Daniel 5 Commentary

“Belshazzar the king”

– The name, Belshazzar, means “Bel protect the King.” Belshazzar was the last king of the Neo-Babylonian empire before it fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 B.C. Much debate surrounded the identity of this Babylonian king named Belshazzar for many centuries. Many secular scholars scoffed at the story revealed in the fifth chapter of the book of Daniel by pointing to the lack of evidence for the existence of King Belshazzar.

However, the passage of time coupled with intense Biblical archaeology has once again proven the skeptics wrong. The evidence for Belshazzar’s existence (and his kingship) emerged from an ancient Babylonian text known as the Nabonidus Chronicle, which now sits in the British Museum in London. While much of the text written on this clay tablet is largely unreadable or missing (only 75 lines of text are still readable), the Chronicle describes “Belshazzar” as the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar. As the son of King Nabonidus, Belshazzar was apparently put in charge to govern the city of Babylon when his father left to spend time in another part of the kingdom (presumably in what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia.) The ancient records refer to Belshazzar not as “king” but instead as “crown prince.” But with his father gone, he was as good as the “king” to the average Babylonian citizen.

“held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles,”

– Belshazzar made a great (“rab”) feast (“lechem”) for a thousand (“alaph”) of his nobles (“rabreban”). Note the interesting wordplay between the word for great (“rab”) and nobles (“rabreban”). The word for “nobles” incorporates the word for “great” (“rab”), which implies that they were “great” men. By hosting a “great feast” for so many of his “great” officials (lords, princes, etc.), Belshazzar is clearly intent on celebrating something that he feels is of great import.

“and he was drinking wine”

– The text specifically tells us that at this “great” feast, Belshazzar was drinking (“shethah”) wine (“chamar”). Those who are familiar with the revelation and denunciation of “Babylon the Great” as described in Revelation 17,18 will already begin to notice similarities. The appearance of the words “Babylon” and “great” both coupled with the phrase “drinking wine” inside a single sentence implies this story is likely of important prophetic significance.

“in the presence of the thousand.”

– Note that Belshazzar drinks wine before (or “in the presence of”) his large gathering of nobles. That is, Belshazzar sits and drinks his wine in his special reserved place — the king’s table (see Jeremiah 52:33) — before his nobles.

“When Belshazzar tasted the wine,”

– That is, while Belshazzar was enjoying the wine and under its influence.

“he gave orders to bring the gold and silver vessels”

– Amid the festivities and while under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded his men to bring out the unique vessels (“man”) that were made gold (“dehab”) and silver (“kesaph”).

“which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem,”

– See our comment on Daniel 1:2, where Nebuchadnezzar seizes the holy temple treasures from “the house of God” and carries them away to “the land of Shinar to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.”

“so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them.”

– For what purpose has the king given orders for the holy temple vessels to be hand-delivered to his banquet? So that he, “his nobles, his wives and his concubines” could drink their wine from them. Why Belshazzar felt compelled to commit this particular act of sacrilege against the God of the Jews at this time is unclear. While the reason is not specifically laid out in this text, we can know one thing for sure: Belshazzar’s desecration of the holy temple vessels was an act of open defiance against Jehovah.

“Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which [was] in Jerusalem;”

– The king’s servants retrieved the holy temple vessels, which were still likely stored in the Babylonian temple, and brought them to Belshazzar as ordered.

“and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them.”

– Once delivered to the banquet, the king and his men (along with his wives and concubines) continue the festivities by drinking their wine from these holy temple vessels.

“They drank the wine”

– The king and his nobles (along with his wives and concubines) are all implied here as they “drank the wine” from these holy temple vessels. Because these gold vessels were intended for ritualistic worship of Jehovah, this act is clearly a blasphemous act, which the prophet Daniel will affirm later in this chapter. (See Daniel 5:23 commentary)

“and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.”

– In addition to profaning the holy temple vessels by drinking wine from them, the king and his cohorts simultaneously commit another grave act that will seal their fate. Namely, they “praised” (“shebach”) the false “gods” (“elah”) of “gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.”

If one thing is clear from the Hebrew (and in this case, Aramaic) scriptures, it is that the God of heaven detests the worship of idols and false gods.

God warned His own special people, the Israelites: “You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.” (Exodus 20:23)

It didn’t take long for the Israelites to break this command for we read in Exodus 32:31:

“Then Moses returned to the LORD, and said, “Alas, this people has committed a great sin, and they have made a god of gold for themselves.”

