The Plot against JESUS.

When JESUS had finished discoursing on all these subjects, HE said to HIS disciples, "In two days it will be Passover, at which time THE SON OF MAN will be handed over to be crucified."

       Meanwhile, the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled together in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they made plans to arrest JESUS by deceit and have HIM put to death. However, they said, "It must not occur during the feast, or the people may begin to riot."

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 1 - 5

A Woman of Bethany Anoints JESUS.

       Now when JESUS was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to HIM with an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment and poured it over HIS head as HE reclined at table. When the disciples saw this, they became indignant, and they remarked, "Why this waste? This ointment could have been sold for a considerable sum, with the money given to the poor."

       JESUS was aware of their attitude, and HE said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has performed a good deed for ME. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have ME. In pouring this ointment on MY body, she has prepared ME for burial. Amen, I say to you, wherever in the whole world this gospel is proclaimed, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her."

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 6 - 13

Judas Betrays JESUS.

       Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand HIM over to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray HIM.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 14 - 16

The Preparations for the Passover Supper.

       On the first day of the feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to JESUS and asked, "Where do YOU want us to make the preparations for YOU to eat the Passover?" HE said: "Go to a certain man in the city and say to him, 'THE TEACHER says, "MY appointed time is near. I intend to celebrate the Passover at your house with MY disciples." ' " The disciples thereupon followed JESUS instructions, and they prepared the Passover.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 17 - 19

The Treachery of Judas Foretold.

       When evening came, HE reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, HE said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray ME." Greatly distressed on hearing this, they began to ask HIM, one after another, "Is it I, LORD?"

       HE answered, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with ME is the one who will betray ME. THE SON OF MAN indeed goes, as it is written of HIM, but woe to that man by whom THE SON OF MAN is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born."

       Then Judas, the one who would betray HIM, said: "Is it I, Rabbi?" JESUS replied, "You have said so."

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 20 - 25

The Last Supper.

       While they were eating, JESUS took bread, and after HE had pronounced the blessing, HE broke it and gave it to HIS disciples, saying, "Take this and eat; this is MY body." Then HE took a cup, and after offering thanks HE gave it to them, saying, "Drink from this, all of you. For this is MY blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. And I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I shall drink it anew with you in the kingdom of MY FATHER."

       And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 26 - 29

JESUS Predicts Peter's Denial.

       Then JESUS said to them, "This very night you will all be scandalized because of ME, for it is written:

       'I will strike the shepherd,

          and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

But after I have been raised up, I shall go ahead of you to Galilee."

       Peter said to HIM, "Even if all the others will be scandalized because of you, I will never be." JESUS replied, "Amen, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny ME three times." Peter said to HIM, "Even if I have to die with YOU, I will not deny YOU." And all the other disciples said the same thing.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 31 - 35

The Agony in the Garden.

       Then JESUS went with HIS disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and HE said to them, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." HE took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and HE began to suffer grief and anguish.

       Then HE said to them, "MY soul is sorrowful, even to the point of death. Remain here and keep watch with ME." Moving on a little farther, HE threw HIMSELF prostrate on the ground in prayer, saying, "MY FATHER, if it is possible, allow this cup to be taken from ME. Yet let YOUR will, not MINE, be done."

       Returning to the disciples, HE found them sleeping. HE said to Peter, "Could you not keep watch with ME for just one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak."

       HE went apart for a second time and prayed, "MY FATHER, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, YOUR will be done." Then HE came back again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

       HE left them there and went away again, praying for the third time in the same words as before. Then HE returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour has come for THE SON OF MAN to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up! Let us be going! Look, MY betrayer is approaching."

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 36 - 46

JESUS Is Arrested.

       While HE was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him there was a large crowd of men, armed with swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now HIS betrayer had agreed with them on a signal, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man. Arrest HIM." Proceeding directly to JESUS, he said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed HIM. JESUS said to him, "Friend, do what you are here to do." Then they came forward, seized JESUS, and placed HIM under arrest.

