Topical Bible: Idolatry: Belshazzar

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Topical Encyclopedia

Belshazzar, a prominent figure in the Book of Daniel, is often associated with idolatry and the consequences of defying the God of Israel. He was the son of Nabonidus and served as co-regent of Babylon during the time of the Jewish exile. His reign is most famously marked by the events described in Daniel 5, where his actions serve as a cautionary tale against idolatry and pride.

The Feast and the Writing on the Wall

Belshazzar's most notorious act of idolatry is recorded in Daniel 5:1-4. During a grand feast, Belshazzar, in a display of arrogance and irreverence, commanded that the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought to him. He and his nobles, wives, and concubines drank from these sacred vessels, using them to praise "the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone" (Daniel 5:4). This act of sacrilege was a direct affront to the God of Israel, demonstrating Belshazzar's disregard for the sanctity of the temple artifacts and his preference for idolatrous worship.

Divine Judgment

The idolatry and blasphemy of Belshazzar did not go unnoticed. As the feast continued, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall of the royal palace. The king was terrified, and none of his wise men could interpret the writing. Eventually, Daniel was summoned to interpret the message. Daniel reminded Belshazzar of the fate of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, who had been humbled by God for his pride. Daniel rebuked Belshazzar for not humbling his heart and for exalting himself against the Lord of heaven by using the temple vessels for idolatrous purposes (Daniel 5:22-23).

The writing on the wall, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN," was interpreted by Daniel as a divine judgment against Belshazzar. "MENE" meant that God had numbered the days of Belshazzar's kingdom and brought it to an end. "TEKEL" indicated that Belshazzar had been weighed and found wanting. "PARSIN" signified that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:25-28).

The Fall of Babylon

That very night, Belshazzar was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom (Daniel 5:30-31). The swift judgment upon Belshazzar serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of honoring the one true God. His account illustrates the biblical theme that pride and idolatry lead to downfall, while humility and reverence for God are essential for true wisdom and leadership.

Historical Context

Belshazzar's historical existence was confirmed by archaeological discoveries, including the Nabonidus Cylinder, which mentions him as the son of Nabonidus. While he was not the sole king of Babylon, he acted as co-regent during his father's absence. This historical context aligns with the biblical narrative, providing a backdrop for understanding the events of Daniel 5.

Belshazzar's account is a vivid example of the dangers of idolatry and the ultimate sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms. His actions and their consequences are a testament to the biblical principle that God will not be mocked, and those who exalt themselves against Him will face judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

For whom and with what Object Written.
... with other results, give confidence in the fight against idolatry; the more ... The frequent
compounding of Bel' with proper names (Belshazzar and Belteshazzar) [65 ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/for whom and with what 3.htm

The Unseen Watcher
... Little did Belshazzar think that there was a heavenly Witness to his ... looked upon
the scene of profanation, heard the sacrilegious mirth, beheld the idolatry. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

Weighed in the Balances
... Let me call your attention to the fact that God wrote on the tables of stone at
Sinai as well as on the wall of Belshazzar's palace ... The second forbids idolatry. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/weighed in the balances.htm

Ezekiel and Daniel.
... delivers his servants, who is God of all nations, and who will punish idolatry,
who is ... 5. Interpretation of the hand-writing on the wall for Belshazzar, Ch.5. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xvii ezekiel and daniel.htm

The Captivity of Judah.
... gives as benefits that the Jews derived from the captivity the following four things:
(1) the destruction of idolatry; (2) the ... (9) The feast of Belshazzar. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xv the captivity of.htm

True Wisdom.
... He outshone Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus, Darius, and all the princes and mighty
monarchs of his day. ... The whole nation was going over to idolatry. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/true wisdom.htm

"Ye are the Light of the World. "
... He outshone Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus, Darius, and all the princes and mighty
monarchs of his day. ... The whole nation was going over to idolatry. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter ix ye are the.htm

The Harbinger
... The shocking effect of their idolatry upon their moral principles and conduct, not ...
the heart, it has an effect like the hand-writing which Belshazzar saw upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ii the harbinger.htm

Babylon.
... their own, and repented so completely, that they never returned to their idolatry. ...
succeeded, each reigning but a few years, and then came Belshazzar, in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm

The Restoration.
... study of the Book of the Law no doubt did much to destroy idolatry and led ... 12) The
kings of Babylon since Nebuchadnezzar, (b) [sic] The feast of Belshazzar, Dan ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xvi the restoration.htm