Belshazzar, a figure of significant historical and theological interest, is prominently featured in the Book of Daniel as a Babylonian king whose reign is marked by arrogance and self-exaltation. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of pride and the inevitable downfall that follows when one elevates themselves above God.

Historical Context

Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Although Nabonidus was the official king, Belshazzar acted as co-regent and was in charge of the kingdom during his father's prolonged absences. This arrangement is reflected in the biblical narrative, where Belshazzar is referred to as "king" (Daniel 5:1).

Biblical Account

The most notable account of Belshazzar's self-exaltation is found in Daniel 5. The chapter opens with Belshazzar hosting a grand feast for a thousand of his nobles. In a display of hubris, he orders the gold and silver vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple by his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, to be brought to the banquet. Belshazzar, his nobles, wives, and concubines drink from these sacred vessels, praising the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone (Daniel 5:2-4).

This act of sacrilege is a direct affront to the God of Israel, demonstrating Belshazzar's disregard for the divine and his elevation of self and false gods. The narrative underscores the theme of self-exaltation by highlighting Belshazzar's failure to learn from Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience, as recounted in Daniel 4.

The Writing on the Wall

In the midst of the revelry, a mysterious hand appears and writes on the wall of the king's palace. The king is terrified, and his wise men are unable to interpret the writing. At the suggestion of the queen, Daniel is summoned to interpret the message. Daniel reminds Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and subsequent humbling by God, emphasizing that Belshazzar has not humbled his heart despite knowing all this (Daniel 5:22).

Daniel interprets the writing—MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN—as a divine judgment against Belshazzar. The message reveals that God has numbered the days of Belshazzar's kingdom, found him wanting, and decreed the division of his kingdom to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:25-28).

The Downfall

True to the prophecy, Belshazzar's reign ends abruptly. That very night, the Medo-Persian forces capture Babylon, and Belshazzar is slain (Daniel 5:30). His downfall serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of self-exaltation and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of men.

Theological Implications

Belshazzar's account is a powerful illustration of the biblical principle that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). His self-exaltation, manifested in the desecration of sacred objects and the worship of false gods, leads to his swift and decisive judgment. The narrative warns against the dangers of pride and the importance of recognizing God's authority and holiness.

In the broader biblical context, Belshazzar's fate echoes the recurring theme of divine retribution against those who elevate themselves above God. His account serves as a timeless admonition to acknowledge God's sovereignty and to live in humility and reverence before Him.Daniel 5:23
But have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you, and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine in them; and you have praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, have you not glorified:
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The Harbinger
... thoughts, and every species of self-exaltation. When the convincing Word touches
the heart, it has an effect like the hand-writing which Belshazzar saw upon ...
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