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Verse

Daniel 5:3

ESV Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them.
NIV So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them.
NASB Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines drank out of them.
CSB So they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, wives, and concubines drank from them.
NLT So they brought these gold cups taken from the Temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines drank from them.
KJV 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.
NKJV Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them.

What does Daniel 5:3 mean?

After Israel left Egypt, God commanded a set of vessels be consecrated (Exodus 30:22–29). Centuries later, those were taken as spoils of war by the Babylonians (Daniel 1:1–2). It's possible Nebuchadnezzar, who was king when they were captured, simply kept them as trophies in storage. A succeeding king is hosting an alcohol-soaked celebration with Babylonian rulers (Daniel 5:1). Belshazzar's sacrilegious act—including acts of idolatry (Daniel 5:4)—insulted God.

In many cultures, drinking games or contests have been popular entertainment. Perhaps Belshazzar would not have initiated this perverse event if he had been sober (Proverbs 20:1; 31:4). Daniel specifies that this decision was made after Belshazzar "tasted the wine," suggesting he was intoxicated (Daniel 5:2). Later, Daniel would tell Belshazzar that bringing the sacred vessels into the banquet hall was an act of arrogance and rebellion against the Lord (Daniel 5:23).
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