von Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft1Ich, Nebukadnezar, hatte Ruhe in meinem Hause und lebte zufrieden in meinem Palast.2Da hatte ich einen Traum, der erschreckte mich, und die Erscheinungen, die ich auf meinem Bett hatte, und die Gesichte, die ich gesehen hatte, beunruhigten mich.3Und ich befahl, dass alle Weisen Babels vor mich gebracht würden, damit sie mir sagten, was der Traum bedeutete.4Da brachte man herein die Zeichendeuter, Weisen, Wahrsager und Sternkundigen, und ich erzählte den Traum vor ihnen; aber sie konnten mir nicht sagen, was er bedeutete,5bis zuletzt Daniel vor mich trat, der Beltschazar heißt nach dem Namen meines Gottes und der den Geist der heiligen Götter hat. Und ich erzählte vor ihm den Traum: (Dan 5,11; Dan 5,14)6Beltschazar, du Oberster unter den Zeichendeutern, von dem ich weiß, dass du den Geist der heiligen Götter hast und dir kein Geheimnis zu dunkel ist, sage, was die Gesichte meines Traumes, die ich gesehen habe, bedeuten.7Dies sind aber die Gesichte, die ich gesehen habe auf meinem Bett: Siehe, es stand ein Baum in der Mitte der Erde, der war sehr hoch. (Ps 37,35)8Und er wurde groß und mächtig, und seine Höhe reichte bis an den Himmel, und er war zu sehen bis ans Ende der ganzen Erde.9Sein Laub war dicht und seine Frucht reichlich, und er gab Nahrung für alle. Die Tiere des Feldes fanden Schatten unter ihm, und die Vögel des Himmels saßen auf seinen Ästen, und alles Fleisch nährte sich von ihm.10Und ich sah ein Gesicht auf meinem Bett, und siehe, ein heiliger Wächter fuhr vom Himmel herab. (Dan 8,13)11Der rief laut und sprach: Haut den Baum um und schlagt ihm die Äste weg, streift ihm das Laub ab und zerstreut seine Frucht, dass die Tiere, die unter ihm liegen, weglaufen und die Vögel von seinen Zweigen fliehen.12Doch lasst den Stock mit seinen Wurzeln in der Erde bleiben; er soll in eisernen und ehernen Ketten auf dem Felde im Grase liegen. Vom Tau des Himmels soll er nass werden und soll sein Teil haben mit den Tieren an den Kräutern der Erde.13Und das menschliche Herz soll von ihm genommen und ein tierisches Herz ihm gegeben werden, und sieben Zeiten sollen über ihn hingehen.14Dieser Befehl ist im Rat der Wächter beschlossen, und das Gebot ist eine Entscheidung der Heiligen, damit die Lebenden erkennen, dass der Höchste Gewalt hat über die Königreiche der Menschen und sie geben kann, wem er will, und selbst den niedrigsten der Menschen über sie setzen kann. (Dan 2,21)15Solch einen Traum hab ich, König Nebukadnezar, gehabt; du aber, Beltschazar, sage, was er bedeutet. Denn alle Weisen in meinem Königreich können mir nicht kundtun, was er bedeutet; du aber kannst es, denn der Geist der heiligen Götter ist bei dir.16Da entsetzte sich Daniel, der auch Beltschazar heißt, eine Zeit lang, und seine Gedanken beunruhigten ihn. Aber der König sprach: Beltschazar, lass dich durch den Traum und seine Deutung nicht beunruhigen. Beltschazar fing an und sprach: Ach, mein Herr, dass doch der Traum deinen Feinden und seine Deutung deinen Widersachern gelte!17Der Baum, den du gesehen hast, der groß und mächtig wurde und dessen Höhe an den Himmel reichte und der zu sehen war auf der ganzen Erde, (Hes 31,3)18dessen Laub dicht und dessen Frucht reichlich war, sodass er Nahrung für alle gab, unter dem die Tiere des Feldes wohnten und auf dessen Ästen die Vögel des Himmels saßen –19das bist du, König, der du so groß und mächtig bist; denn deine Macht ist groß und reicht bis an den Himmel und deine Gewalt bis ans Ende der Erde.20Dass aber der König einen heiligen Wächter gesehen hat vom Himmel herabfahren, der sagte: »Haut den Baum um und zerstört ihn, doch den Stock mit seinen Wurzeln lasst in der Erde bleiben; er soll in eisernen und ehernen Ketten auf dem Felde im Grase liegen, und vom Tau des Himmels soll er nass werden und mit den Tieren des Feldes zusammenleben, bis über ihn sieben Zeiten hingegangen sind«;21das, König, bedeutet – und zwar erging es als Ratschluss des Höchsten über meinen Herrn, den König –:22Man wird dich aus der Gemeinschaft der Menschen verstoßen, und du musst bei den Tieren des Feldes bleiben, und man wird dich Kraut fressen lassen wie die Rinder, und du wirst vom Tau des Himmels nass werden, und sieben Zeiten werden über dich hingehen, bis du erkennst, dass der Höchste Gewalt hat über die Königreiche der Menschen und sie gibt, wem er will.23Wenn aber gesagt wurde, man sollte dennoch den Stock des Baumes