¹³ So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.^(A)

¹⁸ He urged them to plead for mercy^(A) from the God of heaven^(B) concerning this mystery,^(C) so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

¹¹ There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods^(A) in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom^(B) like that of the gods.^(C) Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners.^{(D) 12} He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar,^(E) was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles^(F) and solve difficult problems.^(G) Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.^(H)”