Topical Encyclopedia Belshazzar, a figure of significant historical and theological interest, is prominently featured in the Book of Daniel. He is depicted as the last king of Babylon, known for his impious and impenitent behavior, which ultimately led to his downfall. The narrative of Belshazzar serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and irreverence toward God.Historical Context Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. While Nabonidus was absent from Babylon, Belshazzar ruled as co-regent. This historical arrangement is supported by archaeological findings, such as the Nabonidus Cylinder, which corroborates the biblical account of Belshazzar's reign. 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. In a display of arrogance and sacrilege, he orders the gold and silver vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple by his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, to be used for drinking wine. As they drank, they praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone (Daniel 5:1-4). This act of desecration is met with divine intervention. A mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall of the royal palace. Terrified, Belshazzar calls for his wise men to interpret the writing, but they are unable to do so. Finally, Daniel is summoned, and he interprets the inscription: "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN" (Daniel 5:25). Daniel explains the meaning: "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 5:26-28). That very night, Belshazzar is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom (Daniel 5:30-31). Theological Significance Belshazzar's impenitence is highlighted by his refusal to humble himself before God, despite knowing the history of his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled by God and eventually acknowledged His sovereignty (Daniel 5:18-22). Belshazzar's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the sacred and a profound arrogance that blinds him to the reality of divine judgment. The narrative underscores the biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Belshazzar's account serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of impenitence and the importance of recognizing and honoring God's authority. Lessons from Belshazzar's Impenitence Belshazzar's downfall is a powerful illustration of the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18). His account warns against the dangers of ignoring God's warnings and the futility of relying on earthly power and wealth. The account of Belshazzar encourages believers to cultivate a heart of humility and repentance, acknowledging God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 5:22,23And you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this; Nave's Topical Index Library The Measure of Sin. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, The Return of the Exiles The Greater Prophets. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a millstone in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the leviathan? | GotQuestions.org Impenetrable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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