mit seinen Wurzeln übrig lassen, das bedeutet: Dein Königreich soll dir erhalten bleiben, sobald du erkannt hast, dass der Himmel die Gewalt hat.24Darum, mein König, lass dir meinen Rat gefallen und mache dich los und ledig von deinen Sünden durch Gerechtigkeit und von deiner Missetat durch Wohltat an den Armen, so wird es dir lange wohlergehen. (Spr 19,17; Mt 5,7)25Dies alles widerfuhr dem König Nebukadnezar.26Denn nach zwölf Monaten, als der König auf dem Dach des königlichen Palastes in Babel sich erging,27hob er an und sprach: Das ist das große Babel, das ich erbaut habe zur Königsstadt durch meine große Macht zu Ehren meiner Herrlichkeit. (1Mo 11,1; Spr 16,18)28Ehe noch der König diese Worte ausgeredet hatte, kam eine Stimme vom Himmel: Dir, König Nebukadnezar, wird gesagt: Dein Königreich ist dir genommen,29man wird dich aus der Gemeinschaft der Menschen verstoßen, und du sollst bei den Tieren des Feldes bleiben; Kraut wird man dich fressen lassen wie die Rinder, und sieben Zeiten sollen hingehen, bis du erkennst, dass der Höchste Gewalt hat über die Königreiche der Menschen und sie gibt, wem er will. (Dan 5,21)30Im gleichen Augenblick wurde das Wort erfüllt an Nebukadnezar, und er wurde verstoßen aus der Gemeinschaft der Menschen; und er fraß Kraut wie die Rinder, und vom Tau des Himmels wurde sein Leib nass, bis sein Haar wuchs so groß wie Adlerfedern und seine Nägel wie Vogelklauen wurden.31Nach dieser Zeit hob ich, Nebukadnezar, meine Augen auf zum Himmel, und mein Verstand kam mir wieder, und ich lobte den Höchsten. Ich pries und ehrte den, der ewig lebt, dessen Gewalt ewig ist und dessen Reich für und für währt, (Dan 3,33)32gegen den alle, die auf Erden wohnen, für nichts zu rechnen sind. Er macht’s, wie er will, mit dem Heer des Himmels und mit denen, die auf Erden wohnen. Und niemand kann seiner Hand wehren noch zu ihm sagen: Was machst du? (Hi 9,12; Jes 40,17)33Zur selben Zeit kehrte mein Verstand zu mir zurück, und meine Herrlichkeit und mein Glanz kamen wieder an mich zur Ehre meines Königreichs. Und meine Räte und Mächtigen suchten mich auf, und ich wurde wieder über mein Königreich eingesetzt und gewann noch größere Macht.34Darum lobe, ehre und preise ich, Nebukadnezar, den König des Himmels; denn all sein Tun ist Wahrheit, und seine Wege sind recht, und wer stolz einherschreitet, den kann er demütigen. (Lk 1,51; Lk 18,14)
1[1] King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! (Dan 3,4; Dan 6,25; 1Petr 1,2; 2Petr 1,2)2It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. (Dan 3,26; Dan 6,27; Joh 4,48)3How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation. (Dan 2,44; Dan 4,2)
Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream
4[2] I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace.5I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. (Dan 2,28; Dan 7,15)6So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. (Dan 2,12; Dan 3,10)7Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation. (Dan 2,2; Dan 2,27; Dan 4,18; Dan 5,8; Dan 5,15)8At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods[3]—and I told him the dream, saying, (1Mo 41,38; Jes 63,14; Dan 1,7; Dan 2,11; Dan 4,18; Dan 5,11)9“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation. (Dan 2,18; Dan 2,48; Dan 4,5; Dan 4,8; Dan 5,11)10The visions of my head as I lay in bed were these: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. (Hes 31,3; Dan 4,5)11The tree grew and became strong, and its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. (Ps 37,35)12Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the heavens lived in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. (Hes 31,6; Hes 31,7)13“I saw in the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and behold, a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven. (5Mo 33,2; Dan 4,5; Dan 4,23; Sach 14,5; Jud 1,14)14He proclaimed aloud and said thus: ‘Chop down the tree and lop off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it and the birds from its branches. (Hes 31,12; Dan 3,4; Dan 4,23; Mt 3,10; Lk 3,9)15But leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, amid the tender grass of the field. Let him be wet with the dew of heaven. Let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth.16Let his mind be changed from a man’s, and let a beast’s mind be given to him; and let seven periods of time pass over him. (1Chr 29,30; Dan 4,23; Dan 4,25)17The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’ (1Sam 2,8; Jer 27,5; Dan 4,13; Dan 4,25; Dan 4,32; Dan 5,21)18This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” (1Mo 41,8; Dan 1,7; Dan 4,7; Dan 4,8; Dan 5,8; Dan 5,15)
