Daniel was summoned to interpret a terrifying incident where King Belshazzar saw disembodied fingers writing on the wall (Daniel 5:1–5). Daniel's first comments are to dismiss the king's offer of reward and express confidence that he can explain what has happened (Daniel 5:17). Yet he speaks as if he already knows the answer. Here, he begins speaking about a prior king, Nebuchadnezzar. This is meant to set up Daniel's scathing criticism of Belshazzar as an unrepentant, profane, arrogant man (Daniel 5:23).

Nebuchadnezzar's fame was known far and wide. His glory was unprecedented. He beautified Babylon and his palace. He launched many building projects and commanded a powerful army. No one could doubt his authority over all his subjects. But he owed his greatness, glory, and majesty to God. Near the end of his life, he was humbled by the Lord and forced to admit his own need (Daniel 4:34–37).

This passage clearly shows that Belshazzar rejected the Most High God and refused to acknowledge His Lordship. Belshazzar praised heathen deities. His faith was placed in idols who did not see, hear, or do him any good. Romans 1:22–23 indicts the unbeliever who acts like Belshazzar: "claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."

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).

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 4/28/2024 2:10:32 AM

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