       Suddenly, one of those who were accompanying JESUS reached for his sword, drew it, and struck a servant of the high priest, slicing off his ear. Then JESUS said to him, "Put back your sword into its place. For all who take the sword shall die by the sword. Do you suppose that I cannot appeal to MY FATHER for help and HE will not immediately send ME more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

       At that hour, JESUS said to the crowd, "Why are you coming forth with swords and clubs to arrest ME, as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple, and you did not arrest ME. But all this has taken place so that the writings of the Prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted HIM and fled.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 47 - 56

JESUS Is Condemned by the Sanhedrin.

       Those who had arrested JESUS led HIM away to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the elders had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed HIM at a distance up to the courtyard of the high priest. Then, going inside, he sat down with the attendants to see what the outcome would be.

       The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin tried to elicit some false testimony against JESUS so they could put HIM to death, but they failed in their efforts, even though many witnesses came forward with Perjured testimony. Finally, two men came forward who stated, "This man said, 'I can destroy the temple of GOD and rebuild it within three days.' "

       The high priest then rose and said to HIM, "Have YOU no reply to counter the testimony that these witnesses have given?" But JESUS remained silent. Then the high priest said to HIM, "I command YOU to tell us before THE LIVING GOD whether YOU are THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD." JESUS replied, "You have said it. But I tell you:

       From now on you will see THE SON OF MAN

          seated at the right hand of THE POWER and coming on the clouds of heaven."

       Then the high priest tore his robes and exclaimed, "HE has blasphemed! What need do we have for any further witnesses? Behold, you have just heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They shouted in reply, "HE deserves to die." Then they spat in HIS face and struck HIM with their fists. Some taunted HIM as they beat HIM, "Prophesy to us, CHRIST! Who hit YOU?"

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 57 - 68

Peter Denies JESUS.

       Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the servant girls came over to him and said, "You too were with JESUS the Galilean." But he denied it before all of them, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." When he walked out to the entrance gate, another servant girl caught sight of him and said to the people around her, "This man was with JESUS of Nazareth." And again he denied it, this time with an oath: "I do not know the man."

       Shortly afterward, some bystanders came up to Peter and said to him, "You unquestionably are one of them. Even your accent gives you away." Then Peter began to shout curses, and he swore an oath: "I do not know the man." At that very moment, a cock crowed, and Peter remembered what JESUS had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny ME three times." And he went outside and began to weep uncontrollably.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 26, VERSES 69 - 75

JESUS Is Handed Over to Pilate.

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people met together in council to decide how to put HIM to death. They bound HIM and led HIM away, and handed HIM over to Pilate, the governor.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER, 27, VERSES 1 & 2

Judas Hangs Himself.

       When Judas discovered that JESUS, whom he betrayed, had been condemned he was seized with a sense of remorse, and he brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." They replied, "Of what importance is that to us? That is your responsibility." Flinging the silver pieces into the temple, he departed. Then he went off and hanged himself.

       The chief priests retrieved the silver coins and said, "It is not lawful for us to deposit this into the temple treasury, for it is blood money." They conferred together, and then used it to purchase the potter's field as a buri-al place for foreigners. This is the reason why that field to this very day is called the Field of Blood.

       Thus was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

       "And they took the thirty pieces of silver,

          the price set on his head by the people of Israel,

       and they used them to purchase the potter's field

          as THE LORD had commanded me."

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 3 - 10

JESUS Is Questioned by Pilate.

       Meanwhile, JESUS was brought into the presence of the governor, who asked HIM, "Are YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS?" JESUS replied, "You have said so." And when HE was accused by the chief priests and the elders, HE offered no reply. Pilate then said to HIM, "Have YOU not heard how many charges they have brought against YOU?" But HE did not offer a single word in response, much to the governor's amazement.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 11 - 14

JESUS Is Sentenced to Death.

       Now on the occasion of the feast, the governor's custom was to release to the people one prisoner whom they had designated. At that particular time, they had in custody a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. Therefore, after the people had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which man do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or JESUS who is called THE CHRIST?" For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed HIM over.

       While he was still seated on the judge's bench, his wife sent him a message: "Have nothing to do with that innocent man. I have been greatly troubled today by a dream that I had about HIM."

