Topical Encyclopedia Baltasar is a name that appears in the context of the biblical narrative, specifically within the Book of Daniel. It is the Greek form of the Babylonian name Belshazzar, who was a historical figure and a key character in the biblical account of the fall of Babylon. The name Baltasar is often associated with themes of divine judgment and the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms.Historical Context Baltasar, or Belshazzar, was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Although Nabonidus was the official king, he spent much of his reign away from Babylon, leaving Baltasar to rule as co-regent in the capital. This historical arrangement is reflected in the biblical narrative, where Baltasar is depicted as the acting king during the events leading to the fall of Babylon. Biblical Account The most notable biblical account involving Baltasar is found in Daniel 5. In this chapter, Baltasar hosts a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, during which he orders the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be brought out so that he and his guests might drink from them. This act of sacrilege is met with divine intervention: "Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote" (Daniel 5:5). The mysterious writing on the wall, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN," is interpreted by the prophet Daniel, who is summoned to explain its meaning. Daniel reveals that the message is a divine judgment against Baltasar and his kingdom: "This is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians" (Daniel 5:26-28). That very night, Baltasar is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. Theological Significance The account of Baltasar serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and irreverence toward God. Baltasar's use of the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple for a profane purpose is emblematic of his disregard for the holiness of God. The divine judgment pronounced upon him underscores the biblical theme that God is the ultimate ruler who holds all earthly powers accountable. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the role of Daniel as a faithful servant of God, who is able to interpret divine messages and stand as a witness to God's power and justice. Daniel's presence in the court of Baltasar exemplifies the influence of godly wisdom in a pagan environment and the fulfillment of God's purposes through His chosen people. Cultural Impact The phrase "the writing on the wall" has entered common parlance as an idiom indicating an impending doom or inevitable fate, derived from this biblical account. The account of Baltasar has been depicted in various works of art, literature, and music, reflecting its enduring impact on culture and its role as a moral and spiritual lesson. In summary, Baltasar's account is a testament to the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all kingdoms and that human pride and defiance against Him lead to downfall and judgment. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BALTASARbal-ta'-sar (Baltasar; the King James Version Balthasar): Library Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... Progress under Obedience. Her Inability to Resist the Graces of ... Concerning Daniel and what Befell Him at Babylon. Index. Relation vii. Made for Rodrigo Alvarez, SJ , in the Year 1575 ... Index. Book 9 Footnotes How the Fears of the Saint Vanished. How She was Assured that Her ... Of visions. The Graces Our Lord Bestowed on the Saint. The Answers ... The Foundation of the Monastery Hindered. Our Lord Consoles the ... Thesaurus Baltasar... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BALTASAR. bal-ta'-sar (Baltasar; the King James Version Balthasar): (1) The Greek of Hebrew, belTesha ... /b/baltasar.htm - 7k Balsam-trees (1 Occurrence) Balustrade (1 Occurrence) Belshazzar (8 Occurrences) Book (211 Occurrences) Baruch (24 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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