Daniel Interprets the Second Dream
19Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies! (1Sam 25,26; 2Sam 18,32; Dan 3,24; Dan 4,18; Dan 5,6)20The tree you saw, which grew and became strong, so that its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth, (Dan 4,10)21whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which beasts of the field found shade, and in whose branches the birds of the heavens lived— (Dan 4,12)22it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth. (Jer 27,6; Hes 31,3)23And because the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let him be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven periods of time pass over him,’ (Dan 4,13; Dan 4,14; Dan 4,16)24this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king,25that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. (Ps 106,20; Dan 4,17; Dan 4,23; Dan 4,32; Dan 5,21)26And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules. (Dan 4,15; Dan 4,23)27Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.” (Spr 16,6; Jer 18,8; Jon 3,10; Mt 6,1; Mt 25,35; Lk 11,41; Apg 8,22; 2Tim 2,25)
Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation
28All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.29At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,30and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Dan 2,37; Dan 4,36; Dan 5,20)31While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, (Dan 5,5; Lk 12,20)32and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” (Dan 4,17; Dan 4,25; Dan 5,21)33Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws. (Dan 4,32)
Nebuchadnezzar Restored
34At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; (Ps 10,16; Dan 2,44; Dan 4,26; Dan 4,36; Dan 6,26; Dan 12,7; Offb 4,10)35all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” (Hi 9,12; Ps 115,3; Jes 14,27; Jes 40,17; Jes 45,9; Röm 9,20; Hebr 1,13)36At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. (Hi 42,12; Dan 3,24; Dan 4,30; Dan 4,34; Dan 5,1; Dan 5,18; Dan 6,7; Dan 6,17; Mt 6,33)37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. (5Mo 32,4; Ps 33,4; Spr 20,23; Dan 4,34; Dan 5,20; Dan 5,23; Offb 15,3)
1[1] King Nebuchadnezzar, To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth: May you prosper greatly! (Dan 4,4)2It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.3How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.4I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.5I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me.6So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.7When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers[2] and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.8Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)9I said, ‘Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.10These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.11The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.12Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.13‘In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger,[3] coming down from heaven.14He called in a loud voice: “Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.15But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. ‘ “Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.16Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times[4] pass by for him.17‘ “The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.”18‘This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.’
Daniel interprets the dream
19Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.’ Belteshazzar answered, ‘My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!20The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth,21with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds –22Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.23‘Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, “Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.”24‘This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king:25you will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.26The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.27Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.’
