As indicated in the comments on 2.20-23, this passage (through verse 27) includes the fourth of the hymns of praise in the first half of the Book of Daniel (see also 4.3, 34-35). Translators should use the same principles as those used in rendering poetry in the Psalms and elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Then: it is obvious that the royal decree was not written immediately at the entrance of the lions’ pit. For this reason the connecting word here may be translated something like “After that” or “Later” (Bible en français courant) in many languages.

Wrote to: in some cases a more formal wording may be appropriate. For example, “addressed the following message” (Bible en français courant).

Peoples, nations, and languages: the same list as found in 3.4, 7, 29; 4.1; 5.19; and later in 7.14.

Peace be multiplied to you: compare 4.1.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René & Ellington, John. A Handbook on Daniel. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .