The Handwriting on the Wall: Understanding Belshazzar’s Feast and Babylon’s Fall

Executive Summary 📜

Daniel 5 recounts the dramatic downfall of Babylon under King Belshazzar. In a moment of drunken revelry, Belshazzar profanes the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem Temple, leading to a supernatural intervention – a mysterious hand writing on the wall. Unable to decipher the inscription, Belshazzar summons Daniel, who interprets the message as a divine judgment against Belshazzar’s arrogance and idolatry. That very night, Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating the sovereignty of God. This chapter serves as a powerful warning against pride, sacrilege, and ignoring God’s warnings. It highlights the importance of humility, repentance, and reverence for the holy. The story of Belshazzar’s Feast underscores the ephemeral nature of earthly power and the ultimate triumph of divine justice.

The book of Daniel offers us profound insights into the interaction between divine providence and human history. In chapter 5, we witness a stark illustration of this dynamic as Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, hosts a lavish feast. This chapter isn’t just a historical account; it’s a spiritual lesson about pride, idolatry, and the consequences of turning away from God. Let us delve into The Handwriting on the Wall and unpack the rich theological significance embedded within each verse, guided by the wisdom of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Holy Fathers.

Commentary: Daniel 5, Verse by Verse

Daniel 5:1

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. (KJV)

Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in the presence of the thousand. (NKJV)

Belshazzar’s grand feast immediately sets the stage. It’s not merely a gathering; it’s an ostentatious display of power and wealth, a blatant act of self-aggrandizement. The number “thousand” is significant, symbolizing the extent of his perceived security and control. Consider the Psalmist’s words: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). Belshazzar trusts in his earthly power and delights in it, rather than acknowledging the one true God. Spiritually, we must guard against becoming intoxicated with worldly success, lest we forget the source of our blessings. We can see how we can benefit from the services at dohost.

Daniel 5:2

Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. (KJV)

While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which had been in Jerusalem, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. (NKJV)

Here, the sacrilege begins. Belshazzar’s command to bring the sacred vessels represents a profound act of disrespect toward God. These vessels, consecrated for holy use in the Temple, are now used for profane revelry. St. Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on similar acts of impiety, writes: “οὐ γὰρ ἐᾷ ὁ Θεὸς ἐπηρεάζεσθαι τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς, ἀλλὰ ταχέως αὐτοὺς ἐκδικεῖ.” – “For God does not allow the ungodly to insult Him, but quickly avenges them.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, PG 70: 481). This echoes the concept of *hubris* in ancient Greek tragedy – excessive pride that invites divine retribution. We see a parallel in the New Testament when Paul warns against partaking of the Eucharist unworthily, lest we “eat and drink judgment to ourselves” (1 Corinthians 11:29).

Daniel 5:3-4

Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. (KJV)

Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. (NKJV)

The act of drinking from the sacred vessels is compounded by the praise of idols. Belshazzar and his court actively choose false gods over the true God, a blatant rejection of divine sovereignty. The repetition of materials – gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone – emphasizes the futility and lifelessness of these idols. They are merely material objects, incapable of offering any real power or protection. Consider Deuteronomy 4:28, which prophesies about Israel’s idolatry: “There you will serve gods made by human hands, of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell.” Belshazzar’s actions mirror this historical warning, demonstrating a cyclical pattern of human disobedience. This act highlights the spiritual danger of valuing material things more than God and falling into idolatry.

Daniel 5:5-6

In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. (KJV)

In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king’s countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. (NKJV)

Divine intervention! ✨ The sudden appearance of the hand and the writing on the wall marks a turning point. The dramatic description of Belshazzar’s reaction – changed countenance, troubled thoughts, loosened joints, and knocking knees – vividly portrays the terror that grips him. This is not mere fear; it’s a profound recognition of his powerlessness in the face of divine judgment. This stark physical reaction shows the overwhelming fear that overcomes those who suddenly encounter the undeniable presence of God’s judgment. We see a similar response in the New Testament when the guards at Jesus’ tomb become like dead men (Matthew 28:4).

Daniel 5:7-9

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof. Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied. (KJV)

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king its interpretation. Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished. (NKJV)

Belshazzar’s reliance on astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers underscores his dependence on false sources of wisdom. Despite their alleged expertise, they are powerless to decipher the writing. This highlights the limitations of human wisdom when confronted with divine revelation. The inability of the Babylonian wise men mirrors Pharaoh’s magicians in Exodus (Exodus 7-9), who were ultimately unable to replicate God’s miracles. The offer of rewards indicates Belshazzar’s desperation and the high value he places on solving the mystery. This speaks to the futility of seeking truth and guidance from sources other than God.

Daniel 5:10-12

Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father there was found in him light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation. (KJV)

The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father it was found in him light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, explaining riddles, and solving difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” (NKJV)

The queen’s intervention is crucial. She recalls Daniel’s past wisdom and abilities, a testament to his enduring faithfulness to God. Her description of Daniel, highlighting his “excellent spirit” and “wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods,” subtly acknowledges the superiority of the God Daniel serves. The queen’s reliance on Daniel is an implicit admission that the kingdom’s own wise men are inadequate. The repetition of “thy father” emphasizes the connection between Nebuchadnezzar’s acknowledgment of God (Daniel 4) and Belshazzar’s failure to learn from history. We can learn to turn to those with godly wisdom in times of trouble, instead of relying on worldly solutions.

