Daniel: Chapter 5; (538 B.C.)
I) (The Feast of Belshazzar’s) (Verses 1-4)
1) Read; (Daniel 5:1); Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. KJV
1) Explanation: (Daniel 5:1); in verse one; Belshazzar the king was a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar and he made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and he drank his wine in the presence of the thousand. Now time wise, in chapter eight, Daniel the prophet did this possibly because he wanted the prophetical sections to be uninterrupted. It was here that Belsharzzar and his companions of his orgy did drank wine out of the Sacred Vessels that they took from the Temple of God.
1) Comments: (Daniel 5:1); in verse one; It has been 66 years that has elapsed since chapter one, which tells of King Nebuchadnezzar’s second strike against Jerusalem in the year 605 B.C. Then Nebuchadnezzar died in the year of 562 B.C. after a reign of 43 year. Then his son, Evil-Merodach, ruled from 562-560 B.C.; Then his brother-in-law Neriglissar, reigned four years from 560 – 564 B. C. But after a two-month reign by Labashi-Marduk in the year 565 B.C., the Babylonian empire continued from 565 B. C. under the command of Nabonidus. Now Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus. Also Nebuchadnezzar is called Belsharrar’s “father”, the term could also mean “ancestor.”
2) Read; (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
2) Explanation: (Daniel 5:2); in verse two; now time-wise, this chapter follows chapter eight. Daniel did this possibly because he wanted the prophetical sections to be uninterrupted. It was this chapter that Belshazzar and his companions of the orgy drank wine out of the Sacred Vessels from the Temple of God. Now the contempt shown by this man was double here. First, he used these Sacred Vessels to drink wine out of, and second he used them as a sacrifice to heathen gods. Also the word “Father” is used here, as it frequently employed in the Scriptures, which was to indicate an ancestor. We should remember that David is spoken of as the father of Jesus in (Luke 1:31-32). Now probably Belshazzar father, was made master of the magicians, all of the astrologers, the soothsayers, and he was over all of the Chaddrans.
2) Comments: (Daniel 5:2); in verse two; Belshazzar, while he was tasting the wine, commanded that the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple out of the sacred area and the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies which was in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. The Aramaic word for “father” refers to an ancestor but not necessarily an immediate predecessor. And also Belshazzar was actually the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar.
3) Read; (Daniel 5:3); 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. KJV
3) Explanation: (Daniel 5:3); in verse three: they brought in the gold and silver vessels which had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. He sent and had the “golden vessels,” brought in so they could drink wine from them. In as much as their god Bel had given them victory over the Judeans, or so they thought, this would afford an occasion for praising Bel, who surely would give them the victory over the Medes and the Persians, or so they thought! They believed that their God Bel would always protect them from all harm.
3) Comments: (Daniel 5:3); in verse three; it was here that the questions were ask Signs and Wonders. How great are His signs? And how might is His wonders? Some might say that His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. Read these verses in these two books in (Daniel 7:13-14); and (Luke 1:31-33).
II) It was here that King Nebuchadnezzar’s saw a vision of a tree.
4) Read; (Daniel 5:4); they drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. KJV
4) Explanation: (Daniel 5:4); in verse four; here all of them drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Now these “gods” which they praised were more than likely the gods of the nations which they had conquered. Therefore, they insulted Jehovah and praised these false gods. Remember, there is only one true God and His name is Jehovah, and His Son is Jesus Christ and they rule Heaven and all earth.
4) Comments: (Daniel 5:4); in verse four; here the King Nebuchadnezzar said I was at rest in my house and prospering in my place. Now at the King’s party they gave all the glory to images. This was the work of their own hands and creatures of their own fancy, which is due to the true and living God only. Here they praised them either with sacrifices offered to them or with songs sung in honor of them. But when their heads were giddy, and their hearts were merry, with wine, they were in the fittest frame to praise the gods of gold and silver, wood and stone. But we must remember that immorality and impiety, also the vice and profaneness, strengthen the hands and advance the interests of one another. The drunken frolics were an introduction to idolatry, and then idolatrous toast were made to their health and this was a shoeing-horn to further their drunkenness at the King’s party.