Because the Israelites had a special covenant with God, this explains why God forbade them to worship idols.

Moses warned God’s people: “For you know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the midst of the nations through which you passed; moreover, you have seen their abominations and their idols [of] wood, stone, silver, and gold, which [they had] with them…” (Deuteronomy 29:16,17)

While it is understandable that God held His own people to account for their idolatry, why would God condemn the godless Babylonian people for worshipping false idols?

First, Belshazzar’s grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar had testified to Jehovah’s might and power over all other gods. Therefore, Belshazzar was mocking his own grandfather’s revelation and testimony. (See Daniel 4:34-37 commentary)

And second, Babylon serves a special purpose in God’s plans for His people. This account of Belshazzar’s blasphemous act of drinking wine from the gold cup is a prophetic picture of a future vision that is given to the Apostle John on the isle of Patmos.

In a vision, the Apostle John saw a bejeweled women sitting atop a wild beast “having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, and on her forehead a name [was] written, a mystery, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Revelation 17:4b-5)

Immediately after John sees this vision of the woman, who is a spiritual incarnation of Babylon, she is destroyed.

In essence, this story of Belshazzar’s blasphemy provides us with a picture of the events that lead to the destruction of Babylon. (For Belshazzar’s kingdom will be taken from him before the sun comes up, as we will discover later in this same chapter of Daniel.)

The fall of Babylon is recorded in many Biblical passages, including Isaiah 47, Jeremiah 50,51, and Revelation 17,18.

This account of Belshazzar’s blasphemous acts fit right into the prophetic picture of Babylon as described in the Old and New Testaments.

“Suddenly”

– This word (“shaah “) translated as “suddenly” appears five times in this book of Daniel and is usually translated as “immediately.” (See Daniel 3:6,15; 4:33)

“the fingers of a man’s hand emerged”

– The word (“etsba”) translated as “fingers” appears three times in the book of Daniel. It is translated twice as the word “toes” in reference to the statue of Daniel 2 but is translated as “fingers” here as it is connected to the word “hand” (“yad”) in this phrase.

Amid the festivities, a man’s hand (without a full human body it is assumed) “suddenly” appears in the king’s palace.

“and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace,”

– These mysterious fingers (“etsba”) suddenly appear and begin to write (“kethab”) on the plaster (“gir”) of the palace wall, which was apparently illuminated by a nearby “lampstand,” or candlestick. The lampstand carries much significance throughout the scriptures, often in reference to God’s presence and to His Spirit-filled people.

“and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing.”

– This supernatural event is obviously intended to capture the attention of the carousing king and his cohorts. From this passage, we see that the king could not see the entire hand but only the part of the hand that wrote on the illuminated wall.

“Then the king’s face grew pale and his thoughts alarmed him,”

– The king’s reaction to this divine act certainly made it clear that he was in shock. The color in the king’s face changed as the unfolding events terrified his mind.

“and his hip joints went slack and his knees began knocking together.”

– When we are afraid and in shock, it is not uncommon for us to feel a loss of control over some aspects of our bodies. Here, we see a great king being humbled before his nobles, wives, and concubines. This passage explains that not only does Belshazzar’s face grow pale and his mind become terrified, but, so too, his limbs gave way causing his knees to knock together. (Some translations of this verse imply that Belshazzar lost control of his bowels due to his fright.) Regardless of whether that is an accurate rendering of this passage, it remains clear that Belshazzar is suddenly overcome with great fear when he sees a man’s hand (without a body) writing words on his own palace wall. Indeed, how startling this must have been, especially as it comes amid an obvious and open act of desecration and blasphemy.

Note: There is an interesting parallel between this verse and Nahum 2:10, which describes the destruction of neighboring Nineveh: “She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and waste! Hearts are melting and knees wobbling! Also trembling is in the entire body, And all their faces have become pale!”

“The king called aloud to bring in the conjurers, the Chaldeans and the diviners.”

– Once again, we see a king order various groups of Babylonian wise men into his presence. See our commentary note on Daniel 2:2 for more information about each of these groups.

“The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Any man who can read this inscription and explain its interpretation to me”

– The king’s request of his wise men is that they would read the words that had been inscribed on the palace wall by the mysterious hand and explain what it means.