       Meanwhile, the chief priests and the elders had persuaded the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and to have JESUS executed. Therefore, when the governor asked them, "Which of the two men do you want me to release to you?" they shouted, "Barabbas!" Pilate asked them, "Then what shall I do with JESUS who is called THE MESSIAH?" All of them shouted, "Let HIM be crucified!" He asked, "Why? What evil has HE done?" But they only screamed all the louder, "Let HIM be crucified!"

       When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was about to occur, he took some water and washed his hands in full view of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. It is your responsibility." With one voice the entire crowd cried out, "Let HIS blood be on us and on our children!" He then released Barabbas to them, and after JESUS had been scourged, he handed HIM over to be crucified.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 15 - 26

JESUS Is Crowned with Thorns.

       Then the governor's soldiers took JESUS inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around HIM. They stripped HIM and put a scarlet robe on HIM, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they placed it on HIS head and put a reed in HIS right hand. Then, bending the knee before HIM, they mocked HIM, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They also spat upon HIM and, taking the reed, used it to strike HIM on the head. And when they had finished mocking HIM, they stripped HIM of the robe, dressed HIM in HIS own clothes, and led HIM away to crucify HIM.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 27 - 31

The Way of the Cross.

       As they went out, they encountered a man from Cyrene named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSE 32

JESUS Is Crucified on Calvary.

       When they came to a place called Golgotha, which means the Place of the Skull, they offered HIM some wine to drink that had been mixed with gall; but after tasting it, HE refused to drink the mixture. And after they had crucified HIM, they divided HIS garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down there to keep guard over HIM. Above HIS head was inscribed the charge against HIM: "This is JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Two thieves were crucified with HIM, one on HIS right and the other on HIS left.

       Those people who passed by jeered at HIM, shaking their heads and saying, "YOU who claimed YOU could destroy the temple and rebuild it within three days, save YOURSELF! If YOU truly are THE SON OF GOD, come down from the cross!"

       In much the same way, the chief priests, together with the scribes and the elders, joined in the mockery, saying, "HE saved others, but HE cannot save HIMSELF. If HE is the king of Israel, let HIM come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in HIM. HE trusted in GOD; now let GOD deliver HIM if HE wants HIM, for HE said, 'I AM THE SON OF GOD.'" The thieves who were crucified with HIM also taunted HIM in the same way.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 33 - 44

JESUS Dies on the Cross.

       Beginning at midday, there was darkness over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o'clock JESUS cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"--that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?"

       On hearing this, some of the bystanders said, "This man is calling for Elijah." One of them immediately ran off to get a sponge, which he soaked in vinegar, put on a stick, and gave to HIM to drink. But the others said, "Wait! Let us see whether Elijah will come to save HIM." Then JESUS again cried out in a loud voice and gave up HIS spirit.

       And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and rocks were split apart. The tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after HIS resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those who were keeping watch over JESUS with him witnessed the earthquake and all that was happening, they were terrified, and they said, "Truly, this man was THE SON OF GOD."

       Many women were also present, looking on from a distance. They had followed JESUS from Galilee and ministered to HIM. Among these were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 45 - 56

JESUS Is Placed in the Tomb.

       When evening came, there arrived a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of JESUS. He went to Pilate and requested the body of JESUS. So Pilate ordered that it be handed over to him.

       Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb that he had hewn out of the rock. He then rolled an immense stone against the entrance of the tomb and departed. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the sepulcher.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 57 - 61

The Guard at the Tomb.

       The next day, on the morning after the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees came to Pilate in a group and said to him, "Your Excellency, we recall that while he was still alive, this imposter said, 'After three days I will be raised up.' Therefore, issue orders that the tomb be kept under surveillance until the third day. Otherwise, HIS disciples may go there and steal his body, and then tell the people, 'He has been raised from the dead.' This final deception would be worse than the first."

       Pilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go and make the grave as secure as you can." And so they went forth and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 27, VERSES 62 - 66

JESUS Is Raised from the Dead.

After the sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the sepulcher. And behold, there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of THE LORD, descended from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat upon it. His face shone like lightning, and his garments were as white as snow. The guards were so paralyzed with fear of him that they became like dead men.

       But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for JESUS who was crucified. HE is not here, for HE has been raised, as HE promised HE would be. Come and see the place where HE lay. Then go quickly and tell HIS disciples: 'HE has been raised from the dead and now HE is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see HIM.' Behold, I have told you."

