Daniel 5
BSB1 Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. 2 Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. 3 Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. 5 At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. As the king watched the hand that was writing, 6 his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together. 7 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." 8 So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. 9 Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered. 10 Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale. 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king, 12 did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation." 13 So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. 15 Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation. 16 But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom." 17 In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him. 18 As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. 19 Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. 20 But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. 21 He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. 22 But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. 24 Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription. 25 Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. 26 And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. 27 TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28 PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians." 29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. 30 That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.
Study Notes — Daniel 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Daniel 5
- Themes from Daniel 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Daniel 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Daniel chapter 5 tells the story of King Belshazzar's grand feast, where he and his nobles desecrate the temple vessels from Jerusalem by using them to worship their idols. During the feast, a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall, which none of the king's wise men can interpret. Daniel is finally called in and interprets the writing, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. The chapter ends with the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy, as Babylon falls and Belshazzar is killed. Key verses include Daniel 5:1-4, which describe the feast and the writing on the wall, and Daniel 5:25-31, which contain Daniel's interpretation of the writing and the subsequent fall of Babylon.
Context for the Chapter
Daniel chapter 5 is set in the context of the Babylonian empire, during the reign of King Belshazzar. The chapter is closely tied to the preceding chapters, which describe the rise and fall of the Babylonian empire and the supernatural hand of God in the affairs of nations. The chapter also looks forward to the subsequent chapters, which describe the rise of the Medes and Persians and the eventual return of the Jews to Jerusalem. In the larger biblical narrative, Daniel chapter 5 serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God, and the importance of acknowledging and worshiping Him.
Heart Application
The message of Daniel chapter 5 is highly relevant to our lives today. The chapter reminds us of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride and idolatry. It also serves as a warning of the inevitability of judgment for those who refuse to acknowledge and worship God. As we reflect on the chapter, we are reminded of the need to acknowledge and worship God, and to turn away from the idols and pride that can so easily consume us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Daniel chapter 5 is about the fall of Babylon and the judgment of God on the pride and idolatry of King Belshazzar. The chapter highlights the supernatural hand of God in the affairs of nations and the inevitability of judgment for those who refuse to acknowledge and worship Him. As we read the chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride and idolatry, as seen in Daniel 5:22 and Daniel 5:27.
Voices from the Church
“The writing on the wall was a warning to Belshazzar, and it is a warning to us today. Let us heed the warning and turn to God, lest we suffer the same fate as the proud and idolatrous king.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The fall of Babylon is a reminder of the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals. Let us tremble before Him and acknowledge His sovereignty over all things.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Feast of Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-4) — The chapter begins with a description of the grand feast of King Belshazzar, where he and his nobles desecrate the temple vessels from Jerusalem by using them to worship their idols.
- The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5:5-12) — During the feast, a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall, which none of the king's wise men can interpret.
- Daniel Interprets the Writing (Daniel 5:13-24) — Daniel is finally called in and interprets the writing, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians.
- The Fall of Babylon (Daniel 5:25-31) — The chapter ends with the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy, as Babylon falls and Belshazzar is killed.
- Conclusion (Daniel 5:30-31) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Daniel chapter 5 teaches us about the sovereignty of God and His active involvement in the affairs of nations and individuals. The chapter reminds us that God is the ultimate judge of all human actions, and that He will hold individuals and nations accountable for their sins.
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter also emphasizes the importance of humility and the dangers of pride and idolatry. We are reminded of the need to acknowledge and worship God, and to turn away from the idols and pride that can so easily consume us.
- The Inevitability of Judgment
- The chapter highlights the inevitability of judgment for those who refuse to acknowledge and worship God. The writing on the wall serves as a warning to Belshazzar of the consequences of his actions, and the subsequent fall of Babylon serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God.
- The Power of God
- Finally, the chapter reminds us of the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals. We are reminded of the need to tremble before Him and acknowledge His sovereignty over all things.
Lessons from Daniel 5
- The Dangers of Pride and Idolatry — The chapter teaches us about the dangers of pride and idolatry, and the importance of humility and acknowledging God's sovereignty.
- The Importance of Acknowledging God — We are reminded of the need to acknowledge and worship God, and to turn away from the idols and pride that can so easily consume us.
- The Power and Authority of God — The chapter highlights the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals.
- The Inevitability of Judgment — The chapter teaches us about the inevitability of judgment for those who refuse to acknowledge and worship God, and the importance of repentance and turning to Him.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — Finally, the chapter reminds us of the importance of faith and trust in God, and the need to rely on Him in all circumstances.
Themes from Daniel 5
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God and His active involvement in the affairs of nations and individuals.
- The Importance of Humility — We are reminded of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride and idolatry, and the need to acknowledge and worship God.
- The Power and Authority of God — The chapter highlights the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is the ultimate judge of all human actions.
- The Inevitability of Judgment — The chapter teaches us about the inevitability of judgment for those who refuse to acknowledge and worship God, and the importance of repentance and turning to Him.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — Finally, the chapter reminds us of the importance of faith and trust in God, and the need to rely on Him in all circumstances.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the example of Belshazzar about the dangers of pride and idolatry?
