◄ Daniel 5 ►
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Belshazzar’s Feast 1Later,a King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. 2Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his fatherb had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. 3Thus 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. 4As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. The Handwriting on the Wall 5At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. As the king watched the hand that was writing, 6his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together. 7The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers,c and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” 8So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. 9Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered. 10Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queend entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale. 11There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king, 12did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.” Daniel Interprets the Handwriting 13So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. 15Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation. 16But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” 17In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him. 18As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. 19Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. 20But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. 21He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. 22But you his son,e O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. 23Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. 24Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription. 25Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. 26And this is the interpretation of the message: MENEf means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. 27TEKELg means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28PERESh means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” 29Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. 30That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeansi was slain, 31and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. Footnotes: 1 a Aramaic does not include Later. Some translators include Many years later to account for the time elapsed, probably about 30 years, since the previous chapter. 2 b Or predecessor or grandfather; also in verses 11, 13, and 18 7 c Or Chaldeans; also in verse 11 10 d Or queen mother 22 e Or descendant or successor or grandson 26 f Mene sounds like the Aramaic for numbered. 27 g Tekel sounds like the Aramaic for weighed. 28 h Peres (the singular of Parsin) sounds like the Aramaic for divided and for Persia. 30 i That is, the Babylonians Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Daniel 5 Summary Belshazzar's Feast Verses 1–4 – The Profane Feast Belshazzar, acting king of Babylon, throws a lavish banquet for a thousand nobles and orders the gold and silver vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Jerusalem temple to be used for drinking. The crowd praises “the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone,” turning holy things into party props. Verses 5–9 – The Handwriting Appears A disembodied hand writes on the plaster wall opposite the lampstand. Belshazzar’s color drains, his knees knock, and his wise men cannot read or interpret the message. Fear spreads through the hall. Verses 10–12 – The Queen’s Counsel The queen (likely the queen mother) reminds Belshazzar of Daniel, “in whom is the spirit of the holy gods.” She recounts Daniel’s past service to Nebuchadnezzar and urges that he be summoned. Verses 13–17 – Daniel Summoned Daniel, now an elderly exile, is offered a robe of purple, a gold chain, and the position of “third ruler in the kingdom” if he can read the writing. He declines the gifts but agrees to give the interpretation. Verses 18–24 – Daniel’s Rebuke Daniel reviews how God gave Nebuchadnezzar greatness and how pride brought him low. Turning to Belshazzar, Daniel says, “But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart,” and charges him with profaning the Lord’s vessels and failing to honor the God “who holds in His hand your life-breath and all your ways.” The writing is God’s verdict. Verses 25–29 – The Writing Interpreted “ ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.’ ” “MENE: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL: You have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES: Your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” Belshazzar fulfills his promise to clothe Daniel in purple and proclaim him third in rank. Verses 30–31 – The Fall of Babylon “That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.” The city falls without prolonged siege, just as Isaiah and Jeremiah had prophesied. Daniel 5 is a captivating chapter of the Bible, in which a mysterious supernatural event takes place in the grand palace of King Belshazzar. The chapter not only narrates an unprecedented event, but it also powerfully underscores the consequences of pride, disrespect toward God, and the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty. Historical Setting of Daniel 5 • Date: 539 BC, the final hours of Babylon’s Neo-Babylonian Empire. • Political backdrop: Nabonidus, the official king, has spent years in Arabia; Belshazzar, his eldest son, rules Babylon as co-regent. • The Medo-Persian army under Cyrus (with General Gobryas) has already defeated Babylonian forces at Opis and Sippar and now surrounds the capital. Who Was Belshazzar? For centuries critics denied his existence because Greek historians knew only Nabonidus. Tablets such as the Nabonidus Cylinder (British Museum) and the Verse Account of Nabonidus now confirm Belshazzar as “the son first in rank,” entrusted with kingship during his father’s absence. This explains why Belshazzar could offer Daniel “third place” (Nabonidus first, Belshazzar second, Daniel third). Babylonian Banquet Culture and