dominion , and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven , shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High , whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom , and all dominions shall serve and obey him . Hitherto is the end of the matter . As for me Daniel , my cogitations much troubled me , and my countenance changed in me : but I kept the matter in my heart . In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me , even unto me Daniel , after that which appeared unto me at the first . And I saw in a vision ; and it came to pass , when I saw , that I was at Shushan in the palace , which is in the province of Elam ; and I saw in a vision , and I was by the river of Ulai . Then I lifted up mine eyes , and saw , and , behold , there stood before the river a ram which had two horns : and the two horns were high ; but one was higher than the other , and the higher came up last . I saw the ram pushing westward , and northward , and southward ; so that no beasts might stand before him , neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand ; but he did according to his will , and became great . And as I was considering , behold , an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth , and touched not the ground : and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes . And he came to the ram that had two horns , which I had there seen standing before the river , and ran unto him in the fury of his power . And I saw him come close unto the ram , and he was moved with choler against him , and smote the ram , and brake his two horns : and there was no power in the ram to stand before him , but he cast him down to the ground , and stamped upon him : and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand . Therefore the he goat waxed very great : and when he was strong , the great horn was broken ; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven . And out of one of them came forth a little horn , which waxed exceeding great , toward the south , and toward the east , and toward the pleasant land . And it waxed great , even to the host of heaven ; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground , and stamped upon them . Yea , he magnified himself even to the prince of the host , and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away , and the place of his sanctuary was cast down . And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression , and it cast down the truth to the ground ; and it practised , and prospered . Then I heard one saint speaking , and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake , How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice , and the transgression of desolation , to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot ? And he said unto me , Unto two thousand and three hundred days ; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed . And it came to pass , when I , even I Daniel , had seen the vision , and sought for the meaning , then , behold , there stood before me as the appearance of a man . And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai , which called , and said , Gabriel , make this man to understand the vision . So he came near where I stood : and when he came , I was afraid , and fell upon my face : but he said unto me , Understand , O son of man : for at the time of the end shall be the vision . Now as he was speaking with me , I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground : but he touched me , and set me upright . And he said , Behold , I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation : for at the time appointed the end shall be . The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia . And the rough goat is the king of Grecia : and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king . Now that being broken , whereas four stood up for it , four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation , but not in his power . And in the latter time of their kingdom , when the transgressors are come to the full , a king of fierce countenance , and understanding dark sentences , shall stand up . And his power shall be mighty , but not by his own power : and he shall destroy wonderfully , and shall prosper , and practise , and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people . And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand ; and he shall magnify himself in his heart , and by peace shall destroy many : he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes ; but he shall be broken without hand . And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true : wherefore shut thou up the vision ; for it shall be for many days . And I Daniel fainted , and was sick certain days ; afterward I rose up , and did the king's business ; and I was astonished at the vision , but none understood it . In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus , of the seed of the Medes , which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans ; In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years , whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet , that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem . And I set my face unto the Lord God , to seek by prayer and supplication , with fasting , and sackcloth , and ashes : And I prayed unto the LORD my God , and made my confession , and said , O Lord , the great and dreadful God , keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him , and to them that keep his commandments ; We have sinned , and have committed iniquity , and have done wickedly , and have rebelled , even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments : Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets , which spake in thy name to our kings , our princes , and our fathers , and to all the people of the land . O Lord , righteousness belongeth unto thee , but unto us confusion of faces , as at this day ; to the men of Judah , and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem , and unto all Israel , that are near , and that are far off , through all the countries whither thou hast driven them , because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee . O Lord , to us belongeth confusion of face , to our kings , to our princes , and to our fathers , because we have sinned against thee . To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses , though we have rebelled against him ; Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God , to walk in his laws , which he set before us by his servants the prophets . Yea , all Israel have transgressed thy law , even by departing , that they might not obey thy voice ; therefore the curse is poured upon us , and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God , because we have sinned against him . And he hath confirmed his words , which he spake against us , and against our judges that judged us , by bringing upon us a great evil : for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem . As it is written in the law of Moses , all this evil is come upon us : yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God , that we might turn from our iniquities , and understand thy truth . Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil , and brought it upon us : for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth : for we obeyed not his voice . And now , O Lord our God , that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand , and hast gotten thee renown , as at this day ; we have sinned , we have done wickedly . O Lord , according to all thy righteousness , I beseech thee , let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem , thy holy mountain : because for our sins , and for the iniquities of our fathers , Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us . Now therefore , O our God , hear the prayer of thy servant , and his supplications , and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate , for the Lord's sake . O my God , incline thine ear , and hear ; open thine eyes , and behold our desolations , and the city which is called by thy name : for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses , but for thy great mercies . O Lord , hear ; O Lord , forgive ; O Lord , hearken and do ; defer not , for thine own sake , O my God : for thy city and thy people are called by thy name . And whiles I was speaking , and praying , and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel , and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God ; Yea , whiles I was speaking in prayer , even the man Gabriel , whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning , being caused to fly swiftly , touched me about the time of the evening oblation . And he informed me , and talked with me , and said , O Daniel , I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding . At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth , and I am come to shew thee ; for thou art greatly beloved : therefore understand the matter , and consider the vision . Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city , to finish the transgression , and to make an end of sins , and to make reconciliation for iniquity , and to bring in everlasting righteousness , and to seal up the vision and prophecy , and to anoint the most Holy . Know therefore and understand , that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks , and threescore and two weeks : the street shall be built again , and the wall , even in troublous times . And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off , but not for himself : and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary ; and the end thereof shall be with a flood , and unto the end of the war desolations are determined . And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week : and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease , and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate , even until the consummation , and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate . In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel , whose name was called Belteshazzar ; and the thing was true , but the time appointed was long : and he understood the thing , and had understanding of the vision . In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks . I ate no pleasant bread , neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth , neither did I anoint myself at all , till three whole weeks were fulfilled . And in the four and twentieth day of the first month , as I was by the side of the great river , which is Hiddekel ; Then I lifted up mine eyes , and looked , and behold a certain man clothed in linen , whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz : His body also was like the beryl , and his face as the appearance of lightning , and his eyes as lamps of fire , and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass , and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude . And I Daniel alone saw the vision : for the men that were with me saw not the vision ; but a great quaking fell upon them , so that they fled to hide themselves . Therefore I was left alone , and saw this great vision , and there remained no strength in me : for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption , and I retained no strength . Yet heard I the voice of his words : and when I heard the voice of his words , then was I in a deep sleep on my face , and my face toward the ground . And , behold , an hand touched me , which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands . And he said unto me , O Daniel , a man greatly beloved , understand the words that I speak unto thee , and stand upright : for unto thee am I now sent . And when he had spoken this word unto me , I stood trembling . Then said he unto me , Fear not , Daniel : for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand , and to chasten thyself before thy God , thy words were heard , and I am come for thy words . But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days : but , lo , Michael , one of the chief princes , came to help me ; and I remained there with the kings of Persia . Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days : for yet the vision is for many days . And when he had spoken such words unto me , I set my face toward the ground , and I became dumb . And , behold , one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips : then I opened my mouth , and spake , and said unto him that stood before me , O my lord , by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me , and I have retained no strength . For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord ? for as for me , straightway there remained no strength in me , neither is there breath left in me . Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man , and he strengthened me , And said , O man greatly beloved , fear not : peace be unto thee , be strong , yea , be strong . And when he had spoken unto me , I was strengthened , and said , Let my lord speak ; for thou hast strengthened me . Then said he , Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee ? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia : and when I am gone forth , lo , the prince of Grecia shall come . But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth : and there is none that holdeth with me in these things , but Michael your prince . Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede , even I , stood to confirm and to strengthen him . And now will I shew thee the truth . Behold , there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia ; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all : and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia . And a mighty king shall stand up , that shall rule with great dominion , and do according to his will . And when he shall stand up , his kingdom shall be broken , and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven ; and not to his posterity , nor according to his dominion which he ruled : for his kingdom shall be plucked up , even for others beside those . And the king of the south shall be strong , and one of his princes ; and he shall be strong above him , and have dominion ; his dominion shall be a great dominion . And in the end of years they shall join themselves together ; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement : but she shall not retain the power of the arm ; neither shall he stand , nor his arm : but she shall be given up , and they that brought her , and he that begat her , and he that strengthened her in these times . But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate , which shall come with an army , and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north , and shall deal against them , and shall prevail : And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods , with their princes , and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold ; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north . So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom , and shall return into his own land . But his sons shall be stirred up , and shall assemble a multitude of great forces : and one shall certainly come , and overflow , and pass through : then shall he return , and be stirred up , even to his fortress . And the king of the south shall be moved with choler , and shall come forth and fight with him , even with the king of the north : and he shall set forth a great multitude ; but the multitude shall be given into his hand . And when he hath taken away the multitude , his heart shall be lifted up ; and he shall cast down many ten thousands : but he shall not be strengthened by it . For the king of the north shall return , and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former , and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches . And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south : also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision ; but they shall fall . So the king of the north shall come , and cast up a mount , and take the most fenced cities : and the arms of the south shall not withstand , neither his chosen people , neither shall there be any strength to withstand . But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will , and none shall stand before him : and he shall stand in the glorious land , which by his hand shall be consumed . He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom , and upright ones with him ; thus shall he do : and he shall give him the daughter of women , corrupting her : but she shall not stand on his side , neither be for him . After this shall he turn his face unto the isles , and shall take many : but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease ; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him . Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land : but he shall stumble and fall , and not be found . Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom : but within few days he shall be destroyed , neither in anger , nor in battle . And in his estate shall stand up a vile person , to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom : but he shall come in peaceably , and obtain the kingdom by flatteries . And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him , and shall be broken ; yea , also the prince of the covenant . And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully : for he shall come up , and shall become strong with a small people . He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province ; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done , nor his fathers' fathers ; he shall scatter among them the prey , and spoil , and riches : yea , and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds , even for a time . And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army ; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army ; but he shall not stand : for they shall forecast devices against him . Yea , they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him , and his army shall overflow : and many shall fall down slain . And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief , and they shall speak lies at one table ; but it shall not prosper : for yet the end shall be at the time appointed . Then shall he return into his land with great riches ; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant ; and he shall do exploits , and return to his own land . At the time appointed he shall return , and come toward the south ; but it shall not be as the former , or as the latter . For the ships of Chittim shall come against him : therefore he shall be grieved , and return , and have indignation against the holy covenant : so shall he do ; he shall even return , and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant . And arms shall stand on his part , and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength , and shall take away the daily sacrifice , and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate . And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries : but the people that do know their God shall be strong , and do exploits . And they that understand among the people shall instruct many : yet they shall fall by the sword , and by flame , by captivity , and by spoil , many days . Now when they shall fall , they shall be holpen with a little help : but many shall cleave to them with flatteries . And some of them of understanding shall fall , to try them , and to purge , and to make them white , even to the time of the end : because it is yet for a time appointed . And the king shall do according to his will ; and he shall exalt himself , and magnify himself above every god , and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods , and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished : for that that is determined shall be done . Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers , nor the desire of women , nor regard any god : for he shall magnify himself above all . But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces : and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold , and silver , and with precious stones , and pleasant things . Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god , whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory : and he shall cause them to rule over many , and shall divide the land for gain . And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him : and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind , with chariots , and with horsemen , and with many ships ; and he shall enter into the countries , and shall overflow and pass over . He shall enter also into the glorious land , and many countries shall be overthrown : but these shall escape out of his hand , even Edom , and Moab , and the chief of the children of Ammon . He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries : and the land of Egypt shall not escape . But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver , and over all the precious things of Egypt : and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps . But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him : therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy , and utterly to make away many . And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain ; yet he shall come to his end , and none shall help him . And at that time shall Michael stand up , the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people : and there shall be a time of trouble , such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time : and at that time thy people shall be delivered , every one that shall be found written in the book . And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake , some to everlasting life , and some to shame and everlasting contempt . And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever . But thou , O Daniel , shut up the words , and seal the book , even to the time of the end : many shall run to and fro , and knowledge shall be increased . Then I Daniel looked , and , behold , there stood other two , the one on this side of the bank of the river , and the other on that side of the bank of the river . And one said to the man clothed in linen , which was upon the waters of the river , How long shall it be to the end of these wonders ? And I heard the man clothed in linen , which was upon the waters of the river , when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven , and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time , times , and an half ; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people , all these things shall be finished . And I heard , but I understood not : then said I , O my Lord , what shall be the end of these things ? And he said , Go thy way , Daniel : for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end . Many shall be purified , and made white , and tried ; but the wicked shall do wickedly : and none of the wicked shall understand ; but the wise shall understand . And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away , and the abomination that maketh desolate set up , there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days . Blessed is he that waiteth , and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days . But go thou thy way till the end be : for thou shalt rest , and stand in thy lot at the end of the days . There dwelt a man in Babylon , called Joacim : And he took a wife , whose name was Susanna , the daughter of Chelcias , a very fair woman , and one that feared the Lord . Her parents also were righteous , and taught their daughter according to the law of Moses . Now Joacim was a great rich man , and had a fair garden joining unto his house : and to him resorted the Jews ; because he was more honourable than all others . The same year were appointed two of the ancients of the people to be judges , such as the Lord spake of , that wickedness came from Babylon from ancient judges , who seemed to govern the people . These kept much at Joacim's house : and all that had any suits in law came unto them . Now when the people departed away at noon , Susanna went into her husband's garden to walk . And the two elders saw her going in every day , and walking ; so that their lust was inflamed toward her . And they perverted their own mind , and turned away their eyes , that they might not look unto heaven , nor remember just judgments . And albeit they both were wounded with her love , yet durst not one shew another his grief . For they were ashamed to declare their lust , that they desired to have to do with her . Yet they watched diligently from day to day to see her . And the one