Pastor Peter's Bible Insights
Daniel Chapter Five
Chapter 5:1-17
The year is now 539 BC, the time span between chapters 4 and 5 is over twenty years. Daniel is now about 80 years old. Three minor kings have preceded Belshazzar. Political intrigue brought Nabonidus to power. Over the years he became more interested in religion than politics. He displeased the priests of Babylon by wanting to change to their gods. He withdrew to Tema leaving his son Belshazzar holding the reins of power in Babylon.
Vs. 1 Belshazzar was co-regent with his father Nabonidus. Archaeologists working in Babylon have excavated a large hall 55 feet by 165 feet, large enough to seat 1,000 guests and probably the site of Belshazzar’s fatal feast.
Vs. 2 This was no time for Belshazzar to be throwing a party. No doubt morale was low inside the city after losing the battle against Cyrus on the plain outside the city. Belshazzar was seeking to lift the spirits of his officers and high citizens. He felt safe within the walls of the most fortified city in the world, he had a twenty-year supply of food stores in the city’s granaries and all the water the city could use from the Euphrates. He did not count on God’s sovereign will for Cyrus to defeat Babylon. Among the dangers of alcohol is that it makes one braver they ought to be and wiser than they normally are. Belshazzar fell victim to these dangers.
Belshazzar is not a direct descendant of Nebuchadnezzar. “Father” is used not as a relative but as the founder of the Chaldean empire.
Vs. 3 These were the sacred vessels of temple. These vessels were used during the great festivals of Israel including Passover. After each lamb was slain, its blood was collected by a priest in a gold or silver bowl and flung at the corner of the altar below the red line. There were thousands of these vessels. We do not know exactly how many temple vessls were taken to Babylon but we do know how many were returned. Ezra's inventory included... (Ezra 1:9-11)
30 Gold dishes
1,000 Silver dishes
29 Duplicates
30 Gold bowls
410 Silver bowls
1000 Other articles
These are the only inventoried articles because Ezra reported that a total of 5,400 gold and silver articles were returned to Jerusalem. These vessels point us to the work of Christ. The vessels carry the blood of lamb. Jesus was the holy vessel who carried the blood of the Lamb shed for the forgiveness of sin. Belshazzar’s act could not be overlooked by God.
Vs. 4 All the gods of the world are just like this verse describes--lifeless metals, stone and wood.
Vs. 5 God breaks through in one of the most dramatic moments in history. God has given the world every opportunity to respond to Him. He spoke through His hand in the halls of the political world, He spoke through His Son as He burst forth from the grave and He spoke through His Holy Spirit as He descended upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost.
Vs. 6 Belshazzar’s bravery and wisdom of verse 4 fizzled in a moment.
Vs. 7 Once again all the wisest men of the court are called in and great rewards are offered.
Vs. 8 None could read the writing.
Vs. 9 Belshazzar’s conscience had gripped him with fear.
Vs. 10 The queen is most likely Nebuchadnezzar’s widow. She wishes him a long life but he will die within hours of her greeting.
Vs. 11 Daniel who is obviously not at the party, and probably has not been of any use to Belshazzar, is now ready for his next assignment.
Vs. 12 God can always use men and women who possess “an extraordinary spirit.” The world is looking for people who can solve difficult problems. The KJV word “doubts” literally means “knots” and is better translated “difficult problems.”
Vs. 13 Daniel recalled to court.
Vs. 14-16 Belshazzar’s flattering speech and offer of power and money.
Vs. 17 Daniel’s response, which seems callous, must be understood in the context the book’s chronological flow. This is one of the easiest assignments Daniel ever had in Babylon. He had known about this night for over 67 years. He had interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream 50 years ago, he had seen the vision of four beasts 14 years ago and had seen the vision of the ram and the male goat 12 years ago. Daniel knew it was over. The only courage this moment took was to preach a sermon that could be remembered by the generals, lords and nobles who might survive the night. Daniel started by telling the King to keep his gifts because he knew that they were not Belshazzar’s to give. Daniel was a prophet. He knew that God never intended for him to be a politician.