“shall be clothed with purple and [have] a necklace of gold around his neck, and have authority as third [ruler] in the kingdom.”

– Instead of threatening them with death (as seen in our Daniel chapter 2 commentary), the king provides an incentive of regal authority to any of the wise men who can reveal the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall. Specifically, the king vows to clothe him in purple and gold and to make him the third most powerful ruler in the kingdom of Babylon.

“Then all the king’s wise men came in,”

– As we have seen before in our Daniel chapter 2 commentary and our Daniel chapter 4 commentary, all of the king’s wise men are brought in to help the Babylonian ruler uncover a mystery.

“but they could not read the inscription or make known its interpretation to the king.”

– Just as in previously recorded instances, none of Babylon’s wise men were able to provide any aid or comfort to the king. They couldn’t even read the mysterious handwriting on the wall, let alone provide an interpretation.

“Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed,”

– At this point, Belshazzar becomes “greatly alarmed,” which is a phrase derived from a word meaning to be deeply disturbed or even terrified. It also carries the meaning of “trembling inwardly.” Put simply, the king is scared of what this incredible sign may mean for him and his kingdom.

“his face grew [even] paler,”

– We were already told that the color in the king’s face had been changed as the unfolding events terrified his mind. Now, we are told that his face grew “even paler” as his wise men failed to provide him with any relief.

“and his nobles were perplexed.”

– Here, we learn that this growing concern and confusion was not limited to just Belshazzar himself, but also to his “nobles.” No longer are the king’s nobles lost in their revelries. Instead, they are all now fixated upon this heavenly apparition that has left behind a seemingly “uncrackable” code in writing on the palace wall.

“The queen entered the banquet hall because of the words of the king and his nobles;”

– This is likely the “queen mother,” Nitocris of Babylon, described by Herodotus in his Histories. Even if this is not the same queen, she was likely a mother figure and not the king’s wife, according to the ancient custom.

The queen mother hears the ongoing commotion between the king and his nobles from a nearby room and comes to investigate. It is notable that the queen is not a participant in the “festivities.”

“the queen spoke and said, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts alarm you or your face be pale.”

– Upon her entry into the room, undoubtedly all of the nobles became silent in reverence to the queen’s position and authority. The queen proceeds to speak peace to the terrifying situation. Specifically, the queen instructs Belshazzar to stop worrying and to regain his composure.

“There is a man in your kingdom in whom is a spirit of the holy gods;”

– The queen is referring to the prophet Daniel in whom dwelt the wisdom of the spirit of God. (The reference to the “holy gods” is consistent with a pagan understanding of divinity.)

“and in the days of your father, illumination, insight and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him.”

– The queen informs (or reminds) Belshazzar that this prophet Daniel had used his God-given insight, intelligence, and wisdom to aid his “father” (or predecessor), Nebuchadnezzar. (See our comment on Daniel 4:8,9,18)

“And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, your father the king, appointed him chief of the magicians, conjurers, Chaldeans [and] diviners.”

– The queen stresses that the great King Nebuchadnezzar, whom Belshazzar was bound to honor and reverence as his father, had consulted Daniel the prophet with similar spiritual inquiries as they arose. The queen adds the important detail that Nebuchadnezzar had valued and esteemed the prophet Daniel’s God-given insight, intelligence, and wisdom so greatly that he appointed him as the chief of all of Babylon’s spiritual wise men, including the “magicians, conjurers, Chaldeans [and] diviners.” (See our comment on Daniel 4:9)

“[This was] because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel,”

– The queen goes on to describe in greater detail this “extraordinary” (or surpassing) spirit that guided this man of God, which empowered him with intelligence and understanding. So too, the spirit that possessed this godly prophet allowed him to interpret dreams, declare the meaning of riddles, and comprehend truths that eluded other uninspired men. Finally, the queen reveals this powerful prophet’s name as Daniel, but also refers to him Belteshazzar, which was the Babylonian name given to him under the direction of King Nebuchadnezzar.

“Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.”

– The queen mother then urges Belshazzar to quickly summon Daniel to the feast that he may use his God-given skill to make known the prophetic mystery of the handwriting on the wall.

“Then Daniel was brought in before the king.”

– Desperate for a solution to this sudden horrific development amid his drunken pagan feast, the king heeds the queen’s words and orders this powerful prophet into his midst. Daniel is likely around 90 years old at the time of this event.

