Daniel 5:3

Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines.

Study Bible

So they brought in
This phrase indicates an action of deliberate defiance against the sacred. The act of bringing in these goblets is not merely a logistical detail but a symbolic gesture of contempt. Historically, the Babylonians had taken these items during the conquest of Jerusalem, and their use in a pagan feast underscores a profound disrespect for the God of Israel. The Hebrew root for "brought" (הֵבִיאוּ, hevi'u) often implies a purposeful action, suggesting that this was a calculated move by Belshazzar to assert dominance over the God of Israel.

the gold goblets
The goblets were not ordinary vessels; they were sacred items used in the worship of Yahweh in the temple in Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "goblets" (כְּלִי, keli) can refer to any kind of vessel, but the context here emphasizes their sanctity and the sacrilege of their misuse. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, further highlights the gravity of the offense. Archaeologically, such items would have been crafted with great care and reverence, intended for holy purposes.

that had been taken from the temple
This phrase reminds us of the historical context of the Babylonian exile. The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship, and its desecration was a traumatic event for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "taken" (נְטַל, natal) implies a forceful removal, reflecting the violence and upheaval of the Babylonian conquest. This act of taking sacred items was not just a physical theft but a spiritual affront.

of the house of God in Jerusalem
The "house of God" refers to Solomon's Temple, a place of immense spiritual significance. The Hebrew term for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) often denotes a dwelling place, but here it signifies the dwelling of God's presence among His people. Jerusalem, the city of David, was the heart of Jewish identity and faith. The mention of Jerusalem serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost and the hope for restoration.

and the king and his nobles, wives, and concubines
This phrase paints a picture of the opulence and decadence of Belshazzar's court. The inclusion of "nobles, wives, and concubines" suggests a scene of excess and moral decay. The Hebrew word for "nobles" (רַבְרְבָנַיָּא, ravr'vanya) indicates those of high rank, while "wives" and "concubines" (נָשִׁים, nashim; פִּילַגְשִׁין, pilagshim) reflect the king's indulgence in luxury and sensuality. This gathering is not just a social event but a display of arrogance and impiety.

drank from them
The act of drinking from these sacred goblets is the climax of the sacrilege. In the Hebrew context, drinking often symbolizes fellowship and covenant, but here it is a perversion of those sacred meanings. The Hebrew verb for "drank" (שָׁתָה, shatah) is a common term, yet its use here is laden with irony and blasphemy. This act of drinking is a direct challenge to the holiness of God, setting the stage for the divine judgment that follows.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Belshazzar
The king of Babylon who hosted the feast and ordered the use of the sacred goblets.

2. Nobles, Wives, and Concubines
The attendees of the feast who participated in drinking from the sacred vessels.

3. Gold Goblets
Sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem, used inappropriately during the feast.

4. Temple of the House of God in Jerusalem
The original place where the goblets were used for worship, signifying their sacredness.

5. Babylon
The setting of the event, representing a kingdom that had conquered Jerusalem and taken its sacred items.

Teaching Points

Reverence for the Sacred
The misuse of the temple goblets highlights the importance of treating what is holy with respect and reverence. In our lives, we should identify and honor what God considers sacred.

Consequences of Disrespect
Belshazzar's actions led to divine judgment. This serves as a reminder that disrespecting God’s holiness can lead to serious consequences.

Cultural Influence vs. Godly Standards
The event illustrates the tension between cultural practices and God’s standards. Believers are called to uphold God’s standards even when cultural norms differ.

Awareness of God’s Presence
The presence of God is not limited to a physical temple. We are called to live with an awareness of His presence in our daily lives, treating our bodies and actions as sacred.

Judgment and Accountability
The account of Belshazzar serves as a warning that all actions are accountable to God. We should live with an understanding of divine accountability.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the misuse of the temple goblets by Belshazzar teach us about the importance of respecting what is sacred in our own lives?

2. How can we identify and honor the sacred aspects of our faith in a culture that may not share the same values?

3. In what ways does the account of Belshazzar’s feast challenge us to consider the consequences of our actions?

4. How can we ensure that we are living with an awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives?

5. What lessons can we learn from Belshazzar’s account about accountability and the eventual judgment of our actions? How does this connect to other biblical teachings on judgment?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30
Discusses the sanctity of items used in worship, emphasizing the holiness of the temple vessels.

2 Kings 25
Describes the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the taking of sacred items, providing historical context.

1 Corinthians 10
Warns against idolatry and misuse of what is sacred, paralleling the misuse of the goblets.

Revelation 18
Babylon is symbolically referenced as a place of corruption and judgment, connecting to the fall of Belshazzar's Babylon.