Holy Holy (Always Be)

Why Suicide Is Not the Option

Renew: To Transform, Be Transformed by God’s Mercy

Easter Week in Paint

Lent | Week 6: A New Beginning

Life to the FULL - Walk in Resurrection Power

Hearing God When It Seems Impossible

Darkness to Destiny: Unleashing God’s Power in a Dark World

Baptism

Understanding God’s Timing

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkDAN">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="DAN.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Nebuchadnezzar&#8217;s Dream of a Tree</span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="fr">4:0 </span><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">In Aramaic texts 4:1-3 is numbered 3:31-33, and 4:4-37 is numbered 4:1-34.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="DAN.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">King Nebuchadnezzar,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="DAN.4.1"><span class="content">To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="DAN.4.1"><span class="content">May you prosper greatly!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="DAN.4.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="DAN.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="DAN.4.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="DAN.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">How great are his signs,</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="DAN.4.3"><span class="content">how mighty his wonders!</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="DAN.4.3"><span class="content">His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="DAN.4.3"><span class="content">his dominion endures from generation to generation.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="DAN.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="DAN.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="DAN.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="DAN.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="DAN.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:7 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Chaldeans</span></span></span><span class="content"> and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="DAN.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Finally, 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.)</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="DAN.4.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="DAN.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">I said, &#8220;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. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="DAN.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">These 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. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="DAN.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="DAN.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Its 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.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="DAN.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="DAN.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:13 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">watchman</span><span class="ft">; also in verses 17 and 23</span></span></span><span class="content"> coming down from heaven. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="DAN.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">He called in a loud voice: &#8216;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. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="DAN.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="DAN.4.15"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="DAN.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:16 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">years</span><span class="ft">; also in verses 23, 25 and 32</span></span></span><span class="content"> pass by for him.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="DAN.4.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="DAN.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;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.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="DAN.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="DAN.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">&#8220;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.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Daniel Interprets the Dream</span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="DAN.4.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="DAN.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, &#8220;Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="DAN.4.19"><span class="content">Belteshazzar answered, &#8220;My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries! </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="DAN.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="DAN.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">with 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&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="DAN.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Your 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.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="DAN.4.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="DAN.4.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">&#8220;Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, &#8216;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.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="DAN.4.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="DAN.4.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">&#8220;This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="DAN.4.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">You 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. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="DAN.4.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The 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. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.4.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Therefore, 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.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Dream Is Fulfilled</span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.4.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="DAN.4.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="DAN.4.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="DAN.4.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">he said, &#8220;Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="DAN.4.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="DAN.4.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, &#8220;This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="DAN.4.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">You 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.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="DAN.4.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="DAN.4.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Immediately 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.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="DAN.4.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="DAN.4.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="DAN.4.34"><span class="content">His dominion is an eternal dominion;</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="DAN.4.34"><span class="content">his kingdom endures from generation to generation.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="DAN.4.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">All the peoples of the earth</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="content">are regarded as nothing.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="content">He does as he pleases</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="content">with the powers of heaven</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="content">and the peoples of the earth.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="content">No one can hold back his hand</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="content">or say to him: &#8220;What have you done?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="DAN.4.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="DAN.4.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="DAN.4.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">Now 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.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkDAN">
      <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="DAN.6">
         <div class="label">6</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Daniel in the Den of Lions</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">In Aramaic texts 6:1-28 is numbered 6:2-29.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="DAN.6.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="DAN.6.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="DAN.6.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="DAN.6.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="DAN.6.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Finally these men said, &#8220;We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="DAN.6.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="DAN.6.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: &#8220;May King Darius live forever! </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="DAN.6.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions&#8217; den. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="DAN.6.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered&#8212;in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="DAN.6.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">So King Darius put the decree in writing.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="DAN.6.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="DAN.6.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="DAN.6.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="DAN.6.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: &#8220;Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions&#8217; den?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="DAN.6.12"><span class="content">The king answered, &#8220;The decree stands&#8212;in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="DAN.6.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="DAN.6.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Then they said to the king, &#8220;Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="DAN.6.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="DAN.6.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="DAN.6.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, &#8220;Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="DAN.6.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="DAN.6.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions&#8217; den. The king said to Daniel, &#8220;May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="DAN.6.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="DAN.6.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel&#8217;s situation might not be changed. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="DAN.6.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="DAN.6.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="DAN.6.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions&#8217; den. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="DAN.6.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, &#8220;Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="DAN.6.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="DAN.6.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Daniel answered, &#8220;May the king live forever! </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="DAN.6.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="DAN.6.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="DAN.6.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="DAN.6.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="DAN.6.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">At the king&#8217;s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions&#8217; den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="DAN.6.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="DAN.6.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:</span></span></div><div class="pmo"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="DAN.6.25"><span class="content">&#8220;May you prosper greatly!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="DAN.6.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="DAN.6.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">&#8220;I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="DAN.6.26"><span class="content">&#8220;For he is the living God</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="DAN.6.26"><span class="content">and he endures forever;</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="DAN.6.26"><span class="content">his kingdom will not be destroyed,</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="DAN.6.26"><span class="content">his dominion will never end.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="DAN.6.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.6.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">He rescues and he saves;</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.6.27"><span class="content">he performs signs and wonders</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.6.27"><span class="content">in the heavens and on the earth.</span></span></div><div class="qm1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.6.27"><span class="content">He has rescued Daniel</span></span></div><div class="qm2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.6.27"><span class="content">from the power of the lions.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="DAN.6.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="DAN.6.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:28 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Darius, that is, the reign of Cyrus</span></span></span><span class="content"> the Persian.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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The Bible Series - Week 3Sample

Scripture

About this Plan

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