“As it was commanded
To leave the stump,
As well as the roots
Of the tree,
Your kingdom
Shall be reestablished
For you,
From the time
That you learn
That Heaven is sovereign.
Therefore,
O king!
May my counsel
Be acceptable to you!
Atone
For your sins
With righteousness!
Atone
For your iniquities
By showing mercy
To the oppressed!
Thus,
Your prosperity
May be prolonged!”
Daniel continued with the interpretation of the dream. Just as the stump and the roots of the tree remained, so too the king would be restored or reestablished in his kingdom, as soon as he recognized the heavenly control of all kingdoms. Daniel gave him some more advice. The king was to atone for sins by doing right and good things. He was to atone for his iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. If he did this, his prosperity would be prolonged.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 