In Daniel 5 we’ve moved forward an indeterminate amount of time. Chapter 4 takes place during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (which ended in 562 BC). Chapter 5 takes place as the Medo-Persians come to power (539 BC), so we know at least 23 years have transpired. Despite this chronological gap, the two chapters from a couplet of sorts as Daniel makes it clear that the reason for Belshazzar’s and Babylon’s fall is the king’s failure to acknowledge God—despite the fact that he knew what had transpired with Nebuchadnezzar (see v. 22ff).
Daniel appears to be even more in the background than he was in chapter 4 (where Nebuchadnezzar consulted him only after his other advisors were unable to interpret his dream – v. 6-8). In chapter 5, he is overlooked entirely by the king and it’s up to the queen to remember him (v. 7ff). In light of what we’ve said about his humility, it shouldn’t be surprising that we find him all but forgotten. Daniel wasn’t one of those people who had to be the loudest voice in the room or to make sure everyone knew he was around. And in a world where people are running over one another trying to “put themselves out there,” there’s something refreshing about a person like Daniel. And it’s still true that those who humble themselves will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
Belshazzar is the son of Nabonidus and co-regent with him. (Nebuchadnezzar is his “father” only in the sense that Belshazzar is a successor of his—in a kinship of kings type manner, or perhaps in the archetypal way that Abraham is “father” for all Jewish people). Nabonidus is away from Babylon fighting (and being defeated by) the Medo-Persians. The banquet Belshazzar gives for a thousand of his nobles is something along the lines of a pep rally as they prepare for a Medo-Persian attack on Babylon. Babylon is a well-fortified, walled city and it’s entirely possible the partyers are confident they will prevail against this challenge from the Medo-Persians. In this context, Belshazzar’s order for the goblets taken from the temple at Jerusalem and their drinking of wine is much more than simple drinking—it is a reminder to everyone of Babylon’s past military success against Judah and symbolizes the “control” over Yahweh the Babylonian gods have. By doing this, Daniel tells him, “You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways” (v. 23).
Big mistake!
While they are in them midst of their derision of God, a mysterious hand appears and begins writing on the wall. No one can provide him with the meaning of the words until the queen remembers Daniel. He is brought in and reminds the king of what happened to Nebuchadnezzar and how he correspondingly humbled himself. He tells Belshazzar he had not humbled himself—“Though you knew all this” (v. 22). “Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven” (v. 23). Not a smart thing to do and now it will cost him his kingdom and his life. Belshazzar is killed that night as the Medo-Persians come to power.
Here are five things we learn from Belshazzar.
God gave Belshazzar opportunity. Per the book of Daniel, no one comes to power one their own—God is responsible for the rise and fall of kings (1:2, 2:21, 37-38, 4:25, 32, 34-35). Belshazzar had opportunity and motive (from knowing Nebuchadnezzar’s history) to do the right thing and humbly rule. But he chose not to.
In his best moments he ignored God. He followed his culture rather than His Creator and praised the gods of Babylon (v. 4).
In his worst moments, he mocked God. In a desperate moment he didn’t turn to God, he taunted Him by taking the temple treasures and using them to celebrate the gods of Babylon. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).
He paid for it dearly. He lost it all. The Queen’s, “May the king live forever” (v. 10) was a waste of words. The king had determined his own fate.
He became a cautionary tale.
God gives us all many, many opportunities to follow and serve Him. But they are not unlimited. As was the case with Belshazzar, there will one day be an accounting (see Acts 17:30-31). The choice is ours; we can be a Daniel or a Belshazzar.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 