Who was King Belshazzar and what did he do in Daniel 5?

King Belshazzar is a figure who appears prominently in the fifth chapter of the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. His story is a dramatic and sobering narrative that carries profound theological and moral implications. To understand who King Belshazzar was and what he did in Daniel 5, we need to delve into the historical context, the narrative itself, and the lessons that emerge from this biblical account.

Historical Context

Belshazzar was a Babylonian prince, the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Historically, there has been some debate about his exact role and title, as ancient records sometimes refer to him as a co-regent rather than a king in his own right. Nabonidus, known for his religious reforms and prolonged absences from Babylon, entrusted the kingdom to Belshazzar during his ten-year stay in the Arabian oasis of Teima. This arrangement gave Belshazzar substantial authority and responsibility, effectively making him the acting ruler of Babylon.

The Narrative of Daniel 5

The story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5 is one of hubris, divine judgment, and the ultimate fall of a kingdom. The chapter begins with Belshazzar hosting a grand feast for a thousand of his nobles. In a display of arrogance and sacrilege, he orders that the gold and silver vessels, which his predecessor Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, be brought to the banquet. These sacred items, dedicated to the worship of Yahweh, were then used by Belshazzar and his guests to drink wine and praise the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

As they reveled in their blasphemy, a mysterious and terrifying event occurred. The fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote a message on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace. The sight of the disembodied hand filled Belshazzar with fear; his face turned pale, his thoughts alarmed him, and his knees knocked together (Daniel 5:6). In a panic, he called for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to interpret the writing, promising great rewards, including being clothed in purple, a gold chain, and the position of third highest ruler in the kingdom, to whoever could decipher the message.

None of Belshazzar's wise men could interpret the writing. This failure increased the king's anxiety until the queen (likely the queen mother) suggested he summon Daniel, a man renowned for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions. Daniel, now an elderly man, was brought before the king. Belshazzar offered him the same rewards, but Daniel, uninterested in material gain, declined them.

Daniel began by reminding Belshazzar of the lessons his predecessor Nebuchadnezzar had learned. Nebuchadnezzar had been a powerful and proud king, but his arrogance led to his downfall until he acknowledged the sovereignty of the Most High God (Daniel 5:18-21). Despite knowing this history, Belshazzar had not humbled his heart. Instead, he had exalted himself against the Lord of heaven by desecrating the sacred vessels and worshiping lifeless idols.

Daniel then interpreted the writing on the wall, which read, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." He explained that "MENE" meant that God had numbered the days of Belshazzar's reign and brought it to an end; "TEKEL" meant that Belshazzar had been weighed on the scales and found wanting; and "PARSIN" (or "PERES") meant that his kingdom was divided and given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:26-28).

True to the prophecy, 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.

Theological and Moral Implications

The story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5 is rich with theological and moral lessons. One of the most prominent themes is the sovereignty of God over human kingdoms. Despite the grandeur and power of Babylon, it was ultimately God who determined the rise and fall of empires. Belshazzar's downfall serves as a stark reminder that no earthly power can withstand the judgment of God.

Another significant lesson is the danger of pride and arrogance. Belshazzar's pride led him to commit sacrilege by using the holy vessels from the Jerusalem temple in a profane manner. This act of defiance against God was not only a personal sin but also a public display of irreverence. The swift and decisive judgment that followed underscores the seriousness with which God regards the sanctity of what is dedicated to Him.

The narrative also highlights the importance of learning from history. Belshazzar had the example of Nebuchadnezzar, who had been humbled by God and had eventually acknowledged God's sovereignty. However, Belshazzar failed to heed this lesson, choosing instead to repeat the mistakes of pride and idolatry. This failure to learn from the past contributed to his downfall.

Daniel's role in this story is also noteworthy. He stands as a faithful servant of God, unafraid to speak the truth to power. His integrity and wisdom are contrasted with the folly and arrogance of Belshazzar. Daniel's refusal to accept the king's rewards further emphasizes his commitment to God's truth rather than earthly gain.

Conclusion

King Belshazzar's story in Daniel 5 is a powerful narrative that illustrates the consequences of pride, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of humility and reverence. Belshazzar's feast, the mysterious writing on the wall, and the subsequent fall of Babylon serve as enduring reminders of the divine principles that govern human history. As we reflect on this account, we are called to recognize God's authority, learn from the past, and live with humility and reverence before Him.

The lessons from Belshazzar's life are timeless, resonating with us today as we navigate our own lives and the complexities of the world around us. By understanding and applying these lessons, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and live in a manner that honors God and acknowledges His rightful place as the sovereign ruler of all.