       They were filled with fear and great joy, and they ran from the tomb to inform HIS disciples. And behold, JESUS came to meet them, saying, "Greetings." They approached HIM, embraced HIS feet, and worshiped HIM. Then JESUS said to them, "Do not be fearful. Go and tell MY brethren to go to Galilee. There they will see ME."

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 28, VERSES 1 - 10

The Report of the Guard.

        While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. After the chief priests had conferred with the elders, they presented a large sum of money to the soldiers and gave them this order: "Say, 'His disciples came by night and stole the body while we were asleep.' And should the governor hear anything in this regard, we will explain the situation to him and you will be safe." The soldiers took the money and did as they had been instructed. And this story is still circulated among the Jews to this very day.

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 28, VERSES 11 - 15

JESUS Gives the Great Commission.

       Then the eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where JESUS had told them to meet HIM. When they saw HIM, they prostrated themselves before HIM, although some doubted. Then JESUS approached them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to ME. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of THE FATHER and of THE SON and of THE HOLY SPIRIT, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I an with you always, to the end of the world."

MATTHEW: CHAPTER 28, VERSES 16 - 20

The Food Test.

In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, marched into Jerusalem and laid siege to it. THE LORD allowed King Jehoiakim of Judah to fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the temple of GOD, which he carried off to the land of Shinar and placed in the temple treasury of his own god.

       Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring into the palace some Israelites from the royal family and from the nobility; young men who were handsome and without physical defects of any kind, possessing an aptitude for every branch of knowledge and with great insight, clearly showing the necessary competence to serve in the king's palace. Those so chosen were to be instructed in the language and the literature of the Chaldeans.

       The king designated a daily allotment of food and wine from the royal table for them. After having been educated for three years, they would enter the king's service. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah from the tribe of Judah. The chief eunuch assigned them different names: Daniel would be called Belteshazzar, Hananiah would be called Shadrach, Mishael would be called Meshach, and Azariah would be called Abednego.

       However, Daniel was determined not to defile himself by partaking of food and wine from the royal table, and he pleaded with the chief eunuch to spare him this defilement. GOD influenced the eunuch to grant this favor and to treat Daniel with compassion. However, the eunuch said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king. He has specifically designated what food and drink are to be supplied to you. If he should notice that you appear to be notably thinner than the other young men of your age, he would probably issue a command that I be beheaded."

       Then Daniel said to the guard whom the eunuch had assigned to supervise Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, "Please test your servants for a period of ten days, during which we will be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat only the food designated by the king. Then deal with your servants and treat us in accordance with what you observe."

       The guard agreed to this proposal and tested them for a period of ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked better nourished and healthier than any of the young men who had subsisted solely on the food provided by the king. Therefore, the guard continued to withdraw the food and the wine they were to drink, and he provided them with vegetables. To these four young men GOD gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and learning. In addition, Daniel was given the gift of interpreting visions and dreams of every kind.

       When the time arrived that the king had designated for their presentation to him, the eunuch brought all the young men into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar. After the king had spoken with all of them, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore, all four of them were appointed to the king's court. In regard to whatever point of wisdom or understanding the king would question them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters throughout his entire kingdom. Daniel remained there until the first year of the reign of King Cyrus.

DANIEL: CHAPTER 1

The King's Dream.

During the second year of his reign, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him deeply and made sleep impossible. Therefore, the king commanded that the magicians, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans were to be summoned to interpret his dream. When they arrived and stood in his presence, he said to them, "I have had a dream, and my mind is troubled because I have been unable to interpret it." The Chaldeans replied to the king in Aramaic, "May you live forever, O king. Relate your dream to us, your servants, and we will reveal its meaning to you."

       The king answered the Chaldeans, "This is what I have decided to do. If you are unable to tell me both the dream I had and its meaning, I will command that you be torn limb from limb, and your houses will be totally destroyed. However, if you are able to tell me what I dreamed and its meaning, I will present you with gifts, rewards, and great honors. Therefore, tell me the content of the dream and its meaning."

