Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?
I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.
And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:
And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.
But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.
And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;
But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.
Daniel 5 recounts a pivotal moment in history, the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC. This chapter serves as a dramatic illustration of God's sovereignty and judgment against pride and blasphemy. It also highlights Daniel's unwavering courage and faithfulness in the face of immense pressure. This is an important chapter for understanding Daniel's role in the transition of power and the continuing narrative of God's plan for His people.
Context: The Twilight of Babylon
The first four chapters of Daniel take place during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 5 occurs after Nebuchadnezzar's reign, just before the Medo-Persian conquest. The chapter centers on Belshazzar, who may have co-ruled Babylon with his father, Nabonidus, from approximately 553 BC until the city's fall in 539 BC. The historical accuracy of this chapter is often debated, particularly the relationship between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. While the text refers to Nebuchadnezzar as Belshazzar's "predecessor" or even "father" (Daniel 5:2), it's likely that Belshazzar was Nebuchadnezzar's grandson. In the ancient world, the term "father" was often used to refer to ancestors. Some scholars suggest "Belshazzar" could be another name for Evilmerodach, Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor. Another possibility is that Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon, who left Belshazzar in charge while he was away. Regardless, Daniel 5:30-31 likely summarizes the events between Belshazzar's death and Darius the Mede's consolidation of power.
Belshazzar's Feast and the Profaning of Sacred Vessels (Daniel 5:1-4)
Belshazzar, in a display of arrogance and disregard for God, throws a massive feast for a thousand of his nobles. Even as the Persian army was besieging Babylon, Belshazzar hosted a grand feast, and in an act of blatant sacrilege, he orders the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (see Exodus 30:22-29; Daniel 1:1-2) to be brought in. These sacred objects, once dedicated to the worship of the one true God, are used as drinking vessels for Belshazzar and his guests, who toast their idols. This act of profaning holy objects is a direct affront to God, demonstrating Belshazzar's contempt for the God of Israel.
The Mysterious Handwriting on the Wall (Daniel 5:5-9)
Suddenly, in the midst of the drunken revelry, a disembodied hand appears and begins writing on the wall of the palace, near the lampstand. The supernatural nature of the event is undeniable. The king is seized with terror. Daniel's description suggests Belshazzar was utterly paralyzed with fear. He cries out for his enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers to interpret the writing, promising them great rewards and a position of power. However, none of them can decipher the script. Their inability to read the writing, which may have been in an unfamiliar script or code, only intensifies the king's fear and anxiety. Like Nebuchadnezzar before him (Daniel 2), Belshazzar's wise men are exposed as impotent.
The Queen's Counsel and the Summoning of Daniel (Daniel 5:10-16)
The queen, likely the queen mother or the widow of a former king, enters the banquet hall and advises Belshazzar to consult Daniel. She remembers Daniel's reputation for wisdom and his ability to interpret dreams and solve mysteries during Nebuchadnezzar's reign (Daniel 4:8; 5:11-12). She reminds Belshazzar of the spirit of the holy gods within Daniel and encourages him to seek Daniel's interpretation. Belshazzar, desperate for answers, summons Daniel and repeats his offer of great rewards if he can decipher the writing.
Daniel's Rebuke and Interpretation (Daniel 5:17-28)
Daniel, now an elderly man, displays remarkable courage and integrity. He begins by refusing Belshazzar's gifts, making it clear that he is not motivated by personal gain. He then delivers a powerful rebuke, reminding Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's experience. Daniel recounts how God had given Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, greatness, glory, and majesty (Daniel 5:18). But, when Nebuchadnezzar had become puffed up with pride, God humbled him until he acknowledged that the Most High God is ruler over human kingdoms (Daniel 5:20-21). Daniel emphasizes that Belshazzar, despite knowing of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, has not humbled his own heart. Instead, he has blasphemed God by using the sacred vessels to honor idols, failing to praise the God who holds his very breath (Daniel 5:22-23).
Therefore, Daniel declares, God sent the hand to write the message. He interprets the Aramaic words:
- Mene: "God has numbered your kingdom and brought it to an end" (Daniel 5:26).
- Tekel: "You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting" (Daniel 5:27).
- Peres: "Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians" (Daniel 5:28).
Daniel's interpretation is a clear and direct pronouncement of God's judgment on Belshazzar and his kingdom. The subtle shift from the plural "Parsin" to the singular "Peres" highlights the impending conquest by Persia.
The Fall of Babylon (Daniel 5:29-31)
Despite the grim prophecy, Belshazzar keeps his promise and honors Daniel with riches and a position of authority. However, the reprieve is short-lived. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede receives the kingdom. The Bible doesn't detail the circumstances of Belshazzar's death, but it's likely the city fell to the besieging armies. Daniel's account is concise, focusing on the immediate fulfillment of the prophecy and the transition of power.
Lessons for Today
Daniel 5 serves as a powerful reminder of several important truths:
- God's Sovereignty: God is in control of kingdoms and rulers, raising them up and bringing them down according to His purposes.
- The Danger of Pride: Pride leads to arrogance and defiance of God, ultimately resulting in judgment. Belshazzar's downfall was a direct consequence of his pride and blasphemy.
- The Importance of Humility: Recognizing God's authority and humbling ourselves before Him is essential for avoiding judgment and experiencing His grace. As James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
- The Courage of Conviction: Daniel's unwavering faithfulness and courage in speaking truth to power serve as an example for believers today.
The story of Daniel 5 is so well-known that the phrase "the writing on the wall" has become a common idiom, signifying an impending doom or negative outcome. While it was too late for Belshazzar to change his fate, it's not too late for us. We can learn from his mistakes and choose to live in humility and obedience to God. If you recognize pride in your own heart, turn to the Lord in repentance and seek His grace.