said to the other , Let us now go home : for it is dinner time . So when they were gone out , they parted the one from the other , and turning back again they came to the same place ; and after that they had asked one another the cause , they acknowledged their lust : then appointed they a time both together , when they might find her alone . And it fell out , as they watched a fit time , she went in as before with two maids only , and she was desirous to wash herself in the garden : for it was hot . And there was no body there save the two elders , that had hid themselves , and watched her . Then she said to her maids , Bring me oil and washing balls , and shut the garden doors , that I may wash me . And they did as she bade them , and shut the garden doors , and went out themselves at privy doors to fetch the things that she had commanded them : but they saw not the elders , because they were hid . Now when the maids were gone forth , the two elders rose up , and ran unto her , saying , Behold , the garden doors are shut , that no man can see us , and we are in love with thee ; therefore consent unto us , and lie with us . If thou wilt not , we will bear witness against thee , that a young man was with thee : and therefore thou didst send away thy maids from thee . Then Susanna sighed , and said , I am straitened on every side : for if I do this thing , it is death unto me : and if I do it not I cannot escape your hands . It is better for me to fall into your hands , and not do it , than to sin in the sight of the Lord . With that Susanna cried with a loud voice : and the two elders cried out against her . Then ran the one , and opened the garden door . So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the garden , they rushed in at the privy door , to see what was done unto her . But when the elders had declared their matter , the servants were greatly ashamed : for there was never such a report made of Susanna . And it came to pass the next day , when the people were assembled to her husband Joacim , the two elders came also full of mischievous imagination against Susanna to put her to death ; And said before the people , Send for Susanna , the daughter of Chelcias , Joacim's wife . And so they sent . So she came with her father and mother , her children , and all her kindred . Now Susanna was a very delicate woman , and beauteous to behold . And these wicked men commanded to uncover her face , ( for she was covered ) that they might be filled with her beauty . Therefore her friends and all that saw her wept . Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people , and laid their hands upon her head . And she weeping looked up toward heaven : for her heart trusted in the Lord . And the elders said , As we walked in the garden alone , this woman came in with two maids , and shut the garden doors , and sent the maids away . Then a young man , who there was hid , came unto her , and lay with her . Then we that stood in a corner of the garden , seeing this wickedness , ran unto them . And when we saw them together , the man we could not hold : for he was stronger than we , and opened the door , and leaped out . But having taken this woman , we asked who the young man was , but she would not tell us : these things do we testify . Then the assembly believed them as those that were the elders and judges of the people : so they condemned her to death . Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice , and said , O everlasting God , that knowest the secrets , and knowest all things before they be : Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me , and , behold , I must die ; whereas I never did such things as these men have maliciously invented against me . And the Lord heard her voice . Therefore when she was led to be put to death , the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young youth whose name was Daniel : Who cried with a loud voice , I am clear from the blood of this woman . Then all the people turned them toward him , and said , What mean these words that thou hast spoken ? So he standing in the midst of them said , Are ye such fools , ye sons of Israel , that without examination or knowledge of the truth ye have condemned a daughter of Israel ? Return again to the place of judgment : for they have borne false witness against her . Wherefore all the people turned again in haste , and the elders said unto him , Come , sit down among us , and shew it us , seeing God hath given thee the honour of an elder . Then said Daniel unto them , Put these two aside one far from another , and I will examine them . So when they were put asunder one from another , he called one of them , and said unto him , O thou that art waxen old in wickedness , now thy sins which thou hast committed aforetime are come to light . For thou hast pronounced false judgment and hast condemned the innocent and hast let the guilty go free ; albeit the Lord saith , The innocent and righteous shalt thou not slay . Now then , if thou hast seen her , tell me , Under what tree sawest thou them companying together ? Who answered , Under a mastick tree . And Daniel said , Very well ; thou hast lied against thine own head ; for even now the angel of God hath received the sentence of God to cut thee in two . So he put him aside , and commanded to bring the other , and said unto him , O thou seed of Chanaan , and not of Juda , beauty hath deceived thee , and lust hath perverted thine heart . Thus have ye dealt with the daughters of Israel , and they for fear companied with you : but the daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness . Now therefore tell me , Under what tree didst thou take them companying together ? Who answered , Under an holm tree . Then said Daniel unto him , Well ; thou hast also lied against thine own head : for the angel of God waiteth with the sword to cut thee in two , that he may destroy you . With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice , and praised God , who saveth them that trust in him . And they arose against the two elders , for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth : And according to the law of Moses they did unto them in such