But 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." But I have heardThis phrase indicates the king's reliance on reports and testimonies about Daniel's abilities. In the historical context, Daniel's reputation had spread throughout the Babylonian empire due to his previous interpretations and wisdom. The Hebrew root for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but understanding and acknowledging the significance of what is heard. This reflects the king's recognition of Daniel's God-given wisdom, even if he does not fully understand its divine source. that you can give interpretations
The ability to interpret dreams and signs was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Hebrew word for "interpretations" (פְּשַׁר, pesher) suggests a deep understanding and the ability to unravel mysteries. Daniel's gift of interpretation is a divine endowment, setting him apart from the Babylonian magicians and wise men. This highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and the superiority of divine wisdom over human knowledge. and solve difficult problems
The phrase "solve difficult problems" underscores Daniel's exceptional wisdom. The Aramaic word used here, "קְשָׁט" (qeshet), can be translated as "knots" or "riddles," symbolizing complex and challenging issues. Daniel's ability to solve such problems is a testament to the Spirit of God within him, enabling him to bring clarity where there is confusion. This serves as a reminder of the power of divine insight in overcoming worldly challenges. Now if you can read this writing
The king's challenge to Daniel to read the mysterious writing on the wall is a pivotal moment. The Aramaic word for "read" (קְרָא, qara) implies not just the ability to decipher text but to proclaim and make known its meaning. This reflects the urgency and desperation of the king, who is unable to understand the divine message. It also sets the stage for God's revelation through Daniel, emphasizing the theme of divine communication. and tell me what it means
The king's request for the meaning of the writing highlights his dependence on Daniel's unique gift. The Aramaic word for "means" (פְּשַׁר, pesher) is the same as "interpretations," reinforcing the idea of revealing hidden truths. This moment underscores the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine revelation to understand God's messages. you will be clothed in purple
Purple clothing was a symbol of royalty and high status in ancient cultures, as the dye was rare and expensive. The promise of being clothed in purple signifies the king's recognition of Daniel's value and the honor he intends to bestow upon him. This offer reflects the worldly rewards that come with divine wisdom, though Daniel's motivations are not driven by such rewards. and have a gold chain placed around your neck
A gold chain was another symbol of authority and prestige. In the historical context, such adornments were given to those who held significant positions in the kingdom. The king's offer to Daniel signifies the high regard in which he holds Daniel's abilities, even though Daniel's true reward comes from serving God faithfully. and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom
This promise of high rank underscores the king's desperation and the value he places on understanding the divine message. Historically, being the third highest ruler would place Daniel in a position of significant influence and power. However, Daniel's acceptance of this role is secondary to his primary mission of delivering God's message, illustrating the theme of divine purpose over personal ambition. Persons / Places / Events 1. BelshazzarThe king of Babylon during the time of this event. He is the one who calls upon Daniel to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall. 2. DanielA Jewish exile known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and solve enigmas. He is summoned by Belshazzar to interpret the writing. 3. BabylonThe setting of this event, a powerful empire known for its wealth and influence, but also for its idolatry and pride. 4. The Writing on the WallA mysterious message that appears during Belshazzar's feast, signifying divine judgment. 5. The FeastA lavish banquet hosted by Belshazzar, during which he uses sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, demonstrating his arrogance and disrespect for God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and JudgmentThe writing on the wall is a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His judgment against pride and idolatry. The Value of Godly WisdomDaniel's ability to interpret the writing highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God rather than relying on human understanding. Faithfulness in ExileDaniel's consistent faithfulness to God, even in a foreign land, serves as an example for believers to remain steadfast in their faith regardless of circumstances. The Temporary Nature of Earthly PowerBelshazzar's offer of rewards to Daniel underscores the fleeting nature of earthly power and wealth compared to the eternal value of serving God. Humility Before GodBelshazzar's arrogance contrasts with Daniel's humility, teaching the importance of approaching God with a humble heart. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's response to Belshazzar's offer of rewards reflect his priorities and values? How can we apply this to our own lives when faced with worldly temptations? 2. In what ways does Daniel's ability to interpret the writing demonstrate the power of God working through His people? How can we seek to be vessels of God's wisdom today? 3. How does the event of the writing on the wall serve as a warning against pride and self-reliance? Can you think of other biblical examples where pride led to downfall? 