After Daniel interpreted the original “writing on the wall” (see Daniel 5:1-28) for Belshazzar of Babylon, the king still gave Daniel the promised reward, despite Daniel’s insistence that it wasn’t required.
Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
Daniel 5:29 NIV
I’m not sure if the king didn’t understand or believe the prophecy that Daniel had just shared, or maybe he thought that it was meant for further in the future. Maybe he just wanted to look good in front of those who had heard his earlier promise.
That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.
Daniel 5:30-31 NIV
Well, Daniel got to be third in the kingdom for a day, I guess. I doubt that he wanted the role, anyway. Knowing that a new regime was coming, maybe he hid the purple clothes and gold chain when the new leadership came in, so as not to be executed along with the king.
By the way, a book on Bible archaeology (a find from a used bookstore) suggests that fighting had been going on in Babylon a few days prior [Thompson, p.169], which makes me wonder why Belshazzar was throwing a party in the first place. Was the king trying to drum up support, whether from the nobles or from false gods? Did the king know that the end was near, and was just trying to go out with a bang? Or, was Belshazzar just unwilling to accept reality?
Regardless of what motivated the king, God demonstrated yet again that He is in charge. His prophecy was fulfilled – almost immediately – as an idol-worshiping king was executed and replaced.
So, what do we learn from the unwise decisions of Belshazzar of Babylon, as well as the words of Daniel the Jewish exile? I hope that you have found messages from God as you read all of Daniel 5, but here are some things that I see:
Let’s not insult God. Maybe getting drunk with a thousand of your subordinates is not a big concern for you, but even if we’re not throwing a huge party, let’s be sure to remember that God is holy and sovereign, and not Someone to be treated lightly.
Let’s not take credit, glory, or honor that belongs to God. I think that we can say, “thank you” when someone appreciates our good work, but let’s make sure they know that we only accomplish what God helps and allows us to.
Conversely, let’s direct other people’s attention to God, whether that means explaining how God has blessed them in their own lives, or testifying to what He has done for us.
Let’s not do things merely for the rewards that we get from other people, but because they are the right thing to do. While honest pay for honest work is fine, let’s not compromise God’s favor just to get respect or stuff from human beings.
Said another way, let’s be like Daniel here, and not like Belshazzar! Daniel lived to continue in favor with the all-powerful God, which was infinitely better than having any temporary authority granted by a king who was about to be killed and replaced.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for June 23, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, June 23, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Esther & Daniel, by Mark Mangano. © 2001 College Press Publishing Co.
- The Bible and Archaeology, by J.A. Thompson, © 1962, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., p.166-171.
Those Who Sin Differently 