In view of the fact that Nebuchadnezzar's probation lasted for 12 months, see verse 29, it is reasonable to suppose that his dementia lasted for 7 months, or until the moon had passed over him 7 times, a period long enough to permit a rank growth of both hair and nails and yet short enough for a regency to hold his kingdom together without losing hope of his final recovery. Besides the events in the years of his reign are too well known to admit of a much longer season of affliction. 17. This matter _is_ by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. 18. This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise _men_ of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou _art_ able; for the spirit of the holy gods _is_ in thee. 19. Then Daniel, whose name _was_ Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream _be_ to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. 20. The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 21. Whose leaves _were_ fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it _was_ meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: 22. It _is_ thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. 23. And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and _let_ his portion _be_ with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 24. This _is_ the interpretation, O king, and this _is_ the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: 25. That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 26. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.