Belshazzar, a significant figure in the biblical narrative, is primarily known from the Book of Daniel. He is depicted as the last king of Babylon, reigning during the time of the Medo-Persian conquest. His account is a poignant illustration of divine judgment and the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms.

Historical Context

Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. While Nabonidus was absent from Babylon, engaged in religious and military activities elsewhere, Belshazzar was appointed as co-regent, effectively ruling the city in his father's stead. This historical arrangement is corroborated by extra-biblical sources, such as the Nabonidus Chronicle, which provides insight into the political structure of Babylon during this period.

Biblical Account

The most detailed account of Belshazzar is found in Daniel 5. The chapter opens with Belshazzar hosting a grand feast for a thousand of his nobles. During this feast, he commits a grave sacrilege by using the gold and silver vessels taken from the Jerusalem Temple to drink wine and praise the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone (Daniel 5:1-4).

In the midst of the revelry, a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall. Terrified, Belshazzar calls for his wise men to interpret the writing, but they are unable to do so. The queen suggests that Daniel, known for his wisdom and insight, be summoned. Daniel is brought before the king and offers the interpretation of the writing: "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." Daniel explains that these words signify God's judgment on Belshazzar's reign: "MENE: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL: You have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES: Your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians" (Daniel 5:25-28).

That very night, Belshazzar is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy and marking the end of the Babylonian Empire (Daniel 5:30-31).

Theological Significance

Belshazzar's account serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and irreverence towards God. His actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the sacred, and his downfall illustrates the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (cf. James 4:6). The narrative underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, as God orchestrates the rise and fall of empires according to His will.

Legacy

Belshazzar's legacy is one of caution. His reign, though brief and marked by opulence, ended in sudden destruction due to his failure to honor the true God. The account of Belshazzar in the Book of Daniel continues to be a subject of study and reflection, offering lessons on humility, reverence, and the ultimate authority of God over human affairs.Belshaz'zar (8 Occurrences)

Daniel 5:1
Belshazzar the king hath made a great feast to a thousand of his great men, and before the thousand he is drinking wine;
(See RSV)

Daniel 5:2
Belshazzar hath said -- while tasting the wine -- to bring in the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple that 'is' in Jerusalem, that drink with them may the king, and his great men, his wives, and his concubines.
(See RSV)

Daniel 5:9
then the king Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed.
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Daniel 5:22
And thou, his son, Belshazzar, hast not humbled thy heart, though all this thou hast known;
(See RSV)

Daniel 5:29
Then hath Belshazzar said, and they have clothed Daniel with purple, and a bracelet of gold 'is' on his neck, and they have proclaimed concerning him that he is the third ruler in the kingdom.
(See RSV)

Daniel 5:30
In that night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans is slain,
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Daniel 7:1
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel hath seen a dream, and the visions of his head on his bed, then the dream he hath written, the chief of the things he hath said.
(See RSV)

Daniel 8:1
In the third year of the reign of Belshazzar the king, a vision hath appeared unto me -- I Daniel -- after that which had appeared unto me at the beginning.
(See RSV)

Belshaz'zar (8 Occurrences)
Belshaz'zar. Belshazzar, Belshaz'zar. Belshazzar's . Multi-Version
Concordance Belshaz'zar (8 Occurrences). Daniel 5:1 Belshazzar ...
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Belshazzar (8 Occurrences)

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Belshazzar's (1 Occurrence)

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