“The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?”

– Before presenting the prophet with the issue at hand, the king wants to confirm the prophet’s identity. It is interesting that he uses the prophet’s Hebrew name (Daniel) instead of his Babylonian name (Belteshazzar) but this may be to avoid it as it sounded so much like his own name.

“Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you,”

– As Daniel stands before the king, he is praised for his godly reputation, which is reminiscent of Pharoah’s similar praise of Joseph: “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38). The “spirit of the gods” that Belshazzar references as indwelling Daniel is none other than the Spirit of the one true God for “the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” (Job 32:8)

“and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.”

– Here, the king continues to repeat what he has heard from the queen concerning Daniel. The word for “illumination” here is simply the word “light.” Daniel’s relationship with the one true God is the source of his wisdom and explains his insight into the “deep and secret things” that remain hidden from the king’s limited understanding. (See our comment on Daniel 2:22)

“Just now the wise men [and] the conjurers were brought in before me that they might read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me,”

– After confirming the prophet’s identity, the king then moves straight to the point at hand; namely, the mysterious handwriting on the wall. He informs Daniel that he has already consulted with his own wise men and “conjurers” (literally, “enchanters” or “astrologers”) to have them interpret the writing for him.

“but they could not declare the interpretation of the message.”

– However, the king then goes on to explain to Daniel that all of Babylon’s wise men have been unable to unlock the meaning of the words that have been written upon the palace wall. The need for Daniel’s godly wisdom, due to the failure on the part of Babylon’s other so-called “wise” men, is a recurring theme in the book of Daniel.

“But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems.”

– Here, the king reveals his desperation for a solution as he seeks to flatter the Hebrew prophet Daniel by explaining that this reputation for prophetic interpretation and solving riddles precedes him. “I have personally heard about you,” specifically from the queen mother.

“Now if you are able to read the inscription and make its interpretation known to me, you will be clothed with purple and [wear] a necklace of gold around your neck,”

– After lavishing Daniel with praise for his reputation, the king next turns to offering riches and honor if Daniel will simply apply his Spirit-inspired interpretative powers to the mysterious writing on the palace wall. The irony here is thick. After all, this is the same king who earlier this same evening was mocking the Hebrew people and their God by misusing their holy vessels at his drunken pagan feast. Now, in a state of fear and desperation, the king makes an about-face as he offers the Hebrew prophet praise, honor, and riches if he will consult the Hebrew God for an interpretation of the same inscription that his own pagan wise men, who serve the false gods of Babylon, have failed to interpret. Do not miss the irony as the same Babylonian king that was mocking the holy utensils of the Hebrews has now turned to begging a Hebrew prophet to appeal to the Hebrew God to solve the king’s problems!

“you will be clothed with purple” – Purple, of course, is the color of royalty.

“and you will have authority as the third [ruler] in the kingdom.”

– The irony grows even stronger here as the king offers Daniel, a Hebrew prophet, an incredibly high position of royal power in the Babylonian empire on the same evening that it will collapse under the weight of a Persian invasion. In one night, the king of Babylon has gone from openly mocking the God of the Hebrews to begging a Hebrew prophet to appeal to the Hebrew God for the answer that the false prophets of Babylon cannot provide. Daniel must have been amused.

“Then Daniel answered and said before the king,”

– Here, the prophet Daniel prepares to answer the king’s request.

“Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else;”

– Consistent with his godly character, the prophet Daniel tells the arrogant and blasphemous king of Babylon that he is not interested in his “gifts” or “rewards.” Not only was this spiritually wise to reject the Babylonian king’s offer of gifts and rewards, but it was also practically wise as the king’s offer was worthless. (Of course, this irony was lost on the king as he still did not yet know that this was the very eve of the fall of his empire.)

“however, I will read the inscription to the king and make the interpretation known to him.”

– Despite rejecting the king’s (worthless) offer of gifts and rewards, the prophet Daniel agreed to translate the puzzling inscription on the palace wall for the king. (Once again, the prophet Daniel is the only man in Babylon who is able to correctly respond to the king’s request.)

“O king, the Most High God granted sovereignty, grandeur, glory and majesty to Nebuchadnezzar”

– Before proceeding into a highly awaited translation of the inscription on the palace wall, the prophet Daniel first reminds the wicked king of Babylon of the incredible blessings that Almighty God had bestowed upon Nebuchadnezzar, the former king of Babylon.