       They replied a second time, "Let the king first reveal his dream to his servants, and we shall interpret its meaning for you." But the king responded, "It is clear to me that you are stalling for time, since you know what I have already resolved to do. If you are unable to interpret my dream for me, there will only be one verdict for you. You have obviously decided to stall for time in the hope that some compromise may be reached. Therefore, relate the content of my dream to me so that I will be able to determine whether you can interpret it correctly."

       The Chaldeans answered the king, "There is not a man on earth who can do what you request, O king. Never has there been a king, no matter how great or powerful, who has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. What you are requiring of us is much too difficult, and no one can satisfy the king's demand except for the gods, whose dwelling is not among mortals."

       On hearing this, the king flew into a violent rage and ordered that all the wise men of Babylon were to be put to death. Therefore, the decree was issued for their execution, and a search was also made for Daniel and his companions so that they also might be executed.

       As Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, prepared to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel approached him, and with prudent words and discretion he said to him, "May I ask you why the king has issued such a harsh decree?" When Arioch explained what had occurred, Daniel went off and asked the king to decree a stay of execution so that he might have the opportunity to offer his interpretation to the king.

DANIEL: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 1 - 16

The Prayer of Daniel.

Then Daniel went home and informed his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, what had happened. He also asked them to implore THE GOD OF HEAVEN for HIS mercy in regard to the mystery so that he and his companions might not perish along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision during the night, and Daniel blessed THE GOD OF HEAVEN. This is what Daniel said,

       "Blessed be the name of GOD forever and ever,

          for wisdom and power are HIS.

       HE directs the changes of the times and seasons;

          HE controls the appointment and the removal of kings.

       HE endows the wise with wisdom

          and confers knowledge on those who have understanding.

       HE reveals deep and hidden mysteries

          and knows what lies in the darkness,

          for light dwells with HIM.

       To YOU, O GOD of my fathers,

          I offer thanks and praise

          because YOU have given me wisdom and power.

       Now YOU have made known to me

          what we asked of YOU;

          YOU have revealed to us the king's dream."

DANIEL: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 17 - 23

The Statue Turned Upside Down.

Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had designated to execute the wise men of Babylon, and he said to him, "Do not put the wise men of Babylon to death. Bring me into the presence of the king, and I will reveal to him the interpretation of the dream."

       Arioch immediately brought Daniel to the king and said to him, "Among the exiles from Judah I have located a man who can reveal the meaning of the dream to the king." The king said to Daniel, "Are you able to tell me the dream that I experienced and to reveal its meaning to me?"

       Daniel stood in the king's presence and replied, "None of the wise men, the enchanters, the sorcerers, or the astrologers has been able to explain to the king the dream about which you have been so disturbed. However, there is a GOD in heaven who reveals mysteries, and HE has disclosed to King Nebuchadnezzar what is to take place at the end of this age. These were the dreams and the visions that passed through your head as you lay in your bed.

       "While you were lying there, O king, thoughts came to you about what would happen in the future, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what will take place. This mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than any living person, but for the sole purpose that the interpretation may be made known to you and also that you may understand the thoughts that have entered your mind.

       "In the vision that you had, Your Majesty, you beheld a huge statue that was dazzling in its brightness. It stood before you, frightening in its appearance. The head of the statue was of fine gold, its chest and its arms were of silver, its belly and its thighs were of bronze, its legs were of iron, and its feet were partly of iron and partly of clay.

       "While you were gazing at the statue, a stone broke away, untouched by any human hand, and struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, shattering them to pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were all shattered into pieces as fine as the chaff on the threshing floor during the summer. The wind carried them away without leaving a trace. However, the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the entire earth.

       "That was the dream. Now we shall offer to the king its interpretation. Your Majesty, you are the king of kings to whom THE GOD OF HEAVEN has given the kingdom with its power, its might, and its glory. HE has entrusted to your care men, wild beasts, and birds of the air, wherever they may dwell. You are the head of gold.

       "After you another kingdom will arise, inferior to yours, followed by a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over the whole earth. There will then be a fourth kingdom, as strong as iron. Just as iron crushes and smashes everything to pieces, it will crush and pulverize all the other kingdoms.

