Daniel: Far From HomeSample

Without any explanation, chapter 5 starts with a new king on the throne in Babylon. However, what we have read so far means that we are not surprised that this chapter signals the end of the Babylonian empire (remember the dream in chapter 2, where Nebuchadnezzar was told ‘After you, another kingdom will rise’, v. 39). In this chapter we will see themes we have met before. A proud king will learn who the real king is.

Verses 1 to 4 describe a banquet hosted by the new king, Belshazzar. The feast is described briefly in verse 1. What the writer draws our attention to (which will later be central to the downfall of the Babylonian empire) is both the idolatry of the king (who praises ‘gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone’ and the rejection of Yahweh as God (they deliberately use in their revelry the goblets ‘taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem’, repeated in both verses 2 and 3).

Belshazzar is wilfully ridiculing the God of the exiles. It stands out after the final words of chapter 4, ‘…those who walk in pride he [the Lord] is able to humble.’

In verses 5 to 9 we read of the writing on the wall. The phrase has entered our language as a metaphor for disaster or danger being imminent. In verse 5 we read of the fingers of a hand writing on the plaster of the wall. There is no explanation of this here (as there wasn’t with the fourth figure in the fiery furnace in chapter 3). Daniel will later explain that this is a hand sent from God (v. 24). (God’s finger also brought plagues in Egypt, Exod. 8:19, and the writing of the tablets of the Law, Exod. 31:18.)

It is no surprise that the king turned pale and that his knees started to knock. Belshazzar knows that the words on the wall mean something. His trouble is that he can’t understand them. He summons his officials and promises them extraordinary wealth and status if they can interpret the words (v. 7). However, as with Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, there is no one who can tell the king the words’ meaning. He is even more frightened.

We are meant to notice the change in the king. In verse 1 he is indulgent and proud. By verse 9 he is powerless and frightened. And this just at the sight of a finger of God!

Reflection

Think of a situation where you, or people you know, think too highly of themselves. How do these verses help us, and them, be humble before God?