Specifically, Daniel reminds Belshazzar of how God gave Nebuchadnezzar a great and mighty kingdom with splendor and grandeur along with all of the glory, honor, and majesty that accompanied such a vast earthly kingdom. God’s role in raising up King Nebuchadnezzar is made abundantly clear in our Daniel 2 commentary. (See our specific commentary on Daniel 2:37 for more on this topic.)

“your father”

– Literally, a forefather or ancestor. As stated, Nebuchadnezzar was likely the grandfather of Belshazzar.

“Because of the grandeur which He bestowed on him,”

– The word translated as “grandeur” carries the meaning of greatness and majesty. Daniel stresses that this grandeur was “bestowed” on (or given to) Nebuchadnezzar.

“all the peoples, nations and [men of every] language feared and trembled before him;”

– “All the peoples” is an interesting phrase as it appears in a similar form in Revelation 13, which describes the influence of two beasts that are opposed to God’s order. All peoples (“am”), nations (“ummah”), and tongues (“lishshan”) feared and trembled before Nebuchadnezzar’s majestic power.

“whomever he wished he killed and whomever he wished he spared alive;”

– There is little doubt that Nebuchadnezzar wielded great power over life and death in his kingdom. Consider the account of Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image and the fiery furnace, where three Hebrew men are forever etched into scripture (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) for their bold rejection of Nebuchadnezzar’s command to offer worship to a god other than YHWH.

While He was ultimately unable to kill God’s chosen servants, Nebuchadnezzar’s draconian response to have these three men cast into a fiery furnace without any significant public or private objection reveals his absolute iron grip of power over his kingdom and citizens. Learn more in our commentary on Daniel 3.

If he was inclined to kill someone, who could stop him?

Who could make war with Nebuchadnezzar?

Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed absolute power, courtesy of YHWH.

“and whomever he wished he elevated and whomever he wished he humbled.”

– The will of Nebuchadnezzar was not beholden to the will of the people. He could promote or demote any of his citizens at any time according to his own will.

“But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly”

– The great Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed an impressive reign under the mighty hand of God until his “heart” and “spirit” were lifted up in pride.

“that he behaved arrogantly” – The king’s final words, before slipping into a state of madness for many years, are recorded in Daniel 4:30.

“The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’”

As the king walked atop his royal palace, he opens his mouth to declare the greatness of his royal city. His reference to “Babylon the great” should not be lost on Bible prophecy students who will recognize this phrase from the book of Revelation. (See Revelation 17, 18)

While those words were still in Nebuchadnezzar’s mouth, God’s judgment came upon him. Read all about this fascinating account in our Daniel 4 Commentary.

“he was deposed from his royal throne and [his] glory was taken away from him.”

– Daniel 4:31 continues the account:

“While the word [was] in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, [saying], ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you,”

Bible students know that “God resists the proud.” The prophet Daniel is explaining the highs and lows of Babylon’s greatest king to the one who is about to lose the kingdom. He is reminding the king of Babylon of how the God considers the pride of man.

Just as Nebuchadnezzar was deposed and his glory was taken away from him for a time, Belshazzar too was about to be deposed and stripped of his great power after being lifted up in great swelling pride and for intentionally provoking and mocking the God of Israel through misuse of the temple vessels.

“He was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like [that of] beasts, and his dwelling place [was] with the wild donkeys.”

– The prophet now goes into great detail as he explains to Belshazzar what happened to Babylon’s greatest king once his heart and spirit were lifted up. He reminds Belshazzar of the humiliation that awaits those who raise themselves up in pride against God.

In a mere moment, Nebuchadnezzar went from living in the lap of luxury to living like an animal among the “beasts” and the “wild donkeys.”

“He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind”

– Instead of feasting in glory and and dining in splendor, Nebuchadnezzar is condemned to foraging for his food in the wild and eating the grass of the field. Why did Nebuchadnezzar receive such a judgment? Because of his failure to “recognize” (or know) that it is God Himself who rules over all of man’s kingdoms. (See Proverbs 21:1 and Daniel 4:17,25-26,32)

That is, God is the master and ruler over all of mankind’s governments.

This is reiterated in the New Testament as Jesus Christ is named the “ruler of the kings of the earth” that we see in Revelation 1:5

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood.” (Revelation 1:5a)

“and [that] He sets over it whomever He wishes.”