The dream is fulfilled
28All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.29Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,30he said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?’31Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, ‘This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: your royal authority has been taken from you.32You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.’33Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.34At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes towards heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honoured and glorified him who lives for ever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.35All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No-one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’36At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honour and splendour were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisors and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Daniel 4
King James Version
1Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.2I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.3How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.4I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:5I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.6Therefore 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.7Then 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.8But 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 ,9O 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.10Thus 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.11The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:12The 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.13I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;14He 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:15Nevertheless 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:16Let his heart be changed from man', and let a beast' heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.17This 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.18This 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.19Then 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.20The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;21Whose 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:22It 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.23And 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;24This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king:25That 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.26And 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.27Wherefore, 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.28All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.29At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.30The 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?31While the word was in the king' mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying , O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.32And 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.33The 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 .34And 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:35And 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?36At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.37Now 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.
Daniel 4
La Bible du Semeur
von Biblica1Moi, Nabuchodonosor, je vivais tranquille dans ma maison et je jouissais de la prospérité dans mon palais.2J’ai alors fait un rêve qui m’a rempli d’effroi; les pensées qui m’ont hanté sur mon lit et les visions de mon esprit m’ont épouvanté.3J’ai donc ordonné de convoquer auprès de moi tous les sages de Babylone, pour qu’ils me fassent connaître l’interprétation de mon rêve.4Les mages, les magiciens, les astrologues et les devins se sont présentés. Je leur ai exposé le rêve, mais ils n’ont pas pu m’en faire connaître l’interprétation.5A la fin, s’est présenté devant moi Daniel, nommé aussi Beltshatsar, d’après le nom de mon dieu[1]. L’esprit des dieux saints réside en lui. Je lui ai raconté mon rêve et je lui ai dit: (Dan 1,7)6Beltshatsar, chef des mages, je sais que l’esprit des dieux saints réside en toi, et qu’aucun mystère n’est trop difficile pour toi, écoute donc les visions que j’ai eues dans mon rêve et donne-m’en l’interprétation.7Voici quelles étaient les visions de mon esprit pendant que j’étais couché sur mon lit: je regardais et voici ce que j’ai vu: Au milieu de la terre ╵se dressait un grand arbre, ╵dont la hauteur était immense.8L’arbre grandit ╵et devint vigoureux. Son sommet atteignait le ciel; et l’on pouvait le voir ╵depuis les confins de la terre.9Son feuillage était magnifique et ses fruits abondants. Il portait de la nourriture ╵pour tout être vivant. Les animaux sauvages ╵venaient s’abriter à son ombre et les oiseaux ╵se nichaient dans ses branches. Tous les êtres vivants ╵se nourrissaient de ses produits.10Pendant que, sur mon lit, je contemplais les visions de mon esprit, je vis apparaître un de ceux qui veillent[2], un saint qui descendait du ciel.11Il cria d’une voix forte: « Abattez l’arbre! ╵Coupez ses branches! Arrachez son feuillage ╵et dispersez ses fruits, et que les animaux ╵s’enfuient de dessous lui, que les oiseaux ╵quittent ses branches!12Laissez cependant dans la terre ╵la souche et ses racines, liées de chaînes de fer et de bronze au milieu de l’herbe des champs. Qu’il soit trempé ╵de la rosée du ciel, qu’il se nourrisse d’herbe ╵avec les animaux.13Cet homme perdra la raison et se prendra pour une bête jusqu’à ce qu’aient passé sept temps[3]. (Dan 2,8; Dan 3,5; Dan 7,25)14Cette sentence ╵est un décret de ceux qui veillent; cette résolution ╵est un ordre des saints, afin que tous les vivants sachent ╵que le Très-Haut domine ╵sur toute royauté humaine, qu’il accorde la royauté ╵à qui il veut, et qu’il établit roi ╵le plus insignifiant des hommes. »15Tel est le rêve que j’ai eu, moi le roi Nabuchodonosor. Quant à toi, Beltshatsar, donne-m’en l’interprétation puisque tous les sages de mon royaume s’en sont montrés incapables; mais toi, tu le peux, car l’esprit des dieux saints réside en toi.