4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of remaining faithful to God in a culture that may not honor Him? How can we cultivate such faithfulness in our own lives? 5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty and judgment in our daily walk with Him? What steps can we take to ensure we are living in alignment with His will? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 2Daniel's earlier ability to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, showcasing his God-given wisdom and the consistency of God's revelation through him. Proverbs 3:5-6The call to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, which parallels Daniel's reliance on God for wisdom. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11The spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, including wisdom and knowledge, which can be seen in Daniel's life. James 1:5The promise that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask, reflecting Daniel's experience of divine insight. People Babylonians, Belshazzar, Belteshazzar, Daniel, Darius, Micah, Nebuchadnezzar, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Able, Answering, Authority, Bracelet, Canst, Cause, Chain, Clear, Clothed, Difficult, Dissolve, Doubts, Gold, Highest, Inscription, Interpretation, Interpretations, Kingdom, Knots, Loose, Making, Neck, Necklace, News, Personally, Placed, Power, Problems, Purple, Questions, Round, Rule, Ruler, Scarlet, Sense, Solve, Thereof, Third, Wear, WritingDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 5:16 4333 gold
5251 chains Daniel 5:10-16 3050 Holy Spirit, wisdom Daniel 5:12-17 8130 guidance, from godly people Daniel 5:13-17 5325 gifts Library Mene, Tekel, Peres
'Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another: yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18. O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: 19. And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Scales of Judgment
There has never been a deed of persecution--there has never been a drop of martyr's blood shed yet, but shall be avenged, and every land guilty of it shall yet drink the cup of the wine of the wrath of God. And especially certain is there gathering an awful storm over the head of the empire of Rome--that spiritual despotism of the firstborn of hell. All the clouds of God's vengeance are gathering into one--the firmament is big with thunder, God's right arm is lifted up even now, and ere long the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 "So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. "
Rom. viii. 8.--"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is a kind of happiness to men, to please them upon whom they depend, and upon whose favour their well-being hangs. It is the servant's happiness to please his master, the courtier's to please his prince; and so generally, whosoever they be that are joined in mutual relations, and depend one upon another; that which makes all pleasant, is this, to please one another. Now, certainly, all the dependencies of creatures one upon …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Human Government.
Human governments a part of the moral government of God. In the discussion of this subject I will,-- I. Inquire into the ultimate end of God in creation. We have seen in former lectures, that God is a moral agent, the self-existent and supreme; and is therefore himself, as ruler of all, subject to, and observant of, moral law in all his conduct. That is, his own infinite intelligence must affirm that a certain course of willing is suitable, fit, and right in him. This idea, or affirmation, is law …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter
Reproach [Rebuke] hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. T he greatness of suffering cannot be certainly estimated by the single consideration of the immediate, apparent cause; the impression it actually makes upon the mind of the sufferer, must likewise be taken into the account. That which is a heavy trial to one person, may be much lighter to another, and, perhaps, no trial at all. And a state …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision A. Reasons for Retiring to Galilee. ^A Matt. IV. 12; ^B Mark I. 14; ^C Luke III. 19, 20; ^D John IV. 1-4. ^c 19 but Herod the tetrarch [son of Herod the Great, and tetrarch, or governor, of Galilee], being reproved by him [that is, by John the Baptist] for Herodias his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done [A full account of the sin of Herod and persecution of John will be found at Matt. xiv. 1-12 and Mark vi. 14-29. John had spoken the truth to Herod as fearlessly …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan
In this my relation of the merciful working of God upon my soul, it will not be amiss, if in the first place, I do in a few words give you a hint of my pedigree, and manner of bringing up; that thereby the goodness and bounty of God towards me, may be the more advanced and magnified before the sons of men. 2. For my descent then, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father's house being of that rank that is meanest, and most despised of all the families in …
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
Meditate that hunger is like the sickness called a wolf; which, if thou dost not feed, will devour thee, and eat thee up; and that meat and drink are but as physic, or means which God hath ordained, to relieve and cure this natural infirmity and necessity of man. Use, therefore, to eat and to drink, rather to sustain and refresh the weakness of nature, than to satisfy the sensuality and delights of the flesh. Eat, therefore, to live, but live not to eat. There is no service so base, as for a man …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 5:16 NIVDaniel 5:16 NLTDaniel 5:16 ESVDaniel 5:16 NASBDaniel 5:16 KJV
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