       "Like the feet and the toes that you saw, composed partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but it will have some of the strength of iron just as you saw the iron mixed with the clay tile. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly potter's clay, the kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with the clay, so will the people mix together in marriage, but they will not remain united, just as iron does not mix with clay.

       "In the times of those kings, THE GOD OF HEAVEN shall establish a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom fall under the power of another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall endure forever. This is the meaning of your vision of the stone untouched by human hands being hewn from the mountain and crushing the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The great GOD has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy."

DANIEL: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 24 - 45

Nebuchadnezzar Prostrates Himself before GOD.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate and paid homage to Daniel, and he gave orders that a grain offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, "Truly your GOD is THE GOD of gods, THE LORD of kings, and THE REVEALER OF MYSTERIES. That is why you were able to reveal this mystery."

       Then the king conferred a high rank on Daniel and gave him many handsome gifts. He also appointed him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. Furthermore, at Daniel's request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as administrators of the province of Babylon. However, Daniel remained at the king's court.

DANIEL: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 46 - 49

The Trial of Daniel's Companions.

King Nebuchadnezzar ordered a golden statue to be made, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and he decreed that it be placed on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar then commanded the satraps, the prefects, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to assemble for the dedication of the statue that he had set up. Therefore, the satraps, the prefects, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

       Then a herald proclaimed in a loud voice, "Peoples and nations of every language: when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, zither, harp, bagpipe, and every other musical instrument, you are commanded to prostrate yourselves and worship the golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. Anyone who refuses to prostrate himself and worship shall immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace."

       Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, zither, harp, bagpipe, and every other musical instrument, all the peoples and nations of every language prostrated themselves and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

       Immediately some Chaldeans came forward before the king and made a malicious accusation against the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, may you live forever! You have issued a decree, Your Majesty, that when the people hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, zither, harp, bagpipe, and every other musical instrument, they are to prostrate themselves and worship the golden statue, and that whoever fails to do so is to be cast into a furnace of blazing fire.

       "Now there are certain Jews whom you have put in charge of the affairs of the province of Babylon. These men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, have ignored your command, O king. They do not serve your god, and they refuse to worship the golden statue that you have set up."

       On hearing this, Nebuchadnezzar became infuriated and was filled with rage, and he sent for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When the three men were brought into his presence, King Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my god or worship the golden statue that I have set up? When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, zither, harp, bagpipe, and every other musical instrument, are you ready to fall down and worship the statue that I have made? If you refuse to worship it, you shall be immediately thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. What god is there that can deliver you from my power?"

       Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to King nebuchadnezzar, "There is no need for us to defend ourselves to you in this regard. If our GOD, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the white-hot blazing furnace and from your power, O king, let him deliver us. But even if he does not do so, Your Majesty, be assured that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue you have set up."

       This reply so infuriated Nebuchadnezzar against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his countenance became distorted. He ordered that the furnace was to be heated seven times more than customary, and he commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and hurl them into the fiery furnace.

       The three young men were then bound while still wearing their cloaks, their trousers, their head coverings, and their other garments and thrown into the fiery furnace. Because the king's command was so urgent and the heat of the furnace was so intense, the raging flames killed the men who were carrying Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. However, the three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell, bound, into the fiery furnace.

DANIEL: CHAPTER 3, VERSES 1 - 23

The Prayer of Azariah.

       They walked amidst the flames, all the while singing hymns to GOD and blessing THE LORD. Azariah then stood up, surrounded by flames, and said this prayer:

       "Blessed are YOU and deserving of all praise,

          O LORD, THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS,

          and glorious is YOUR name forever.

       For YOU have shown justice in all YOU have done for us;

          all YOUR deeds are true, all YOUR ways are right,

          and all YOUR judgments are correct.

       YOU have made proper judgments

          in all that YOU have brought upon us

          and upon Jerusalem, the holy city of our ancestors.

       By a judgment, YOU have done all this because of our sins.

       "For we have sinned and broken YOUR law

          in our rebellion against YOU;

          we have fallen short in every way.

       We have neglected to obey YOUR commandments

          and have failed to do what YOU commanded for our own good.

       Therefore, in all the misfortunes YOU have inflicted upon us,

          in all YOU have done to us,

          YOU have executed proper judgments.

