Chapter
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Verse

Daniel 5:10

ESV The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, "O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change.
NIV The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. "May the king live forever!" she said. "Don’t be alarmed! Don’t look so pale!
NASB The queen entered the banquet hall because of the words of the king and his nobles; the queen began to speak and said, 'O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts alarm you or your face be pale.
CSB Because of the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen came to the banquet hall. "May the king live forever," she said. "Don’t let your thoughts terrify you or your face be pale.
NLT But when the queen mother heard what was happening, she hurried to the banquet hall. She said to Belshazzar, 'Long live the king! Don’t be so pale and frightened.
KJV 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:
NKJV The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change.

What does Daniel 5:10 mean?

The "queen" noted here is not one of Belshazzar's wives or concubines (Daniel 5:1–2). Nor was she present for the blasphemous, drunken party which had been occurring (Daniel 5:3–4). She arrives in response to the king's abject horror (Daniel 5:5–6) and shouting (Daniel 5:7–8). She may have been Belshazzar's mother, but that is unlikely. She may have been Nebuchadnezzar's widow or one of Nebuchadnezzar's wives since polygamy was common in ancient times. Since the term used can mean "queen" or "queen mother," Scripture is not explicitly clear about who she is.

Regardless of identity, the queen tried to comfort Belshazzar. She greeted him warmly, wishing him longevity and peace of mind. Obviously, she saw the pale panic in his face. The queen was likely highly regarded and respected. Apparently, she was allowed to enter the banquet hall without an invitation. The Gentile world, like Israel, venerated old age (Exodus 20:12). Her words were those of a mother or grandmother, designed to put Belshazzar in a more hopeful mood. She knows of someone who can resolve Belshazzar's riddle (Daniel 5:11–12).
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Context Summary
Daniel 5:10–16 records how Belshazzar summoned Daniel to interpret his terrifying experience (Daniel 5:5). The queen suggests consulting with Daniel, as he is known both for rare ability and his status as a captive who worships the God Belshazzar has been insulting (Daniel 5:1–4). Belshazzar admits he has no idea what the text says, or means, but he will do everything in his power to find out.
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Chapter Summary
After Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, a succeeding ruler, Belshazzar, fails to learn the proper lesson. During a drunken party, he brings out Jewish objects to use in idolatry. The celebration is interrupted by disembodied fingers leaving strange markings on the wall. Daniel is summoned when no one else can read or interpret these. After boldly rebuking Belshazzar's immorality, Daniel explains the event as a prophecy of doom. That same night, Belshazzar dies, and the kingdom eventually comes under a new leader.
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