1. How does the story of King Belshazzar's feast reflect on the issue of respect for sacred things in today's society?

2. What does Daniel’s refusal of Belshazzar's gifts tell us about his character? How can we apply this in our own lives?

3. How does the theme of pride and its consequences in Daniel 5 connect with other biblical narratives?

4. If you were in Daniel's position, how would you handle the confrontation with King Belshazzar?

5. Why do you think King Belshazzar did not heed the lesson of humility learned by Nebuchadnezzar? What prevents us from learning from others' mistakes?

6. What implications does the "handwriting on the wall" have for our understanding of divine judgment?

7. How does Daniel 5 reinforce the biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18)?

8. How does the sudden shift of power from the Babylonians to the Medes and Persians reflect on the nature of political power and God's sovereignty?

9. What can we learn from the contrast between Belshazzar's blasphemous feast and Daniel’s humble wisdom?

10. How does the fall of Belshazzar serve as a warning for us today in how we use our power, influence, and resources?

11. How does Daniel’s courage in this chapter inspire you in your own faith journey?

12. What does the mystery of the writing on the wall teach us about the limitations of human wisdom?

13. In what ways can you see God's justice displayed in this chapter?

14. Why was the queen mother's recommendation of Daniel significant?

15. What can the historical context of this story teach us about God's involvement in world events?

16. How can we apply the lessons learned from Belshazzar's fall in our modern context?

17. How does Daniel's interpretation of the writing point to the biblical theme of prophecy and fulfillment?

18. In what ways do you see God’s patience and grace extended even in judgment?

19. Why was it important that Daniel reminded Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling before interpreting the writing?

20. How can we as modern believers be watchful against the same pitfalls that led to Belshazzar’s downfall?