       YOU have handed us over to our enemies,

          lawless and godless rebels,

          and to a wicked king, the most evil in the entire world.

       "Now we cannot open our mouths;

          we, YOUR servants who worship YOU,

          have become a cause of shame and dishonor.

       For YOUR name's sake, do not abandon us forever

          or renounce YOUR covenant.

       Do not withdraw YOUR mercy from us

          for the love of Abraham, YOUR friend,

          Isaac, YOUR servant, and Israel, YOUR holy one,

       to whom YOU spoke, promising to make their descendants

          as numerous as the stars in the heavens

          and the grains of sand on the seashore.

       "For we, O LORD, have become the least of all nations,

          humiliated throughout the world in our day

          because of our sins.

       We now have no ruler, no prophet, no leader,

          no burnt offering or sacrifice or ablation of incense,

          no place to make an offering before YOU and to find mercy.

       But may we be accepted by YOU

          as we approach YOU with a contrite heart

          and with a submissive spirit.

       As though we were presenting burnt offerings of rams and bulls

          or thousands of fat lambs,

       so may our sacrifice be in YOUR presence today

          as we follow YOU unreservedly,

          for those who trust in YOU will never be put to shame.

       "And now with all our heart we shall follow YOU;

          even though we fear YOU, we seek YOUR face.

       Do not let us be put to shame,

          but deal with us in YOUR patience

          and in YOUR great mercy.

       Deliver us by YOUR wonderful deeds,

          and let YOUR name be glorified, O LORD.

       Let those who harm YOUR servants be brought low;

          let them be put to shame and rendered powerless,

          and may their strength be crushed.

       Let them know that YOU alone are THE LORD GOD,

          glorious throughout the whole world."

       Now the king's servants who had thrown the three young men into the furnace continued to stoke it with brimstone, pitch, tow, and brushwood until the flames rose forty-nine cubits above the furnace and spread out, burning to death those Chaldeans who were standing nearby. But the angel of THE LORD came down into the furnace where Azariah and his companions had been cast. He drove the fiery flames out of the furnace and made the inside of the furnace as though a dewy breeze was wafting through it. The fire did not touch them in the least way and caused them no pain or harm.

DANIEL: CHAPTER 3, VERSES 24 - 50

The Canticle of the Three Young Men.

       Then those three men in the furnace began to sing in unison, glorifying and blessing GOD:

       "Blessed are YOU, LORD, THE GOD of our ancestors,

          worthy of praise and glory forever.

       Blessed is YOUR holy and glorious name,

          worthy of praise and glory forever.

       Blessed are YOU in the temple of YOUR holy glory,

          worthy of praise and glory forever.

       Blessed are YOU on the throne of YOUR kingdom,

          worthy of praise and glory forever.

       Blessed are YOU who behold the depths

          from YOUR throne upon the cherubim,

          worthy of praise and glory forever.

       Blessed are YOU in the firmament of heaven,

          worthy of praise and glory forever.

       "Bless THE LORD, all you works of THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Angels of THE LORD, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       You heavens, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       All you waters above the heavens, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       All you powers of THE LORD, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Sun and moon, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Stars of heaven, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       "All rain and dew, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       All you winds, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Fire and heat, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Cold and chill, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Dew and rain, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Frost and chill, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Ice and snow, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Nights and days, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Light and darkness, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Lightning and clouds, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       "Let the earth bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Mountains and hills, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Every plant that grows, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Springs of water, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Seas and rivers, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Dolphins and all creatures that live in water, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Every kind of bird, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       All animals, wild and tame, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       "All the human race, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       O Israel, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       You priests of THE LORD, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       You servants of THE LORD, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       Spirits and souls of the upright, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       You who are holy and humble in heart, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       "Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, bless THE LORD;

          praise and exalt HIM forever.

       For HE has rescued us from the netherworld

          and saved us from the power of death.

       HE has liberated us from the fiery furnace,

          and from the fire HE has delivered us.

       Give thanks to THE LORD, for HE is good,

          for HIS mercy endures forever.

       Bless THE GOD of gods, all you who fear THE LORD;

          praise HIM and give thanks to HIM,

          for HIS mercy endures forever."

DANIEL: CHAPTER 3, VERSES 51 - 90