Then Belshazzar gave an order, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain round his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
However, I have heard about you that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain round your neck, and have the third highest position in the kingdom.’
For my people and I have been sold to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent. Indeed, the trouble wouldn’t be worth burdening the king.’
‘Therefore, this is the declaration of the Lord, the God of Israel: “I did say that your family and your forefather’s family would walk before me for ever. But now,” this is the Lord’s declaration, “no longer! For those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disgraced.
The king shouted to bring in the mediums, Chaldeans, and diviners. He said to these wise men of Babylon, ‘Whoever reads this inscription and gives me its interpretation will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain round his neck, and have the third highest position in the kingdom.’