Daniel 5 - Printer Friendly

What does Daniel 5 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

In discussions of biblical historical accuracy, this passage is among the most common addressed. Taken literally and directly, the progression of kings given here conflicts with commonly accepted history. The primary criticism of this passage is that Nebuchadnezzar did not have a son named Belshazzar. Nor was Belshazzar the last recorded king of Babylon prior to its fall. However, the biblical text is brief and subject to various interpretations. Also, ancient historical records of that era are often contradictory, vague, or incomplete. Untangling the various options could fill multiple books; many have been written for that purpose.

Among the more reasonable explanations involves regional names—building on the common occurrence of a person being known by different names in different times or places. "Belshazzar" might be used here as another name for Evilmerodach, clearly identified as Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor, and who was murdered after a short rule. Another option is that this chapter refers to Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus. Nabonidus was the last king of Babylon; he left his son as co-regent of the capital city while he was on a journey, at which time the city was captured. Either of these implies Daniel 5:30–31 summarizes the events between the end of this particular Babylonian ruler's life and the cementing of Darius the Mede's control of Babylon.

Some time after Nebuchadnezzar's period of insanity (Daniel 4:33–37), Belshazzar holds an enormous party for himself and other nobles. Daniel immediately notes the king's consumption of wine, then specifies that it was after drinking that Belshazzar made a fateful choice. He orders the sacred objects captured by Nebuchadnezzar (Exodus 30:22–29; Daniel 1:1–2) to be brought to the party. There, they are used as props during further drinking and toasts to idols (Daniel 5:1–4).

Without warning, the king and others see disembodied fingers writing on the wall, in a spot brightly lit by a lamp. The ethereal fingers, the strange writing, the location on the wall, and the suddenness make it clear that this is a supernatural event. The king is terrified; Daniel's description may mean that he collapsed from fright. Immediately, Belshazzar begs for an explanation. He offers great honor and a position of power. None of the advisors can explain the words. In fact, they cannot even read them, suggesting they were in a foreign script or code. This rekindles the king's fear (Daniel 5:5–9).

The woman who speaks next does not seem to be one of Belshazzar's wives or concubines. She is most likely the widow of a former king, or possibly the "queen mother." She arrives at the banquet hall and suggests Belshazzar consult with Daniel. She refers to Daniel using phrases like those spoken by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:8). She notes Daniel's ability to explain such things and encourages the terrified king to call the captive Hebrew. When Daniel arrives, the king once again promises great rewards if Daniel can explain what has happened (Daniel 5:10–16).

Few characters in Scripture exhibit as much raw courage as Daniel. As a captive of Babylon, in a hall surrounded by nobles, facing the king, and likely nearing eighty years old, one might expect Daniel to cower and choose delicate words. Instead, he begins by rejecting Belshazzar's offer of payment. Then he briefly explains the incident when Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God (Daniel 4:28–33). Daniel ruthlessly proclaims that Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar's descendant, has not learned the same lesson. Instead, he is rebellious, profane, and dishonorable (Daniel 5:17–23).

For that reason, says Daniel, God sent the hand to write a message for Belshazzar. This comes in the form of four words which are either Aramaic or derived from Aramaic language: mene mene tekel [and] parsin. Mene implies counting, tekel refers to weights, and parsin means separation or splitting. Daniel explains that these words are an omen. God has assessed Babylon, counted out its days, found it inferior, and planned to divide it. The nation will be conquered; Daniel subtly changes the last word from plural to singular to highlight how similar peres is to Paras, or Persia (Daniel 5:24–28).

Belshazzar makes good on his promise to give Daniel riches and honor. No other details of his reaction are given. Whatever he might have thought or said, the prophecy is fulfilled immediately. The king dies that very night; while the Bible does not say exactly how, it's possible the city fell to a siege which had been ongoing. Daniel's summary is extremely brief, skipping to the next important figure in his story (Daniel 5:29–31).

Daniel 5:1–9 portrays Babylon's king, Belshazzar, as both proud and profane. During a wine-laden, idol-worshipping celebration, the king uses captured Jewish religious articles as drinking cups. A disembodied hand suddenly appears and writes on the wall. This terrifies Belshazzar, even more so when his wise men cannot explain what has happened. What follows is Daniel's explanation, predicting God's judgment of Belshazzar.

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.

Daniel 5:17–28 reveals Daniel's humility, his loyalty to the Most High God, and his courage. Daniel read and interpreted the handwriting. God is judging Babylon: the empire will be defeated and split among the Medes and Persians. Though Daniel said he wanted no payment, his interpretation prompts the rewards from Belshazzar, which were likely as short-lived as he was (Daniel 5:29–30).

Daniel 5:29–31 is the abrupt conclusion to this supernatural incident. The same night that Belshazzar saw ethereal fingers writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5), he consulted with Daniel. Daniel proclaimed doom, and what he predicted came to pass within hours. This ending, while brief, transitions the story from Belshazzar's Babylon to Daniel's time serving under the Medo-Persian empire.

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.

Chapter Context:

The first four chapters of Daniel occur under the rule of Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar. This chapter falls between his reign and when the Medo-Persians conquered in 539 BC. This chapter focuses on Belshazzar, who may have ruled Babylon concurrently with his father Nabonidus. This was probably from 553 BC until his death in 539 BC, when the city was captured. After this, Daniel serves under Darius and / or Cyrus.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.

Accessed 5/2/2024 3:08:34 PM