– God raises up kings and deposes kings. (Daniel 2:21)

“Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this,”

– Belshazzar stands in stark contrast to Nebuchadnezzar, his predecessor, who ultimately recognized the sovereignty of God and humbled himself (Daniel 4:37). Belshazzar, however, remains prideful, refusing to learn from history. The theme of humility versus pride runs throughout Scripture, and Christ exemplifies perfect humility, as seen in Philippians 2:8, where He “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Belshazzar’s refusal to humble himself reflects a spiritual blindness that inevitably leads to his downfall, reminding us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11).

Belshazzar’s sin is compounded by his knowledge of what God had done in Nebuchadnezzar’s life. Belshazzar had access to the lessons learned from his father’s journey from pride to humility, yet he chose to ignore them. In the same way, Christ confronts the Pharisees in Matthew 23:29-36 for rejecting the truth despite their knowledge of the Scriptures. Knowledge of God’s past actions is meaningless if it does not lead to repentance and transformation. Belshazzar’s failure to humble his heart despite knowing the truth serves as a stark warning: it is not enough to know of God’s works, we must respond in humble obedience to His call.

“but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them;”

– Belshazzar’s act of pride mirrors that of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, whose heart was also “lifted up” in pride before his downfall (Daniel 4:30). The king’s arrogance is not merely directed against men but against the “Lord of heaven” Himself, the sovereign ruler over all creation. This exaltation of self over God is the root of many sins, including the king’s sacrilegious actions in the next part of the verse.

The holy vessels from the temple in Jerusalem, intended for the worship of the one true God, are here profaned by Belshazzar. His defiance echoes that of humanity’s age-old tendency to misuse and desecrate the sacred things of God. This moment foreshadows Christ’s cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13), where Jesus drives out those who profane His Father’s house, demonstrating God’s holiness and the seriousness of violating what is sacred.

Belshazzar’s open defiance of God is made worse by involving others in his sin. The act of drinking wine from the holy vessels represents a blatant mockery of God. This recalls Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), who arrogantly indulges in earthly pleasures, unaware that his soul will soon be required of him. The misuse of the temple vessels symbolizes the king’s heart—focused on worldly indulgence while ignoring divine judgment.

“and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand.

– The king’s idolatry is made explicit here. Instead of honoring the true God, Belshazzar chooses to worship lifeless idols made of earthly materials. This imagery is reminiscent of Psalm 115:4-8, where the psalmist mocks idols for their inability to see, hear, or speak. Belshazzar’s praise of these impotent gods reflects humanity’s spiritual blindness, placing trust in created things rather than the Creator. This idolatry contrasts sharply with Christ’s command in Matthew 22:37, where Jesus calls for wholehearted love and worship of the living God, not the false gods of material wealth or power.

The prophet Isaiah similarly condemns those who craft idols from the elements of the earth and then bow before them (Isaiah 44:9-20). These idols are incapable of perceiving reality or offering salvation. The contrast between these lifeless gods and the living God of heaven couldn’t be starker. Jesus, in His ministry, reveals the true God as one who sees the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18), hears the cries of His people (Matthew 7:7), and understands their every need (Hebrews 4:15). Belshazzar’s folly lies in trusting what is dead, while Jesus invites us into a relationship with the living God.

But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and your ways, you have not glorified.

– In stark contrast to the powerless gods of silver and gold, Daniel reminds Belshazzar that the true God holds the king’s very breath in His hand. This truth underscores the reality of God’s sovereignty over life itself. Just as Paul would later proclaim in Acts 17:28, “In Him we live and move and have our being,” so too does Daniel remind Belshazzar that all of life is sustained by the hand of God. Christ echoes this truth when He says, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The king, by failing to glorify God, denies the source of his own existence.

Here is the crux of Belshazzar’s guilt: despite the clear evidence of God’s sovereignty, power, and mercy, the king has failed to glorify Him. This failure to acknowledge God mirrors the Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus, despite the miracles and signs He performed (John 12:37). Belshazzar’s downfall, like that of all who refuse to honor God, is inevitable because he has chosen to elevate himself and his idols above the One who gives life. Christ reveals that true life and eternal glory come only through humbling oneself before God (Matthew 23:12).