Sacred Vessels Palace feasts often showed off power and wealth. Using temple vessels from Jerusalem crossed a line. These items—crafted under Solomon (1 Kings 7) and taken by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Chronicles 36:7)—were set apart for the Lord. Belshazzar deliberately desecrates them while praising idols, echoing Isaiah 46:1–2’s contrast between powerless idols and the living God. The Handwriting on the Wall The hand appears “opposite the lampstand,” ensuring every eye sees it. Ancient Near Eastern plaster walls, discovered in Babylon’s ruins, took writing well. The sudden supernatural act freezes the party and exposes the limits of Babylonian wisdom traditions (Jeremiah 10:7–8). MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN—Words and Weights • MENE (mina): about 50 shekels—numbering. • TEKEL (shekel): about 1 shekel—weighting. • PERES (division, half-mina): about 25 shekels—dividing. The wordplay links monetary weights with Belshazzar’s moral weight. Repetition of MENE stresses certainty. PERES sounds like “Persians,” hinting at the conquerors. Daniel’s Unflinching Message Daniel refuses rewards because God’s revelation is not for sale (cf. 2 Kings 5:15–16). He speaks bluntly to a king who holds his earthly life in hand yet recognizes a higher authority. Like Nathan before David (2 Samuel 12) and John before Herod (Mark 6:18), Daniel shows prophetic courage. Divine Judgment and Pride in Scripture Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” James 4:6 echoes it. Nebuchadnezzar learned humility in Daniel 4; Belshazzar ignores that lesson and fulfills Habakkuk 2:5, “He enlarges his desire as Sheol… he gathers to himself all nations,” only to face swift justice. Fulfillment: The Fall of Babylon Herodotus and Xenophon describe the Persians diverting the Euphrates and entering through the riverbed. Isaiah 13:17–22 and Jeremiah 51:57–58 foretold Babylon’s fall “in a single night.” Cyrus honors the prediction in Isaiah 44:28–45:1 about subduing nations and opening gates. Archaeological Corroboration • Nabonidus Chronicle: “In the month of Tishri, the king was killed. From Tishri to Marchesvan the mourning of Babylonia.” • Cyrus Cylinder: records Cyrus’s peaceful entry and his policy of returning temple vessels—setting the stage for Ezra 1:1–4. • Excavations at Babylon reveal large banquet halls with plastered walls capable of bearing writing, matching Daniel’s detail. Themes for Today • God’s sovereignty over nations endures; worldly empires rise and fall at His word (Psalm 75:7). • Sacred things are not toys. Treating God’s gifts lightly invites loss. • Pride blinds; humility opens eyes. Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself and lived. Belshazzar mocked and died. • God’s Word stands even when mocked. The writing on the wall still speaks: every life and nation has a number, a weight, and an inevitable audit by the Most High. Key Cross-References Isaiah 47; Jeremiah 25:12; 51:44–58; Habakkuk 2:4–20; Revelation 18—each shows Babylon (literal or symbolic) falling under God’s judgment, reinforcing the message of Daniel 5. Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Teaching Points 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. Practical Applications 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. People 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. Places 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. Events 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) Lessons from Daniel 5 1. The Perils of Pride In Daniel 5, we see King Belshazzar's downfall due to his pride. He arrogantly used the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple for his own feasting, showing no reverence for God. This reminds us of Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." It's a powerful lesson to remain humble and recognize that all we have is from God. 2. The Importance of Reverence Belshazzar's lack of respect for the holy items led to his demise. Daniel 5:23 highlights this: "But you did not honor the God who holds in His hand your life and all your ways." Reverence for God and His holiness is crucial. We are called to honor Him in all we do, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives. 3. The Writing on the Wall The mysterious writing on the wall is a vivid reminder that God communicates with us in various ways. Daniel 5:25-28 explains the message: "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." It was a divine warning of judgment. We should be attentive to God's messages, whether through Scripture, prayer, or circumstances, and respond with obedience. 4. The Role of a Faithful Witness Daniel's role in interpreting the writing shows the importance of being a faithful witness. Despite the king's arrogance, Daniel boldly delivered God's message. As believers, we are called to share God's truth with courage and clarity, trusting Him to work through us. 5. The Consequences of Ignoring God Belshazzar's fate was sealed because he ignored the lessons from his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 5:22-23 states, "But you, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this." Ignoring God's past lessons can lead to dire consequences. We must learn from history and Scripture to avoid repeating mistakes. 6. The Sovereignty of God The events of Daniel 5 underscore God's sovereignty. Despite human arrogance, God's plans prevail. Daniel 5:21 reminds us that "the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone He wishes." Trusting in God's control brings peace and assurance, even in uncertain times. 7. The Value of Wisdom Daniel's wisdom and discernment were crucial in interpreting the writing. Proverbs 2:6 tells us, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Seeking God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture equips us to navigate life's challenges with insight and clarity. 8. The Urgency of Repentance Belshazzar's story is a stark reminder of the urgency of repentance. His refusal to humble himself before God led to his downfall. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." We should not delay in turning to God and seeking His forgiveness. 9. The Impact of a Godly Life Daniel's integrity and faithfulness had a profound impact, even in a pagan court. His life exemplified the truth of Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Living a godly life can influence others and bring glory to God. 10. The Certainty of God's Judgment Finally, Daniel 5 reminds us of the certainty of God's judgment. Belshazzar's kingdom was weighed, found wanting, and divided. Hebrews 9:27 states, "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our actions have consequences and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. Topics 1. Belshazzar's Feast Belshazzar, the king, holds a great feast for a thousand of his nobles and drinks wine in their presence. This event sets the stage for the unfolding drama. The Hebrew root for "feast" (מִשְׁתֶּה, mishteh) implies a banquet or drinking party, highlighting the revelry and excess. 2. Desecration of the Temple Vessels Belshazzar orders the gold and silver vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple to be brought so that he and his guests can drink from them. This act of sacrilege is significant, as it shows disrespect for the sacred items dedicated to God. The Aramaic term for "vessels" (מָאנַיָּא, manayya) emphasizes their sacred origin. 3. The Handwriting on the Wall A mysterious hand appears and writes on the plaster of the wall, causing the king to become terrified. This supernatural event is central to the chapter. The Aramaic word for "hand" (יָד, yad) signifies divine intervention and judgment. 4. The King's Fear and Summoning of Wise Men Belshazzar's fear leads him to summon the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to interpret the writing, but they are unable to do so. This highlights the limitations of human wisdom compared to divine revelation. The Aramaic term for "wise men" (חַכִּימַיָּא, hakimayya) underscores their supposed expertise. 5. The Queen's Counsel The queen advises Belshazzar to call for Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and mysteries. Her counsel introduces Daniel as a man of God. The Aramaic word for "queen" (מַלְכְּתָא, malkta) indicates her authoritative role in the court. 6. Daniel's Interpretation Daniel is brought before the king and offers an interpretation of the writing. He reminds Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience and rebukes him for his pride and idolatry. The Aramaic term for "interpretation" (פְּשַׁר, peshar) signifies the revealing of divine truth. 7. The Writing Deciphered: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin Daniel explains the meaning of the words: "Mene" (God has numbered the days of your reign), "Tekel" (you have been weighed and found wanting), and "Parsin" (your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians). Each term carries a weight of divine judgment. The Aramaic roots (מְנֵא, mene; תְּקֵל, tekel; פְּרֵס, peres) emphasize the finality of God's decree. 8. Belshazzar's Downfall That very night, Belshazzar is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom. This swift fulfillment of prophecy underscores the sovereignty of God over human affairs. The Aramaic term for "slain" (קְטַל, qetal) indicates a violent and decisive end. Themes 1. Divine Judgment The theme of divine judgment is central in Daniel 5, as God judges King Belshazzar for his arrogance and sacrilege. The mysterious writing on the wall, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN" (Daniel 5:25), signifies God's judgment and the imminent fall of Babylon. The Hebrew roots of these words convey the ideas of being numbered, weighed, and divided, emphasizing God's sovereign authority to judge nations and individuals. 2. Human Pride and Arrogance Belshazzar's pride is evident as he uses the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple for his feast, showing disrespect for God (Daniel 5:2-4). This act of arrogance leads to his downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18). 3. The Sovereignty of God God's sovereignty is highlighted as He orchestrates the events leading to the fall of Babylon. Daniel reminds Belshazzar that the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar his kingdom and took it away due to his pride (Daniel 5:18-21). This underscores the belief that God is in control of all earthly kingdoms. 4. The Role of Prophets and Wise Men Daniel's role as a prophet and wise man is emphasized when he is called to interpret the writing on the wall. Despite being forgotten by Belshazzar, Daniel's wisdom and faithfulness to God enable him to reveal the divine message (Daniel 5:13-17). This theme highlights the importance of godly wisdom and the prophetic voice in times of crisis. 5. The Consequences of Disobedience The narrative demonstrates the consequences of disobedience to God. Belshazzar's failure to humble himself and honor God, despite knowing the history of Nebuchadnezzar, results in his kingdom being taken away (Daniel 5:22-28). This serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring God's commands and the inevitable consequences of sin. Prayer Points 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. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Daniel 5:1, why does the text present Belshazzar as king of Babylon when historical records identify Nabonidus as the last king? 2. In Daniel 5:2, how do we reconcile calling Belshazzar the “son” of Nebuchadnezzar with known Babylonian lineage? 3. In Daniel 5:5, how could a disembodied hand literally write on the wall, and isn’t this account scientifically implausible? 4. In Daniel 5:30, how could Belshazzar be slain “that very night” if some records suggest Babylon surrendered peacefully? 5. Why is Daniel unknown to Belshazzar (Daniel 5:7–13) despite his prominent role under Nebuchadnezzar described in earlier chapters? Bible Study Discussion Questions 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? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions