What does the king's reaction in Daniel 5:7 reveal about his character? The Scene in Brief “ The king called out loudly to bring in the astrologers, Chaldeans, and diviners. And he said to the wise men of Babylon, ‘Whoever can read this inscription and give me its interpretation will be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and be the third highest ruler in the kingdom.’ ” (Daniel 5:7) Immediate Evidence of the King’s Nature • He “called out loudly” – a public, frantic outburst rather than a measured response • He summoned “astrologers, Chaldeans, and diviners” – the same failed advisers used by previous kings (cf. Daniel 2:10–12) • He offered extravagant rewards—purple garments, gold chain, high office—to anyone who could help Character Traits Revealed • Panic under pressure – His loud cry shows outward fear overriding royal composure (Proverbs 28:1; Isaiah 57:20–21). • Dependence on human and occult wisdom – He turns first to pagan specialists, not to the living God who had already proven Himself (Isaiah 31:1; Psalm 146:3). • Materialistic motivation – Assumes spiritual insight can be bought with gold and titles (Acts 8:18–20 contrasts this mindset). • Pride mingled with insecurity – Offers “third highest ruler,” revealing both grandiosity and the limits of his co-regency under Nabonidus—he can promote only so high. • Spiritual blindness – Ignores the prophet Daniel, whose God had interpreted dreams and saved kingdoms (Daniel 4:8; cf. John 12:40). • Short-term problem solving – Seeks immediate relief, not repentance; his concern is deciphering words, not humbling his heart (Psalm 10:4). Contrast with Godly Wisdom • Daniel earlier sought “mercy from the God of heaven” before interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:18). • Joseph credited God, not rewards, when called before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:16). • James 1:5 shows wisdom is asked of God, not purchased or conjured. Takeaways for Today • Crisis reveals character; pressure exposes what reigns in the heart. • Fear without faith drives us to insufficient saviors. • No amount of wealth or status can purchase divine understanding. • True security rests in humble submission to the Most High, not in frantic attempts to control the unknown (Proverbs 3:5-6). |
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