“Then the hand was sent from Him”

– In a dramatic moment, the divine hand is sent directly from God. This supernatural act serves as a clear signal that God is about to pass judgment on Belshazzar’s prideful and irreverent behavior. The image of God’s hand intervening is a powerful reminder that, despite human defiance, God remains sovereign over all kingdoms and individuals. This divine intervention is a foreshadowing of Christ’s direct involvement in humanity through His incarnation, where God once again intervenes, not to condemn but to save (John 3:17). However, in this case, Belshazzar’s refusal to humble himself brings judgment rather than mercy.

“and this inscription was written out”

– The writing on the wall is a literal manifestation of God’s judgment against Belshazzar. It stands as a visible, undeniable message from God. In a similar way, Jesus came to reveal God’s will and His kingdom, providing clear, unmistakable truth. In John 8:6, we see Jesus writing on the ground in response to the Pharisees, another act of divine communication. While Jesus’ message was one of grace, the writing on Belshazzar’s wall points to the consequences of ignoring God’s truth and hardening one’s heart. The lesson is clear: God speaks, and how we respond determines whether we experience grace or judgment.

“Now this is the inscription that was written out:”

– As Daniel prepares to read the divine inscription, we sense the weight of what is about to be revealed. This mysterious writing serves as a direct communication from God to Belshazzar, much like the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar in earlier chapters. However, unlike Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, which allowed for repentance, this inscription foretells imminent judgment. The writing on the wall stands as a visible reminder that God’s warnings often precede His actions, giving humanity the opportunity to respond before it’s too late. In Christ, we see a similar call to repentance, where Jesus offers forgiveness and grace before the final judgment (Luke 13:3).

“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN”

– The repetition of these cryptic words builds the tension, signaling the gravity of the message. The repetition of “MENE” emphasizes that God’s judgment is certain and cannot be escaped. While the meaning of these words will soon be revealed, their presence alone strikes fear into the heart of the king. These words remind us of Christ’s parable of the rich man (Luke 12:20), where a sudden divine verdict brings an unexpected end to worldly pursuits. Belshazzar, like the rich man, will soon learn that earthly power and wealth are fleeting in the face of divine judgment.

“This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENE—God has numbered your kingdom”

– Daniel reveals that the first part of the inscription, MENE, signifies that Belshazzar’s kingdom has been measured and is found to have reached its divinely appointed limit. Just as God knows the number of our days (Psalm 139:16), so too does He know the lifespan of kingdoms and empires. This reminds us of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” Human kingdoms are temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal.

“and put an end to it”

– The message is stark: God has not only numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom, but He has determined that its time is up. This declaration of finality parallels the warning Jesus gives in His parables about the suddenness of God’s judgment (Luke 12:20). Belshazzar’s failure to humble himself, despite knowing the truth of God’s past dealings with Nebuchadnezzar, leads to the abrupt end of his reign. As followers of Christ, we are reminded that every opportunity for repentance is precious, for there comes a moment when God’s patience turns to justice. Just as Jesus calls us to be ready for His return, this verse underscores the urgency of living humbly before God.

“TEKEL—You have been weighed on the scales”

– In this vivid image, Belshazzar’s life and reign are symbolically placed on God’s scales of justice. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as one who “weighs” the hearts and actions of men (1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 16:2). The weighing represents God’s perfect and righteous judgment, measuring not only actions but the motives of the heart. Jesus echoes this idea when He teaches that it is not only external behavior but the heart’s condition that matters (Matthew 5:21-22). Belshazzar is weighed against God’s standards of righteousness, and this moment reveals his failure to live according to God’s ways.

“and found deficient”

– The verdict is swift and sobering: Belshazzar’s prideful life has fallen far short of God’s righteous standards. This phrase recalls Jesus’ words in Revelation 3:1-2, where He admonishes the church in Sardis for appearing alive outwardly but being dead spiritually. Belshazzar’s deficiency lies in his arrogance and failure to glorify God, despite knowing the truth. As believers, this verse reminds us that one day we too will be weighed by God—not according to human measures, but according to our faithfulness, humility, and devotion to Christ. Only in Christ can we find the righteousness that meets God’s standards, as His grace covers our deficiencies (2 Corinthians 5:21).

