How does Daniel 5:9 connect to Proverbs 9:10 about fearing the Lord? Backdrop of the Babylonian Banquet – Belshazzar desecrates the holy vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 5:2–4). – A mysterious hand writes on the palace wall, interrupting the revelry (Daniel 5:5). – The king’s wise men fail to read or explain the writing (Daniel 5:7–8). What Daniel 5:9 Records “Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.” – The king is struck by overwhelming dread. – His fear is not reverence but panic—an uncontrolled, self-focused terror. – The nobles share his confusion; no one in the royal circle can supply wisdom. The Principle in Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – True fear of the LORD is awe-filled reverence, leading to wisdom. – It is inseparable from knowing the Holy One—embracing God’s character and commands. Connecting the Two Verses – Proverbs 9:10 describes fear that produces clarity; Daniel 5:9 shows fear born of rebellion, producing confusion. – Belshazzar had knowledge about the LORD’s past dealings with Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 5:22), yet he chose irreverence. – Because he did not honor God’s holiness, the sudden manifestation of God’s hand brought terror without wisdom. – The scene illustrates that ignoring the “beginning of wisdom” (fear of the LORD) leaves a person defenseless when God’s judgment appears. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who live it out gain understanding.” Psalm 111:10 – “To man He said: ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28 – Nebuchadnezzar, in contrast to Belshazzar, eventually humbled himself and honored the Most High (Daniel 4:34–37), showing how proper fear grants wisdom. – Ecclesiastes 12:13 underscores the same refrain: fearing God and keeping His commandments is “the whole duty of man.” Takeaways for Believers Today – Reverent fear rooted in a relationship with the Lord precedes every other form of wisdom. – Religious pedigree, power, or learning—like Belshazzar’s wise men—cannot replace humble submission to God’s holiness. – Disregarding what is sacred invites panic when God’s righteous judgment confronts human pride. – Cultivating daily reverence—honoring God’s name, His Word, and His works—guards the heart with peace instead of terror. |
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