- How does the writing on the wall serve as a warning to us today?
- What does the chapter teach us about the sovereignty of God and His active involvement in the affairs of nations and individuals?
- How can we apply the message of Daniel chapter 5 to our own lives and circumstances?
- What does the chapter remind us about the importance of humility and the need to acknowledge and worship God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Feast of Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-4)
| Daniel 5:1 | The chapter begins with a description of the grand feast of King Belshazzar, where he and his nobles desecrate the temple vessels from Jerusalem by using them to worship their idols. |
| Daniel 5:2 | The king orders the temple vessels to be brought out, and he and his nobles use them to drink wine and worship their idols. |
| Daniel 5:3 | The king and his nobles praise their idols, and they fail to acknowledge the true God who had given them the power and authority they possess. |
| Daniel 5:4 | The feast is a grand and extravagant affair, with many nobles and officials in attendance. |
2. The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5:5-12)
| Daniel 5:5 | During the feast, a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall, which none of the king's wise men can interpret. |
| Daniel 5:6 | The king is terrified by the writing on the wall, and he offers a reward to anyone who can interpret it. |
| Daniel 5:7 | The king's wise men are unable to interpret the writing, and they are filled with fear and uncertainty. |
| Daniel 5:8 | The queen reminds the king of Daniel, who had interpreted the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and had been given a position of authority in the kingdom. |
| Daniel 5:9 | The king sends for Daniel, and he is brought before the king to interpret the writing on the wall. |
| Daniel 5:10 | Daniel is given a position of authority and wealth by the king, and he is asked to interpret the writing on the wall. |
| Daniel 5:11 | Daniel reminds the king of the God who had given him the power and authority he possesses, and he warns the king of the dangers of pride and idolatry. |
| Daniel 5:12 | Daniel is given the task of interpreting the writing on the wall, and he is warned of the consequences of failure. |
3. Daniel Interprets the Writing (Daniel 5:13-24)
| Daniel 5:13 | Daniel is brought before the king to interpret the writing on the wall, and he is given a position of authority and wealth. |
| Daniel 5:14 | Daniel reminds the king of the God who had given him the power and authority he possesses, and he warns the king of the dangers of pride and idolatry. |
| Daniel 5:15 | Daniel interprets the writing on the wall, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. |
| Daniel 5:16 | The king is terrified by Daniel's interpretation, and he offers him a reward for his services. |
| Daniel 5:17 | Daniel refuses the king's reward, and he reminds him of the God who had given him the power and authority he possesses. |
| Daniel 5:18 | Daniel warns the king of the dangers of pride and idolatry, and he reminds him of the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God. |
| Daniel 5:19 | Daniel interprets the writing on the wall, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. |
| Daniel 5:20 | The king is filled with fear and uncertainty, and he is warned of the consequences of his actions. |
| Daniel 5:21 | Daniel reminds the king of the God who had given him the power and authority he possesses, and he warns him of the dangers of pride and idolatry. |
| Daniel 5:22 | The king is warned of the consequences of his actions, and he is reminded of the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God. |
| Daniel 5:23 | Daniel interprets the writing on the wall, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. |
| Daniel 5:24 | The king is filled with fear and uncertainty, and he is warned of the consequences of his actions. |
4. The Fall of Babylon (Daniel 5:25-31)
| Daniel 5:25 | The writing on the wall is interpreted by Daniel, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. |
| Daniel 5:26 | The king is terrified by Daniel's interpretation, and he offers him a reward for his services. |
| Daniel 5:27 | Daniel interprets the writing on the wall, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. |
| Daniel 5:28 | The king is filled with fear and uncertainty, and he is warned of the consequences of his actions. |
| Daniel 5:29 | Daniel is given a position of authority and wealth by the king, and he is asked to interpret the writing on the wall. |
| Daniel 5:30 | The king is killed, and the Medes and Persians take over the kingdom. |
| Daniel 5:31 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the writing on the wall in Daniel 5?
The writing on the wall is a supernatural message written by the hand of God, which announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. It serves as a warning to Belshazzar of the consequences of his pride and idolatry, and it reminds him of the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God.
Who is the king in Daniel 5?
The king in Daniel 5 is Belshazzar, who is the son of Nebuchadnezzar and the last king of Babylon. He is a proud and idolatrous king who refuses to acknowledge and worship God, and he is ultimately killed in the fall of Babylon.
What is the significance of the feast in Daniel 5?
The feast in Daniel 5 is a grand and extravagant affair, where Belshazzar and his nobles desecrate the temple vessels from Jerusalem by using them to worship their idols. It serves as a reminder of the pride and idolatry of the king, and it sets the stage for the supernatural event of the writing on the wall.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 5:1 → Esther 1:1-9 | The feast of Belshazzar in Daniel 5:1 is similar to the feast of Ahasuerus in Esther 1:1-9, where the king holds a grand and extravagant affair to display his wealth and power. |
| 2 | Daniel 5:5 → Exodus 31:18 | The writing on the wall in Daniel 5:5 is similar to the writing on the tablets of stone in Exodus 31:18, where God writes the Ten Commandments with His own finger. |
| 3 | Daniel 5:13 → Daniel 2:48 | Daniel's interpretation of the writing on the wall in Daniel 5:13 is similar to his interpretation of the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2:48, where he is given a position of authority and wealth for his ability to interpret the supernatural message. |
| 4 | Daniel 5:20 → Proverbs 16:18 | The pride and idolatry of Belshazzar in Daniel 5:20 is similar to the warning against pride in Proverbs 16:18, where it is written that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. |
| 5 | Daniel 5:25 → Isaiah 13:19 | The fall of Babylon in Daniel 5:25 is similar to the prophecy of the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19, where it is written that Babylon will be overthrown and never inhabited again. |
| 6 | Daniel 5:27 → Job 31:6 | The image of being weighed in the balances and found deficient in Daniel 5:27 is similar to the image of being weighed in the balances in Job 31:6, where Job says that he has been weighed in the balances and found righteous. |
| 7 | Daniel 5:30 → Jeremiah 51:39 | The fall of Babylon in Daniel 5:30 is similar to the prophecy of the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah 51:39, where it is written that Babylon will fall and never rise again. |
| 8 | Daniel 5:31 → Psalm 115:3 | The reminder of the power and authority of God in Daniel 5:31 is similar to the reminder of the power and authority of God in Psalm 115:3, where it is written that God does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth. |
| 9 | Daniel 5:22 → Matthew 23:12 | The reminder of the importance of humility in Daniel 5:22 is similar to the reminder of the importance of humility in Matthew 23:12, where Jesus says that whoever humbles himself will be exalted. |
| 10 | Daniel 5:29 → John 1:1 | The reminder of the power and authority of God in Daniel 5:29 is similar to the reminder of the power and authority of God in John 1:1, where it is written that Jesus is the Word of God and that He was with God in the beginning. |
Sermons on Daniel 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Guiding Voice in the Storm by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'A Guiding Voice in the Storm' based on Acts chapter 27 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's direction and being a guiding voice in the midst of societal st |
|
|
The Glorying of Leaven by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Belshazzar and how he was blind to the truth and hardened to the gospel. The preacher then paraphrases Matthew chapte |
|
3) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 5 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the book of Daniel and the changes that Daniel and his followers had to face. The speaker warns against compla |
|
Weighed and Found Wanting by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Daniel preaches to Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. He reminds Belshazzar of how Nebuchadnezzar |
|
|
4) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 6 by George Verwer | In this video, the speaker reviews the main themes of the previous chapters in the book of Daniel, focusing on sovereignty, discipline, holiness, perseverance, pressure, courage, d |
|
(Daniel) Daniel in the Lion's Den by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He begins by discussing the prosperity of Daniel, who was chosen as one of the 120 princes over the k |
|
|
(Daniel) the Writing on the Wall by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel in the Bible. The sermon begins by describing how Belshazzar and his companions were en |
|
|
(Through the Bible) Isaiah 41-42 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses God's self-definition and his power as the creator of the heavens and the earth. The preacher references the story of Belshazzar and the hand |
|
|
(Daniel) Nebuchadnezzar's Dream - Part 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Daniel chapter two and the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. The image had a head of gold, breast and arms of silver, belly and th |
|
(Daniel) the Writing on the Wall by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Belshazzar and the writing on the wall from the book of Daniel in the Bible. Belshazzar, the king of the Chaldeans, throws a la |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Daniel 5
In his commentary on Daniel 5, Matthew Henry writes that the chapter is a powerful reminder of the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals. Henry notes that the writing on the wall is a supernatural message that announces the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians, and that it serves as a warning to Belshazzar of the consequences of his pride and idolatry. Henry also emphasizes the importance of humility and the dangers of pride, and he reminds us that God is the ultimate judge of all human actions. As we reflect on the chapter, we are reminded of the need to acknowledge and worship God, and to turn away from the idols and pride that can so easily consume us. Henry's commentary is a powerful reminder of the timeless truths of Scripture, and the fact that God's Word is just as relevant today as it was in the days of Daniel and Belshazzar. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Supernatural Hand of God
One of the most striking aspects of Daniel chapter 5 is the supernatural hand of God that appears and writes a message on the wall. This serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God, and the fact that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals.
The Pride and Idolatry of Belshazzar
Another notable aspect of the chapter is the pride and idolatry of King Belshazzar. Despite being warned by Daniel and having the example of his father, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar refuses to acknowledge and worship God, and instead continues to worship idols and desecrate the temple vessels.
The Inevitability of Judgment
The chapter also highlights the inevitability of judgment for those who refuse to acknowledge and worship God. The writing on the wall serves as a warning to Belshazzar of the consequences of his actions, and the subsequent fall of Babylon serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God.