The Book of Daniel Finally, there is section (), covering : to the end of chapter , the
only truly prophetic part of the whole work, which looks forward, in very
significant style, to events which really had not yet occurred (and never did).
In literary structure, however, this section is continuous with () and is also
placed in the mouth of the same angelic being.
Section ()Chapter Narrative; dreams and visions Interpretations
Capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchad-
nezzar (II) of Babylon (–..).
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah selected for court service.
They refuse royal rations. This
continuesto‘‘firstyearofCyrus’’
(..).
Year ‘‘’’ of Nebuchadnezzar.
His dream. Daniel interprets dream:
image of gold, silver, brass,
iron; indicates four successive
kingdoms, to be followed by
eternal kingdom.
Nebuchadnezzar sets up golden
image. Hananiah (Shedrach), Mishael
(Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego)
refuse to worship. Placed in furnace,
saved. Nebuchadnezzar orders all to
respect their God.
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of tree
(related in first person).
Daniel interprets: dream
portends Nebuchadnezzar’s
expulsion from kingdom, to
liveinfields.
Nebuchadnezzar is expelled and then
restored, and worships God (related
in third, then first, person).
Feast of Belshazzar, ‘‘son’’ of
Nebuchadnezzar ( Bel-shar-uṣur,
ruling in Babylon as ‘‘royal prince’’ in
the absence of his father, Nabonidus
[–..]). Vessels from Temple
used. Writing on the wall.