Daniel interprète le rêve
16Alors Daniel, nommé aussi Beltshatsar, demeura un moment interloqué: ses pensées l’effrayaient. Le roi reprit et dit: Beltshatsar, que le songe et son explication ne t’effraient pas! – Mon Seigneur, répondit Beltshatsar, je souhaiterais que ce songe s’applique à tes ennemis, et sa signification à tes adversaires!17Tu as vu un arbre grandir et devenir vigoureux, sa cime touchait le ciel et on le voyait de toute la terre.18Cet arbre au feuillage magnifique et aux fruits abondants portait de la nourriture pour tous les êtres vivants. Les animaux sauvages venaient s’abriter sous lui et les oiseaux nichaient dans ses branches.19Cet arbre, ô roi, c’est toi! Car tu es devenu grand et puissant. Ta grandeur s’est accrue, elle atteint jusqu’au ciel et ta domination s’étend jusqu’aux confins de la terre.20Le roi a vu ensuite l’un de ceux qui veillent, un saint, descendre du ciel et crier: « Abattez l’arbre et détruisez-le! Laissez toutefois en terre la souche avec les racines, mais liées de chaînes de fer et de bronze au milieu de l’herbe des champs, qu’il soit trempé de la rosée du ciel, et qu’il se nourrisse d’herbe avec les animaux des champs jusqu’à ce que sept temps aient passé. »21Voici ce que cela signifie, ô roi! Il s’agit là d’un décret du Très-Haut prononcé contre mon seigneur le roi.22On te chassera du milieu des humains et tu vivras parmi les bêtes des champs. On te nourrira d’herbe comme les bœufs et tu seras trempé de la rosée du ciel. Tu seras dans cet état durant sept temps, jusqu’à ce que tu reconnaisses que le Très-Haut est le maître de toute royauté humaine et qu’il accorde la royauté à qui il lui plaît.23Mais si l’on a ordonné de préserver la souche avec les racines de l’arbre, c’est que la royauté te sera rendue dès que tu auras reconnu que le Dieu des cieux est souverain.24C’est pourquoi, ô roi, voici mon conseil: puisses-tu juger bon de le suivre! Détourne-toi de tes péchés et fais ce qui est juste! Mets un terme à tes injustices en ayant compassion des pauvres! Peut-être ta tranquillité se prolongera-t-elle.
Le rêve se réalise
25Tous ces événements s’accomplirent pour le roi Nabuchodonosor.26En effet, douze mois plus tard, il se promenait sur la terrasse du palais royal de Babylone.27Il prit la parole et dit: N’est-ce pas là Babylone la grande que moi j’ai bâtie pour en faire une résidence royale? C’est par la grandeur de ma puissance et pour la gloire de ma majesté que j’ai fait cela.28Ces paroles étaient encore sur ses lèvres, qu’une voix retentit du ciel: Roi Nabuchodonosor, écoute ce qu’on te dit: le pouvoir royal t’est retiré!29On te chassera du milieu des humains et tu vivras avec les bêtes des champs, on te nourrira d’herbe comme les bœufs. Tu seras dans cet état durant sept temps, jusqu’à ce que tu reconnaisses que le Très-Haut est maître de toute royauté humaine et qu’il accorde la royauté à qui il lui plaît.30Au même instant, la sentence prononcée contre Nabuchodonosor fut exécutée: il fut chassé du milieu des hommes, il se mit à manger de l’herbe comme les bœufs et son corps fut trempé par la rosée du ciel, sa chevelure devint aussi longue que des plumes d’aigle et ses ongles ressemblaient aux griffes des oiseaux.31Au terme du temps annoncé, moi, Nabuchodonosor, je levai les yeux vers le ciel, et la raison me revint. Je remerciai le Très-Haut, je louai celui qui vit éternellement, et je proclamai sa gloire: sa souveraineté ╵est éternelle son règne dure d’âge en âge.32Tous les habitants de la terre ╵ne comptent pour rien devant lui, et il agit comme il l’entend envers l’armée des êtres ╵qui vivent dans le ciel ╵et envers les habitants de la terre. Personne ne peut s’opposer ╵à ses interventions ou lui reprocher: « Que fais-tu? »33A l’heure même, la raison me revint, la gloire de ma royauté, la majesté et la splendeur me furent rendues: mes conseillers et mes dignitaires me rappelèrent et je fus réinstallé sur mon trône avec un surcroît de grandeur.34Maintenant, moi, Nabuchodonosor, je loue, j’exalte et je glorifie le Roi des cieux, car il agit en accord avec ses paroles[4] et tout ce qu’il fait est juste, il a le pouvoir d’abaisser ceux qui vivent dans l’orgueil.