sort as they maliciously intended to do to their neighbour : and they put them to death . Thus the innocent blood was saved the same day . Therefore Chelcias and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna , with Joacim her husband , and all the kindred , because there was no dishonesty found in her . From that day forth was Daniel had in great reputation in the sight of the people . . And king Astyages was gathered to his fathers , and Cyrus of Persia received his kingdom . And Daniel conversed with the king , and was honoured above all his friends . Now the Babylons had an idol , called Bel , and there were spent upon him every day twelve great measures of fine flour , and forty sheep , and six vessels of wine . And the king worshipped it and went daily to adore it : but Daniel worshipped his own God . And the king said unto him , Why dost not thou worship Bel ? Who answered and said , Because I may not worship idols made with hands , but the living God , who hath created the heaven and the earth , and hath sovereignty over all flesh . Then said the king unto him , Thinkest thou not that Bel is a living God ? seest thou not how much he eateth and drinketh every day ? Then Daniel smiled , and said , O king , be not deceived : for this is but clay within , and brass without , and did never eat or drink any thing . So the king was wroth , and called for his priests , and said unto them , If ye tell me not who this is that devoureth these expences , ye shall die . But if ye can certify me that Bel devoureth them , then Daniel shall die : for he hath spoken blasphemy against Bel . And Daniel said unto the king , Let it be according to thy word . Now the priests of Bel were threescore and ten , beside their wives and children . And the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel . So Bel's priests said , Lo , we go out : but thou , O king , set on the meat , and make ready the wine , and shut the door fast and seal it with thine own signet ; And to morrow when thou comest in , if thou findest not that Bel hath eaten up all , we will suffer death : or else Daniel , that speaketh falsely against us . And they little regarded it : for under the table they had made a privy entrance , whereby they entered in continually , and consumed those things . So when they were gone forth , the king set meats before Bel . Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes , and those they strewed throughout all the temple in the presence of the king alone : then went they out , and shut the door , and sealed it with the king's signet , and so departed . Now in the night came the priests with their wives and children , as they were wont to do , and did eat and drinck up all . In the morning betime the king arose , and Daniel with him . And the king said , Daniel , are the seals whole ? And he said , Yea , O king , they be whole . And as soon as he had opened the dour , the king looked upon the table , and cried with a loud voice , Great art thou , O Bel , and with thee is no deceit at all . Then laughed Daniel , and held the king that he should not go in , and said , Behold now the pavement , and mark well whose footsteps are these . And the king said , I see the footsteps of men , women , and children . And then the king was angry , And took the priests with their wives and children , who shewed him the privy doors , where they came in , and consumed such things as were upon the table . Therefore the king slew them , and delivered Bel into Daniel's power , who destroyed him and his temple . And in that same place there was a great dragon , which they of Babylon worshipped . And the king said unto Daniel , Wilt thou also say that this is of brass ? lo , he liveth , he eateth and drinketh ; thou canst not say that he is no living god : therefore worship him . Then said Daniel unto the king , I will worship the Lord my God : for he is the living God . But give me leave , O king , and I shall slay this dragon without sword or staff . The king said , I give thee leave . Then Daniel took pitch , and fat , and hair , and did seethe them together , and made lumps thereof : this he put in the dragon's mouth , and so the dragon burst in sunder : and Daniel said , Lo , these are the gods ye worship . When they of Babylon heard that , they took great indignation , and conspired against the king , saying , The king is become a Jew , and he hath destroyed Bel , he hath slain the dragon , and put the priests to death . So they came to the king , and said , Deliver us Daniel , or else we will destroy thee and thine house . Now when the king saw that they pressed him sore , being constrained , he delivered Daniel unto them : Who cast him into the lions' den : where he was six days . And in the den there were seven lions , and they had given them every day two carcases , and two sheep : which then were not given to them , to the intent they might devour Daniel . Now there was in Jewry a prophet , called Habbacuc , who had made pottage , and had broken bread in a bowl , and was going into the field , for to bring it to the reapers . But the angel of the Lord said unto Habbacuc , Go , carry the dinner that thou hast into Babylon unto Daniel , who is in the lions' den . And Habbacuc said , Lord , I never saw Babylon ; neither do I know where the den is . Then the angel of the Lord took him by the crown , and bare him by the hair of his head , and through the vehemency of his spirit set him in Babylon over the den . And Habbacuc cried , saying , O Daniel , Daniel , take the dinner which God hath sent thee . And Daniel said , Thou hast remembered me , O God : neither hast thou forsaken them that seek thee and love thee . So Daniel arose , and did eat : and the angel of the Lord set Habbacuc in his own place again immediately . Upon the seventh day the king went to bewail Daniel : and when he came to the den , he looked in , and behold , Daniel was sitting . Then cried the king with a loud voice , saying , Great art Lord God of Daniel , and there is none other beside thee . And he drew him out , and cast those that were the cause of his destruction into the den : and they were devoured in a moment before his face . .