Belshazzar was a king of Babylon, most famously known for his role in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Daniel. He is depicted as the last king of Babylon before its conquest by the Medes and Persians. His account is primarily recounted in Daniel 5, where he is portrayed as a ruler who failed to honor the God of Israel, leading to his downfall.

Historical Context

Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. While Nabonidus was the official king, he spent much of his reign away from Babylon, leaving Belshazzar to rule as co-regent. This arrangement explains why Belshazzar is referred to as "king" in the Book of Daniel, despite not being the sole ruler of the empire.

The Feast and the Writing on the Wall

The most notable event involving Belshazzar is the great feast he held for a thousand of his nobles, as described in Daniel 5. During this feast, Belshazzar, in a display of arrogance and sacrilege, ordered the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be brought out so that he and his guests could drink from them. This act of desecration was a direct affront to the God of Israel.

As the revelry continued, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote a message on the wall of the banquet hall. The king was terrified and called for his wise men to interpret the writing, but none could do so. Eventually, Daniel, a Jewish exile known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams, was brought before the king.

Daniel's Interpretation

Daniel rebuked Belshazzar for his pride and failure to humble himself before God, despite knowing the fate of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, who had been humbled by God. Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall, which read "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN" (Daniel 5:25). He explained that these words meant God had numbered the days of Belshazzar's kingdom and brought it to an end, that Belshazzar had been weighed and found wanting, and that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

The Fall of Babylon

That very night, Belshazzar was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom (Daniel 5:30-31). This event marked the end of the Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Medo-Persian Empire. The fall of Babylon fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah, who had foretold the city's destruction due to its pride and idolatry.

Theological Significance

Belshazzar's account serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God over the kingdoms of men. His downfall illustrates the biblical principle that pride and defiance against God lead to judgment. The narrative also highlights the importance of humility and reverence for the sacred, as demonstrated by Daniel's faithfulness and wisdom in contrast to Belshazzar's arrogance.

References in Scripture

· Daniel 5:1-31: The account of Belshazzar's feast, the writing on the wall, and the interpretation by Daniel.
· Isaiah 47:1-5; Jeremiah 51:31-32: Prophecies concerning the fall of Babylon.

Belshazzar's reign, though brief and marked by folly, serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical canon, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God.