Lexical Summary mishte: banquet Original Word: מִשְׁתֶּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance banquet (Aramaic) corresponding to mishteh; a banquet -- banquet. see HEBREW mishteh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to mishteh Definition a feast NASB Translation banquet (1). Topical Lexicon Entry Overview Strong’s Hebrew 4961, מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh), designates a banquet hall or festive gathering. Though attested only once in Scripture, it stands at the intersection of royal luxury, human hubris, and divine intervention, inviting reflection on the stewardship of celebration under God’s sovereignty. Old Testament Occurrence Daniel 5:10: “Because of the words of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall…”. The term defines the venue where Belshazzar’s revelry took place on the eve of Babylon’s downfall. Historical Context: Belshazzar’s Final Feast • Date: 539 B.C., the night Babylon fell to the Medo-Persians (Daniel 5:30–31). The banquet hall thus becomes the stage where earthly pomp collides with heavenly verdict—“You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). Cultural Background of Ancient Near Eastern Banquets Royal feasts showcased power, projected security, and cemented political alliances. Walls were adorned with reliefs celebrating military victories and deities. Abundant wine and ostentatious vessels underscored wealth. In Babylon, such gatherings often involved ritual libations to idols, making Belshazzar’s misuse of sacred vessels both sacrilegious and culturally resonant. Theological Reflections 1. Sacred vs. Profane: The profanation of temple vessels contrasts with the holiness required for worship (Exodus 30:29). Practical Ministry Applications • Biblical Hospitality: Scripture commends feasting that honors God (Deuteronomy 14:26; Luke 14:13). The misuse in Daniel 5 warns against self-indulgent hosting. Related Biblical Themes • Contrasting Banquets: Esther 1–2 (royal excess), Esther 7 (divine reversal), Matthew 22:1–14 (Kingdom invitation), Revelation 19:9 (Marriage Supper of the Lamb). Christological Foreshadowing Belshazzar’s banquet dramatizes false security outside covenant grace, while Christ offers a better feast: “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). The handwriting of condemnation in Babylon finds its redemptive counterpart in Christ’s inscription on believers’ hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3). Summary מִשְׁתֶּה 4961 epitomizes a decisive moment where indulgent celebration meets divine judgment. Its lone occurrence magnifies themes of holiness, stewardship, and the fleeting nature of worldly splendor, urging God’s people to pursue feasting that glorifies Him and anticipates the eternal banquet prepared by the King of kings. Forms and Transliterations מִשְׁתְּיָ֖א משתיא miš·tə·yā mishteYa mištəyāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:10 HEB: וְרַבְרְבָנ֔וֹהִי לְבֵ֥ית מִשְׁתְּיָ֖א [עַלֲלַת כ] NAS: entered the banquet hall KJV: came into the banquet house: INT: and his nobles hall the banquet bring in spoke 1 Occurrence |
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