Introduction: In Daniel 5, Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, is throwing a lavish banquet when a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall, which teaches a lesson on God’s sovereignty and judgment. This message is interpreted by Daniel, who reveals that Belshazzar’s kingdom will be taken from him and given to the Medes and Persians. This chapter should remind the faithful believer of the importance of humility in their Christianity, as well as a healthy dose of reverence for God’s power.
I. Daniel 5:1-4: Belshazzar hosts Feast for nobles
In these verses, we see Belshazzar hosting a grand feast for a thousand of his nobles. He orders that the golden and silver vessels that were taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought out for them to drink from. This act of disrespect and irreverence towards the sacred items and towards the God of Israel sets the stage for the events that follow.
Cross reference verses:
- Exodus 20:3-5 (Exodus 20:3) This verse reminds us that God is a jealous God and will not tolerate the worship of other gods.
- 1 Kings 20:11 (1 Kings 20:11) This verse warns against boasting and arrogance, which is exactly what Belshazzar is doing by using the sacred vessels for his own pleasure.
II. Daniel 5:5-9: Hand appears and writes on wall
As they are drinking from the sacred vessels, a hand appears and writes a message on the wall. The king is terrified and calls for his wise men to interpret the message, but they are unable to do so. This clearly shows us that human wisdom is limited and ultimately fails in the face of God’s wisdom and power. Mans wisdom is foolishness with God as the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:19.
Cross reference verses:
- Job 12:22 (Job 12:22) This verse speaks of God revealing deep things out of darkness, which is similar to what happens with the mysterious writing on the wall.
- Isaiah 45:1 (Isaiah 45:1) This verse prophesies the rise of Cyrus, the king of Persia, who will conquer Babylon and free the Israelites from captivity.
III. Daniel 5:10-16: Daniel called to interpret
The queen remembers Daniel and his ability to interpret dreams and visions. She suggests that he be called to interpret the writing on the wall. Daniel is brought before the king and is offered gifts and rewards if he can interpret the message, but honestly, you can’t buy a true man of God, nor flatter them with gifts. Why, because they know worldly people will not like the answer they give, worldly people do not like the truth!
Cross reference verses:
- Genesis 41:15-16 (Genesis 41:15) Joseph also interprets dreams and visions and is rewarded by Pharaoh.
- Acts 7:10 (Acts 7:10) This verse speaks of Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt, similar to how Daniel will rise to power in Babylon.
IV. Daniel 5:17-28: Daniel reveals truth to Belshazzar
Daniel interprets the message and reveals that it means Belshazzar’s kingdom will be taken from him and given to the Medes and Persians. He also rebukes Belshazzar for his arrogance and disrespect towards God.
Cross reference verses:
- Isaiah 13:17-19 (Isaiah 13:17) These verses prophesy the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians.
- Jeremiah 51:11 (Jeremiah 51:11) This verse also speaks of the destruction of Babylon.
V. Daniel 5:29-31: Daniel rewarded despite harsh warning
Despite the grim message, Belshazzar rewards Daniel and makes him third in command of the kingdom. However, that very night, Belshazzar is killed and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom.
Cross reference verses:
- Isaiah 21:5 (Isaiah 21:5) This verse speaks of the fall of Babylon and the suddenness of it, similar to how Belshazzar is killed suddenly.
- Psalm 75:7 (Psalm 75:7) This verse reminds us that it is God who judges and brings down the proud.
Conclusion: Daniel 5 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the importance of humility. Belshazzar’s arrogance and disrespect towards God ultimately leads to his downfall. Daniel’s interpretation of the writing on the wall shows that human wisdom is limited and that only God has the power to reveal the truth. This chapter also serves as a warning to those in positions of power to not take their authority for granted and to always show reverence for God.
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