Daniel 5:7-16

7The king screamed for the psychics, astrologers, and fortunetellers to be brought to him. He told these wise advisers of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me its meaning will be dressed in purple, wear a gold chain on his neck, and become the third-highest ruler in the kingdom.”

8All the king’s wise advisers came, but they couldn’t read the writing or tell the king its meaning.

9King Belshazzar was terrified, and his face turned pale. His nobles didn’t know what to do.

10The discussion between the king and his nobles brought the queen herself into the banquet hall. The queen said, “Your Majesty, may you live forever! Don’t let your thoughts frighten you, and don’t turn pale.

11There’s a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your grandfather, he was found to have insight, good judgment, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar, made him head of the magicians, psychics, astrologers, and fortunetellers.

12This Daniel (who had been renamed Belteshazzar) was found to have knowledge, judgment, and an extraordinary spirit. He has the ability to interpret dreams, solve riddles, and untangle problems. Now, call Daniel, and he will tell ⌞you⌟ what it means.”

13So Daniel was taken to the king. The king asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the captives that my grandfather brought from Judah?

14I’ve heard that you have the spirit of the gods and that you have insight, good judgment, and extraordinary wisdom.

15The wise advisers and the psychics were brought to me to read this writing and tell me its meaning. But they couldn’t tell me its meaning.

16I have heard that you can interpret such things and untangle problems. If you can read the writing and tell ⌞me⌟ its meaning, you will be dressed in purple, wear a gold chain on your neck, and become the third-highest ruler in the kingdom.”