“PERES—Your kingdom has been divided”

– The final part of the inscription delivers the inevitable conclusion: Belshazzar’s kingdom will be split and taken from him. The division of Babylon’s empire is a clear sign of God’s sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:21). No earthly power, no matter how strong, can withstand the hand of God when He moves in judgment. This reminds us of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12:25, where He declares that “every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined.” Belshazzar’s kingdom, built on pride and rebellion against God, could not stand and was doomed to be divided.

“and given over to the Medes and Persians”

– The specific mention of the Medes and Persians highlights God’s orchestration of world events. While Babylon seemed invincible, God had already appointed the next powers to take their place. This shift in power reflects the transient nature of human kingdoms. In contrast, the kingdom of God, as proclaimed by Christ, is eternal and unshakable (Hebrews 12:28). This transfer of power also foreshadows Christ’s ultimate authority over all the kingdoms of the earth (Revelation 11:15). Belshazzar’s fate is a reminder that earthly rulers are temporary, but Christ reigns forever.

“Then Belshazzar gave orders”

– Despite Daniel’s harsh interpretation of the inscription, Belshazzar follows through on his promise to reward Daniel with royal honors. This shows the king’s inability to grasp the gravity of what has just been foretold. Even as judgment is imminent, Belshazzar continues as though his kingdom is secure, much like the rich man in Jesus’ parable who thought his wealth would guarantee his future (Luke 12:16-21). This reveals a tragic blindness to the urgency of repentance.

“they clothed Daniel with purple and put a necklace of gold around his neck”

– Purple and gold, symbols of royal authority, are bestowed upon Daniel. Ironically, these honors are meaningless in light of the impending fall of Babylon. While Belshazzar rewards Daniel with worldly symbols of power, the real authority comes from God, who has already decreed the end of the Babylonian kingdom. Daniel’s role here mirrors that of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:42-43), who was also given royal garments for his wisdom, though Joseph’s service would lead to salvation, while Belshazzar’s reign ends in destruction. In Christ, we are reminded that true honor and authority come not from the world, but from God (John 12:26).

“issued a proclamation concerning him that he now had authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

– Belshazzar grants Daniel authority as third ruler, yet this elevation is hollow, as Babylon will fall that very night. This temporary authority is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly power. Jesus’ kingdom, by contrast, is everlasting, and He offers His followers eternal authority, not tied to the rise and fall of human empires (Matthew 28:18). Belshazzar’s gesture is a final, futile attempt to maintain control, but God has already decreed the outcome.

“That same night”

– The suddenness of Belshazzar’s death emphasizes the immediacy of God’s judgment. Despite the warning from Daniel, Belshazzar did not humble himself or repent, and his end came swiftly. This swift judgment recalls Jesus’ teaching about the unexpectedness of God’s intervention (Matthew 24:44). Just as Belshazzar was caught off guard, so too are those who live without regard for God’s timing. The kingdom of Babylon fell in one night, reminding us that earthly security is fragile and fleeting.

“Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain”

– The finality of Belshazzar’s death demonstrates that no human power, no matter how great, can stand against God’s decrees. Babylon’s seemingly invincible walls could not protect its proud king from the judgment that God had already announced. This verse serves as a sober reminder of the consequences of defying God’s sovereignty. In contrast to Belshazzar’s demise, Jesus offers life and salvation to those who turn to Him (John 10:10). While Belshazzar’s story ends in death, Christ’s story offers resurrection and eternal life, showing the stark difference between those who choose pride and those who choose humility in Christ.

“So Darius the Mede received the kingdom”

– With Belshazzar’s death, the prophecy Daniel interpreted is fulfilled, and Darius the Mede takes control of Babylon. This transfer of power highlights God’s sovereignty over the rise and fall of empires, echoing Daniel’s earlier proclamation that “the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17). Darius receiving the kingdom is not a matter of chance or military prowess but part of God’s divine plan. This reminds us that while human rulers change, God’s authority remains constant. Christ later confirms this truth when He declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18).

“at about the age of sixty-two.”

– The inclusion of Darius’ age adds historical detail, but it also serves as a reminder that even the mightiest of rulers are subject to the passing of time. Darius, despite his new power, is still mortal and limited. In contrast, Christ’s kingdom is eternal and His reign never ends (Luke 1:33). Earthly kingdoms, like Babylon, rise and fall, but the kingdom of God, ushered in by Jesus, stands forever. Darius may have received Babylon’s throne for a time, but Christ reigns forever as the King of kings.