The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, 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." The king called outThis phrase indicates an urgent and desperate action by King Belshazzar. In the Hebrew context, the word for "called out" suggests a loud, authoritative command. Historically, this reflects the king's immediate need for understanding and control in a moment of crisis, as the mysterious writing on the wall had deeply unsettled him. to bring in the astrologers, Chaldeans, and diviners
These groups were considered the wise men of Babylon, skilled in interpreting omens and dreams. The "astrologers" were those who studied the stars, the "Chaldeans" were a priestly class known for their wisdom and learning, and the "diviners" practiced various forms of divination. This reflects the Babylonian reliance on human wisdom and occult practices, contrasting with the divine wisdom that Daniel would later provide. He said to these wise men of Babylon
The phrase "wise men of Babylon" underscores the king's reliance on human wisdom and the established order of his kingdom. Historically, Babylon was renowned for its scholarship and learning, yet this moment highlights the limitations of human wisdom when faced with divine mysteries. Whoever reads this inscription and explains its interpretation
The challenge set forth by the king emphasizes the dual task of reading and interpreting the mysterious writing. This reflects the biblical theme that understanding divine messages requires not just intellectual ability but spiritual insight, which the Babylonian wise men lacked. will be clothed in purple
Purple was a color of royalty and high status in ancient times, often reserved for kings and nobles. The promise of being "clothed in purple" signifies a reward of great honor and recognition, indicating the king's desperation to solve the mystery. have a gold chain placed around his neck
A gold chain was a symbol of authority and distinction. In the ancient Near East, such a gift would signify a high rank or special favor from the king. This promise further underscores the king's willingness to bestow significant honor on anyone who could provide the needed interpretation. and be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom
This offer of high political power reveals the gravity of the situation. Historically, Belshazzar was co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, which explains why the position offered was "third highest." This reflects the king's desperation and the high stakes involved in understanding the divine message. Persons / Places / Events 1. King BelshazzarThe ruler of Babylon during the time of this event. He is known for his pride and disregard for the God of Israel. 2. Astrologers, Chaldeans, and DivinersThese were the wise men and magicians of Babylon, often consulted for their supposed ability to interpret signs and omens. 3. BabylonThe capital city of the Babylonian Empire, known for its grandeur and idolatry. 4. The InscriptionA mysterious writing that appeared on the wall during Belshazzar's feast, which none of the king's wise men could interpret. 5. The RewardThe promise of being clothed in purple, receiving a gold chain, and becoming the third highest ruler in the kingdom, offered by Belshazzar to anyone who could interpret the writing. Teaching Points The Limitations of Human WisdomThe inability of the Babylonian wise men to interpret the writing underscores the limitations of human wisdom and the need for divine revelation. The Consequences of PrideBelshazzar's reliance on his own resources and his disregard for God serve as a warning against pride and self-sufficiency. God's SovereigntyThe event demonstrates God's control over kingdoms and His ability to communicate His will, even to those who do not acknowledge Him. The Value of True WisdomTrue wisdom comes from God, and those who seek Him will find understanding and insight beyond human capability. The Importance of HumilityRecognizing our limitations and seeking God's guidance is crucial for understanding and navigating life's challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the inability of the Babylonian wise men to interpret the writing reveal about the nature of human wisdom compared to divine wisdom? 2. How does Belshazzar's response to the mysterious writing reflect his character and attitude towards God? 3. In what ways can we see the theme of pride and its consequences in our own lives, and how can we guard against it? 4. How does the promise of rewards by Belshazzar compare to the rewards God offers to those who seek His wisdom and guidance? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that required wisdom beyond your understanding. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 2Similar to Daniel 5, King Nebuchadnezzar also sought the interpretation of a mysterious dream from his wise men, who were unable to provide answers until Daniel, with God's help, revealed the meaning. Exodus 7-8The magicians of Egypt, like the wise men of Babylon, were unable to replicate the miracles performed by God through Moses, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom against divine power. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25Paul speaks of the wisdom of the world being foolishness to God, which parallels the inability of Babylon's wise men to interpret the divine message. People Babylonians, Belshazzar, Belteshazzar, Daniel, Darius, Micah, Nebuchadnezzar, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Able, Aloud, Arts, Astrologers, Authority, Babylon, Bracelet, Bring, Chain, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Clear, Clothed, Conjurers, Cried, Crying, Declare, Diviners, Enchanters, Explain, Gold, Highest, Inscription, Interpretation, Kingdom, Loud, Magicians, Mightily, Neck, Necklace, Placed, Purple, Putteth, Readers, Reads, Round, Rule, Ruler, Scarlet, Secret, Sense, Shew, Shows, Signs, Soothsayers, Sooth-sayers, Spake, Spoke, Tells, Thereof, Third, Users, Voice, Wise, WritingDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 5:7 4155 divination
4333 gold
4807 colours
5145 clothing
5251 chains
5509 rulers
8366 wisdom, source of Daniel 5:1-8 8709 astrology Daniel 5:5-8 5638 writing Daniel 5:5-9 5935 riddles Daniel 5:7-8 8365 wisdom, human 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 5:7 NIVDaniel 5:7 NLTDaniel 5:7 ESVDaniel 5:7 NASBDaniel 5:7 KJV
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