Feb

Belshazzar’s Feast – Chapter V

The name Belshazzar means “Bel Protect the King”. He was the eldest son of Nebuchadnezzar the king. For a period of 10 years, he functioned as king in Babylon.

He had a feast for 1000 of his friends (his lords, wives, and concubines) where he drank wine with them. (This was a riotous, idolatrous, sacrilegious feast) His father had taken gold and silver vessels from the house of God in Jerusalem. While Belshazzar and his friends praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone they drank wine from these vessels that had been sanctified by God.

Belshazzar saw a pen in a hand write on the wall; but, there was no one attached to the hand. This hand was near a lampstand where everyone could see it. This frightened him causing him to be shaken and disturbed. Belshazzar was in a state of panic, facial color changing and knees knocking. He was troubled by his thoughts, had guilt conscience and knew that this was not good.

He sent for the astrologers, Chaldeans and soothsayers to read and interpret the writing promising them fine clothing, possessions and the power of being the third in command. He was noticeably disturbed because they could not read or understand the writing. The caused the king more confusion. The queen heard this and came to the banquet to encourage the king. She shared with him about the repetition of Daniel and suggested he call for him to help with this situation.

Belshazzar calls for Daniel and speaks of his repetition and what he will receive for interpreting the writing. Daniel expresses that he has no interest in the reward and shared with him what happen to his father, King Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazar knew what took place with the King, and he still did not humble himself or acknowledge God as Lord over all Earth and Babylon.

NOTE: Belshazzar had learned nothing from his father’s experience with God.

He had not humbled his heart. He was more offensive to God than Nebuchadnezzar.

He profaned the consecrated articles of God’s house (vs. 23).

Daniel interprets the words (vs. 26-28). MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. Mene: God has numbered your Kingdom, and finished it – Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting – Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

The interpretation informed the king that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. The interpretation puzzled him and he was found deficient by God. His pride and irreverence to God created his downfall.

Belshazzar gave the command and proclamation and Daniel received the gifts and promotion (clothed in purple, gold chain, made third ruler in the kingdom).

Belshazzar was slain that night and Darius the Mede became the ruler of the kingdom.

NOTE:

What God sanctified is not to be profaned. (1Sam. 24:10)
Considering holy things common is dangerous.
God will judge, measure and reward our conduct.
God sees, hears and knows everything.
We are to glorify God, devote ourselves to Him and give ourselves to His service.
God does not give judgment until He has evaluated our case.