Daniel 5:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

NIV: I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom.

NASB: Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight, and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you.

CSB: I've heard that you have a spirit of the gods in you, and that insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom are found in you.

NLT: I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within you and that you are filled with insight, understanding, and wisdom.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

Belshazzar claims to have heard about Daniel's skills, though he may be merely repeating what the queen had just told him (Daniel 5:10–12). Despite worshipping idols and blaspheming sacred objects (Exodus 30:22–29; Daniel 1:1–2) taken from Israel (Daniel 5:1–4), Belshazzar made a point of referring to Daniel using his Hebrew name (Daniel 5:13). It's possible he suspected that his actions angered the God of Israel, triggering the supernatural sight of a hand writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5). This seems to have terrified the king enough that he will do anything to know what the words mean (Daniel 5:6–9). On the queen's urging he had summoned Daniel.

Babylon's so-called wise men had failed to interpret the text. In fact, they could not even read it—suggesting it was in some other language, code, or cipher. Yet Daniel had access to wisdom far superior to theirs (Daniel 1:17; 2:30). Knowledge of God and relationship with His Spirit are necessary to fully understand His will (Colossians 2:2–3; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

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.

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.

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 5/3/2024 2:22:09 PM