What is the meaning of Daniel 5:7? The king called out Belshazzar’s instant cry (Daniel 5:7) shows panic; the sudden handwriting on the wall shattered his revelry (Daniel 5:5–6). Like Nebuchadnezzar earlier (Daniel 2:2), he looks first to human experts, not to God. Proverbs 28:26 warns that “He who trusts in himself is a fool,” underscoring the king’s misplaced confidence. for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in Babylon’s spiritual cabinet—magicians, stargazers, omen-readers—has failed before (Daniel 2:10–11; 4:7). Isaiah 47:12–13 predicts their futility: “Let your astrologers come forward… perhaps they can save you.” Belshazzar repeats the same mistake, illustrating that worldly wisdom cannot decode divine messages (1 Corinthians 1:20). and he said to these wise men of Babylon The title “wise men” carries prestige, yet their wisdom is earthly and powerless against the Sovereign God (James 3:15). They live in the shadow of Daniel, whose God-given insight has repeatedly outshone them (Daniel 1:20; 2:48). "Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation Two tasks—reading and interpreting—reveal that the script itself is supernatural. Genesis 40:8 sets the pattern: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” Belshazzar wants certainty, but only the Most High can supply it (Daniel 2:22). will be clothed in purple Purple signified royalty and wealth (Esther 8:15; Luke 16:19). The king offers visible glory to mask his invisible terror. External honors, however, cannot cover spiritual bankruptcy (Revelation 3:17). and have a gold chain placed around his neck A gold chain marked elevated status, echoing Joseph’s promotion in Genesis 41:42. Belshazzar dangles temporal rewards, yet gold cannot purchase divine insight (1 Peter 1:18–19). and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom Belshazzar is co-regent under his father Nabonidus; he can offer only third place. His promise is grand yet hollow—within hours the empire will fall (Daniel 5:30–31). Earthly kingdoms crumble, but God’s kingdom endures forever (Daniel 2:44). summary Daniel 5:7 portrays a frightened king scrambling for answers, trusting occult experts and lavishing rewards they cannot earn. His riches, rank, and rituals prove powerless before the Sovereign God who alone reveals mysteries and rules kingdoms. The verse warns against relying on worldly wisdom and reminds believers to seek God’s counsel first, for only His kingdom is unshakable. |
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