The Setting of the Feast
Daniel 5:1-4 describes a grand banquet hosted by King Belshazzar, where he and his nobles drank from the sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple. This act of sacrilege set the stage for divine intervention.

The Mysterious Handwriting
In Daniel 5:5-6, a hand appears and writes on the wall, causing the king to tremble with fear. This supernatural event underscores God's ability to intervene in human affairs.

The Failure of Human Wisdom
Despite the presence of wise men and enchanters, no one could interpret the writing (Daniel 5:7-9). This highlights the limitations of human wisdom compared to divine revelation.

Daniel's Interpretation
Daniel is called upon to interpret the writing. In Daniel 5:17-28, he explains that the message—MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN—foretells the end of Belshazzar's kingdom due to his pride and failure to honor God.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Daniel 5:30-31 records the swift fulfillment of the prophecy, as Belshazzar is killed and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom. This demonstrates the certainty of God's word.Reverence for the Sacred
Just as Belshazzar misused the temple vessels, we must treat what is holy with respect and honor God in all aspects of our lives.

Heeding God's Warnings
Belshazzar ignored the lessons from Nebuchadnezzar's life. We should learn from past warnings and align our lives with God's will.

Dependence on Divine Wisdom
In times of uncertainty, seek God's wisdom through prayer and His Word, rather than relying solely on human understanding.

Recognizing God's Sovereignty
Acknowledge that God is in control of all nations and leaders, and trust in His ultimate plan and timing.1. Belshazzar
He is the king of Babylon during the events of Daniel 5. The chapter begins with him hosting a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, during which he uses the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. His actions lead to the mysterious writing on the wall. The name "Belshazzar" is derived from the Akkadian "Bēl-šar-uṣur," meaning "Bel, protect the king."

2. Daniel
Also known by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, Daniel is a Jewish exile and a wise man in the Babylonian court. He is called upon to interpret the writing on the wall after the king's wise men fail to do so. Daniel's Hebrew name means "God is my judge."

3. Nebuchadnezzar
Although not present in the events of Daniel 5, Nebuchadnezzar is frequently mentioned as Belshazzar's predecessor. The chapter references his reign and his humbling by God to illustrate a lesson for Belshazzar. Nebuchadnezzar's name is derived from the Akkadian "Nabû-kudurri-uṣur," meaning "Nabu, protect my heir."

4. The Queen
She is likely the queen mother, possibly the widow of Nebuchadnezzar or another prominent queen, who enters the banquet hall to advise Belshazzar to call for Daniel. Her intervention is crucial in bringing Daniel to interpret the writing.

5. The Wise Men of Babylon
This group includes astrologers, Chaldeans, and diviners who are summoned by Belshazzar to interpret the mysterious writing. They are unable to provide an interpretation, highlighting Daniel's unique wisdom and insight.1. Babylon
Babylon is the central location of the events in Daniel 5. It was the capital of the Babylonian Empire and a significant city in ancient Mesopotamia. The chapter describes a royal feast held by King Belshazzar in Babylon, where the mysterious writing on the wall occurs. The Hebrew root for Babylon is "בָּבֶל" (Babel), which is often associated with confusion due to the Tower of Babel narrative.

2. The Banquet Hall
The banquet hall is where King Belshazzar hosts a great feast for a thousand of his nobles. It is within this setting that the king orders the gold and silver vessels from the Jerusalem temple to be used, leading to the divine message written on the wall. The hall represents the opulence and decadence of the Babylonian court.1. Belshazzar's Feast
King Belshazzar holds a great feast for a thousand of his nobles and drinks wine with them. (Daniel 5:1)

2. Use of Sacred Vessels
Belshazzar orders the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be brought so that he and his guests can drink from them. (Daniel 5:2-3)

3. Idolatrous Praise
As they drink, they praise the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. (Daniel 5:4)

4. The Writing on the Wall
Suddenly, fingers of a human hand appear and write on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace. (Daniel 5:5)

5. King's Reaction
Belshazzar is terrified; his face turns pale, and his knees knock together. (Daniel 5:6)

6. Summoning the Wise Men
The king calls for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to interpret the writing, promising rewards. (Daniel 5:7)

7. Failure to Interpret
None of the king's wise men can read or interpret the writing. (Daniel 5:8)

8. Queen's Advice
The queen suggests calling Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and solve riddles. (Daniel 5:10-12)

9. Daniel Summoned
Daniel is brought before the king, who offers him rewards for interpreting the writing. (Daniel 5:13-16)

10. Daniel's Refusal of Rewards
Daniel declines the king's gifts but agrees to interpret the writing. (Daniel 5:17)

11. Daniel's Rebuke
Daniel reminds Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling by God and rebukes him for not humbling his heart despite knowing this history. (Daniel 5:18-23)

12. Interpretation of the Writing
Daniel interprets the writing "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN" as God's judgment: the kingdom is numbered, weighed, and divided. (Daniel 5:25-28)

13. Belshazzar's Reward to Daniel
Despite the ominous interpretation, Belshazzar honors Daniel with purple clothing, a gold chain, and a proclamation as third ruler in the kingdom. (Daniel 5:29)

14. Fall of Babylon
That very night, Belshazzar is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom. (Daniel 5:30-31)Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This verse parallels Belshazzar's pride and subsequent downfall.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' A reminder of the importance of humility before God.

Isaiah 46:9-10
Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is yet to come. This passage affirms God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.Pray for a heart that reveres and honors God in all things, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and irreverence.
Ask for wisdom and discernment to understand and apply God's Word in your life.
Seek humility and a teachable spirit, learning from the examples and warnings found in Scripture.
Pray for leaders and nations, that they may recognize God's sovereignty and seek His guidance.

1. How does Daniel 5 emphasize the theme of divine judgment?

2. Reflect on Belshazzar's action of using the sacred vessels for his feast. How might this apply to the misuse of sacred things in today's context?

3. What does the queen mother's recommendation of Daniel tell us about his reputation in the kingdom?

4. Discuss how the mysterious writing on the wall symbolizes divine intervention.

5. How does Belshazzar's reaction to the handwriting on the wall reflect his character?

6. What lessons can we learn from Daniel's refusal of the king's gifts?

7. Analyze Daniel's interpretation of the message. How does it reflect God's sovereignty and judgment?

8. How can the fall of Babylon be seen as a consequence of pride and blasphemy?

9. In what ways can we apply the lessons from the fall of Belshazzar to our own lives today?

10. How does Daniel 5 challenge your understanding of power, glory, and humility?

11. If you were in Daniel's position, would you have interpreted the writing for Belshazzar? Why or why not?

12. How can we recognize and interpret God's messages in our lives today?

13. How can we maintain humility in positions of power and influence?

14. How does this chapter impact your understanding of God's justice?

15. If faced with a situation similar to Belshazzar's feast, how would you respond?

16. How can we ensure we respect and honor sacred elements in our lives?

17. What can we learn from Daniel's courage and integrity in a hostile environment?

18. How does the theme of accountability manifest in this chapter and how can we apply it to our lives?

19. How can we ensure we don't repeat the mistakes of Belshazzar in our lives?

20. How does Daniel 5 inspire you to understand and respond to the sovereignty of God in your life?