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?
I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.
And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:
And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.
But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.
And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;
But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.
Daniel 5 recounts a pivotal moment in history, the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC. This chapter serves as a dramatic illustration of God's sovereignty and judgment against pride and blasphemy. It also highlights Daniel's unwavering courage and faithfulness in the face of immense pressure. This is an important chapter for understanding Daniel's role in the transition of power and the continuing narrative of God's plan for His people.
Context: The Twilight of Babylon
The first four chapters of Daniel take place during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 5 occurs after Nebuchadnezzar's reign, just before the Medo-Persian conquest. The chapter centers on Belshazzar, who may have co-ruled Babylon with his father, Nabonidus, from approximately 553 BC until the city's fall in 539 BC. The historical accuracy of this chapter is often debated, particularly the relationship between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. While the text refers to Nebuchadnezzar as Belshazzar's "predecessor" or even "father" (Daniel 5:2), it's likely that Belshazzar was Nebuchadnezzar's grandson. In the ancient world, the term "father" was often used to refer to ancestors. Some scholars suggest "Belshazzar" could be another name for Evilmerodach, Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor. Another possibility is that Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon, who left Belshazzar in charge while he was away. Regardless, Daniel 5:30-31 likely summarizes the events between Belshazzar's death and Darius the Mede's consolidation of power.
Belshazzar's Feast and the Profaning of Sacred Vessels (Daniel 5:1-4)
Belshazzar, in a display of arrogance and disregard for God, throws a massive feast for a thousand of his nobles. Even as the Persian army was besieging Babylon, Belshazzar hosted a grand feast, and in an act of blatant sacrilege, he orders the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (see Exodus 30:22-29; Daniel 1:1-2) to be brought in. These sacred objects, once dedicated to the worship of the one true God, are used as drinking vessels for Belshazzar and his guests, who toast their idols. This act of profaning holy objects is a direct affront to God, demonstrating Belshazzar's contempt for the God of Israel.
The Mysterious Handwriting on the Wall (Daniel 5:5-9)
Suddenly, in the midst of the drunken revelry, a disembodied hand appears and begins writing on the wall of the palace, near the lampstand. The supernatural nature of the event is undeniable. The king is seized with terror. Daniel's description suggests Belshazzar was utterly paralyzed with fear. He cries out for his enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers to interpret the writing, promising them great rewards and a position of power. However, none of them can decipher the script. Their inability to read the writing, which may have been in an unfamiliar script or code, only intensifies the king's fear and anxiety. Like Nebuchadnezzar before him (Daniel 2), Belshazzar's wise men are exposed as impotent.
The Queen's Counsel and the Summoning of Daniel (Daniel 5:10-16)
The queen, likely the queen mother or the widow of a former king, enters the banquet hall and advises Belshazzar to consult Daniel. She remembers Daniel's reputation for wisdom and his ability to interpret dreams and solve mysteries during Nebuchadnezzar's reign (Daniel 4:8; 5:11-12). She reminds Belshazzar of the spirit of the holy gods within Daniel and encourages him to seek Daniel's interpretation. Belshazzar, desperate for answers, summons Daniel and repeats his offer of great rewards if he can decipher the writing.
Daniel's Rebuke and Interpretation (Daniel 5:17-28)
Daniel, now an elderly man, displays remarkable courage and integrity. He begins by refusing Belshazzar's gifts, making it clear that he is not motivated by personal gain. He then delivers a powerful rebuke, reminding Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's experience. Daniel recounts how God had given Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, greatness, glory, and majesty (Daniel 5:18). But, when Nebuchadnezzar had become puffed up with pride, God humbled him until he acknowledged that the Most High God is ruler over human kingdoms (Daniel 5:20-21). Daniel emphasizes that Belshazzar, despite knowing of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, has not humbled his own heart. Instead, he has blasphemed God by using the sacred vessels to honor idols, failing to praise the God who holds his very breath (Daniel 5:22-23).
Therefore, Daniel declares, God sent the hand to write the message. He interprets the Aramaic words:
- Mene: "God has numbered your kingdom and brought it to an end" (Daniel 5:26).
- Tekel: "You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting" (Daniel 5:27).
- Peres: "Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians" (Daniel 5:28).
Daniel's interpretation is a clear and direct pronouncement of God's judgment on Belshazzar and his kingdom. The subtle shift from the plural "Parsin" to the singular "Peres" highlights the impending conquest by Persia.
The Fall of Babylon (Daniel 5:29-31)
Despite the grim prophecy, Belshazzar keeps his promise and honors Daniel with riches and a position of authority. However, the reprieve is short-lived. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede receives the kingdom. The Bible doesn't detail the circumstances of Belshazzar's death, but it's likely the city fell to the besieging armies. Daniel's account is concise, focusing on the immediate fulfillment of the prophecy and the transition of power.
Lessons for Today
Daniel 5 serves as a powerful reminder of several important truths:
- God's Sovereignty: God is in control of kingdoms and rulers, raising them up and bringing them down according to His purposes.
- The Danger of Pride: Pride leads to arrogance and defiance of God, ultimately resulting in judgment. Belshazzar's downfall was a direct consequence of his pride and blasphemy.
- The Importance of Humility: Recognizing God's authority and humbling ourselves before Him is essential for avoiding judgment and experiencing His grace. As James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
- The Courage of Conviction: Daniel's unwavering faithfulness and courage in speaking truth to power serve as an example for believers today.
The story of Daniel 5 is so well-known that the phrase "the writing on the wall" has become a common idiom, signifying an impending doom or negative outcome. While it was too late for Belshazzar to change his fate, it's not too late for us. We can learn from his mistakes and choose to live in humility and obedience to God. If you recognize pride in your own heart, turn to the Lord in repentance and seek His grace.