Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionGluttony, often understood as excessive indulgence in food and drink, is a vice that is frequently condemned in the Bible. It is seen as a manifestation of a lack of self-control and a focus on earthly pleasures rather than spiritual growth. One of the most illustrative biblical accounts of gluttony is found in the account of Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, whose feast is famously recounted in the Book of Daniel. Biblical Account The narrative of Belshazzar's feast is detailed in Daniel 5. Belshazzar, the son of Nabonidus, is depicted as a ruler who indulges in excess and revelry. The chapter opens with Belshazzar hosting a grand banquet for a thousand of his nobles, where he and his guests drink wine from the gold and silver vessels that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem. This act of sacrilege is compounded by the king's gluttonous behavior, as he and his court indulge in a lavish feast, praising the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone (Daniel 5:1-4). Theological Implications Belshazzar's gluttony is not merely a matter of overindulgence in food and drink; it is emblematic of a deeper spiritual decay. His actions demonstrate a profound disrespect for the sacred, as he uses holy vessels for his own hedonistic purposes. This behavior reflects a heart that is far from God, consumed by pride and self-indulgence. The Bible warns against such excess, as seen in Proverbs 23:20-21 : "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." Divine Judgment The consequences of Belshazzar's gluttony and irreverence are immediate and severe. During the feast, a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall, which none of the king's wise men can interpret. Daniel is summoned to explain the writing, which reads "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN" (Daniel 5:25). Daniel interprets the message as God's judgment against Belshazzar: his days as king are numbered, he has been weighed and found wanting, and his kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:26-28). That very night, Belshazzar is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom (Daniel 5:30-31). This swift judgment underscores the biblical principle that gluttony, when coupled with pride and irreverence, leads to downfall and destruction. Moral Lessons The account of Belshazzar serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gluttony and the importance of honoring God above earthly pleasures. It highlights the need for self-control and reverence for the sacred, reminding believers that indulgence in excess can lead to spiritual and physical ruin. The account encourages Christians to seek moderation and to prioritize their relationship with God over the fleeting pleasures of this world. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 5:1Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Nave's Topical Index Library The World, the Flesh, and the Devil The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources Is gluttony a sin? What does the Bible say about overeating? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view weight loss? What does the Bible say about obesity and weight loss? | GotQuestions.org What are capital sins? | GotQuestions.org Gluttony: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gluttony is Inconsistent in Saints Gluttony of Princes, Ruinous to Their People Gluttony: Christ Was Falsely Accused of Gluttony: Danger of, Illustrated Gluttony: General Scriptures Concerning Gluttony: Leads to Carnal Security Gluttony: Pray Against Temptations To Gluttony: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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