Daniel 5:13-16

Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing: And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom. (KJV)

Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the children of the captivity from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. Now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the thing. And I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” (NKJV)

Belshazzar acknowledges Daniel’s reputation for wisdom and connects him to Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. He reiterates the offer of rewards, attempting to bribe Daniel into providing a favorable interpretation. However, the key phrase “the Spirit of God is in you” reveals a begrudging recognition of Daniel’s divine connection. Belshazzar’s words inadvertently testify to the source of Daniel’s wisdom and ability. We learn from this that true wisdom comes from God, not from earthly rewards or recognition.

Daniel 5:17-23

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down. But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will. And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast 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 thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: (KJV)

Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation. O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. And because of the majesty that He gave him, all people, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he killed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down. But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses. But you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified. (NKJV)

Daniel refuses the rewards, asserting his independence and emphasizing the divine origin of his wisdom. He then delivers a scathing rebuke of Belshazzar, reminding him of Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling experience and his subsequent recognition of God’s sovereignty (Daniel 4). Daniel emphasizes that Belshazzar, despite knowing this history, has not humbled himself but has instead blasphemed God. This passage emphasizes the importance of learning from history and humbling oneself before God. St. Basil the Great writes, “Ἡ γὰρ γνῶσις τῆς ἀληθείας ταπεινοφροσύνην ἐργάζεται.” – “For the knowledge of truth produces humility.” (Basil the Great, *Homily on Humility*, PG 31:525). Daniel’s explanation is a powerful lesson in humility and recognizing God’s sovereignty.

Daniel 5:24-28

Then was the part of the hand sent from him, and this writing was written. And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. (KJV)

Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written. “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (NKJV)

Daniel finally interprets the writing: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.” Each word carries a devastating message of judgment. “MENE” signifies that God has numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end. “TEKEL” means that he has been weighed in the balances and found wanting. “UPHARSIN” (or PERES) indicates that his kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. This is a concise and unambiguous declaration of God’s judgment, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. It emphasizes the swiftness and inevitability of divine justice. The words are a stark reminder that God judges all people and nations according to His righteous standards.

Daniel 5:29-30

Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. (KJV)

Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was killed. (NKJV)

Belshazzar, in a futile attempt to appease the prophecy, fulfills his promise by honoring Daniel. However, the honor is short-lived. The swiftness of the judgment is emphasized: “That very night” Belshazzar is slain. This demonstrates the immediacy of God’s judgment and the ephemeral nature of earthly power. Despite the show of respect, Belshazzar’s fate underscores the ultimate consequences of rejecting God. This shows that earthly honors and riches are meaningless in the face of divine judgment.

Daniel 5:31 (Daniel 6:1 in some translations)

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. (KJV)

And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old. (NKJV)

The chapter concludes with the transfer of power to Darius the Median, fulfilling the prophecy. This marks the end of the Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Medo-Persian period. The mention of Darius’s age provides a historical context, grounding the narrative in a specific time and place. This emphasizes God’s control over the rise and fall of empires and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.

Key Teachings and Reflections 💡

Reflecting on the story of Belshazzar’s feast, several key teachings emerge:

• The Peril of Pride: Belshazzar’s arrogance and self-aggrandizement led to his downfall. Humility is essential for maintaining a right relationship with God.
• The Consequences of Sacrilege: Profaning sacred things invites divine judgment. We must treat holy things with reverence and respect.
• The Sovereignty of God: God controls the rise and fall of empires and ultimately governs all human affairs.
• The Importance of Repentance: Belshazzar failed to learn from Nebuchadnezzar’s experience. Repentance is necessary for avoiding divine judgment.
• The Futility of Idolatry: Praising false gods is a futile exercise that leads to spiritual emptiness and destruction.
• The Swiftness of Divine Justice: God’s judgment can come swiftly and unexpectedly, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and righteousness.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Daniel 5 and its theological implications:

• Q: Why did God judge Belshazzar so harshly?

  A: Belshazzar’s sin was not merely feasting, but his deliberate profanation of sacred vessels and his idolatrous worship. He knew the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling and yet chose to repeat the same mistakes, demonstrating a willful rejection of God’s sovereignty.

• Q: What does the writing on the wall symbolize?

  A: The writing on the wall symbolizes divine judgment and the impending doom of Belshazzar’s kingdom. It serves as a supernatural warning, demonstrating God’s active involvement in human history and His power to hold even the most powerful rulers accountable.

• Q: How does Daniel 5 relate to Coptic Orthodox theology?

  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of humility, repentance, and reverence for the holy. Daniel 5 reinforces these values, warning against pride, sacrilege, and the rejection of God. It also highlights the Church’s belief in divine providence and the ultimate triumph of God’s justice.

• Q: What lessons can we learn from Daniel 5 today?

  A: We can learn to avoid the pitfalls of pride and idolatry, to respect the sanctity of holy things, and to acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all aspects of our lives. The story of Belshazzar’s feast serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of humility, repentance, and unwavering faithfulness to God.

Conclusion 🕊️

The Handwriting on the Wall in Daniel 5 is a powerful and poignant reminder of the transience of earthly power and the enduring nature of divine justice. Belshazzar’s feast, marked by sacrilege and idolatry, served as the catalyst for his downfall, illustrating the consequences of ignoring God’s warnings. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to learn from this historical narrative, cultivating humility, reverence, and unwavering faith in the one true God. May we always remember that true wisdom and lasting security come not from earthly possessions or power, but from a deep and abiding relationship with our Lord and Savior. Let us strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him, lest we too find ourselves weighed in the balances and found wanting.

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Daniel 5, Belshazzar, Handwriting on the Wall, Babylon, Coptic Orthodox, Divine Judgment, Pride, Idolatry, Nebuchadnezzar, Repentance

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Explore Daniel 5: The Handwriting on the Wall. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on Belshazzar’s feast, Babylon’s fall, and the perils of pride. Learn spiritual lessons today!