II) Then came the hand-writing on the wall. (Verses 5-12
5) Read; (Daniel 5:5); 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. KJV
5) Explanation: (Daniel 5:5); in verse five; Suddenly there appeared the fingers of a man’s hand and wrote on the plaster of the wall opposite the candlestick (so exposed especially to the light) in the king’s palace, and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Now this is the same “hand” which inscribed the “Ten Commandments” on the two tables of stone, and which wrote on the ground concerning a poor, accused woman in, (John 8:6-8). In just one hour this boastful profane King showed himself to be a trembling helpless mortal. The finger of God had put the fear in him and he call for Daniel to interpret it for him.
5) Comments: (Daniel 5:5); in verse five; here the king will begin to give his account of what happened to him, which brought him to the place evidenced in verse one through verse three. This was the 18th year of his reign, which would have been about 15 years after the dream of the image and its interpretation. Also it was about a year before the capture of Jerusalem, which, was according to (Jeremiah 52:12). This happened in the 19th year of King Nebuchadnezzar. Therefore, he burned the city of Jerusalem almost immediately before his insanity.
6) Read: (Daniel 5:6); 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
6) Explanation: (Daniel 5:6); in verse six; then the color and the (drunken) hilarious brightness of the king’s face was changed, and his (terrifying) thoughts troubled and alarmed him so much that the joints and muscles of his hips and back gave way and his knees smote together. And the King‘s knees knocked one against each other. Now this shows him to be dead sober, but he was still stricken with the fear of God.
6) Comments: (Daniel 5:6); in verse six; 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. Here the King is immediately seized with a panic fear in verse six. The King’s countenance was changed and his joints of his loins were loosed, so that he had no strength in them, but he was struck with a pain in his back. Also he is usual in a great fright and his knees smote one against another, so violently that he tremble like an aspen leaf.
7) Read; (Daniel 5:7); 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. KJV
7) Explanation: (Daniel 5:7); in verse seven; then king cried aloud at the (mightily) to bring in the enchanters or soothsayers, the Chaldeans (diviners), and the astrologers. The king said to the wise men; of Babylon, whoever will read this writing and show me the interpretation of it; will be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold put about his neck and will be the third ruler in the kingdom. Now this King was the third ruler in the kingdom. This means that Belshazzar was only the second ruler in the kingdom, with Nabonidus, his father, being first.
7) Comments: (Daniel 5:7); in verse seven; then the king cried aloud as one in haste, and as one in earnest, to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. Also he wanted them to try to read this writing, and show the interpretation of it. But for the king and all his lords cannot pretend to interpreted this writing on the wall because it is out of their sphere. Now the King is disappointed in his expectations from them and none of them could read the writing, much less interpret it. Now the reason that the wise men could not read the writing was not because it was written in any language or characters unknown to them, but God either cast a mist before their eyes or put such confusion upon their spirits that they could not read it. But God problem wanted the honor to go to Daniel. And the King spoke, and said to the wise men of Babylon, whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
8) Read; (Daniel 5:8); 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. KJV
8) Explanation: (Daniel 5:8); in verse eight; then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king the interpretation of it. Now all these “Astrologers, Chaldeans, and the soothsayers” will do him no more good than they had done for his grandfather, who was Nebuchadnezzar the first King. But the young King repeated his words again. “Whosoever shall read this writing on the wall?” Now this seems to prove that the language was not Chaldean or even Hebrew. But there is no indication as to what language it was that had been wrote on the wall.
8) Comments: (Daniel 5:8); in verse eight; 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. But the King is disappointed in his expectations from all of the wise men. Now none of them can read the writing on the wall, or much less interpret it.
9) Read; (Daniel 5:9); then was King Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied. KJV
9) Explanation: (Daniel 5:9); in verse nine; the King Belshazzar was greatly perplexed and alarmed and the color faded from his face. And all of his lords were puzzled and astounded because of this. Here the word “astonied” refers to tremendous fear, which resulting in his uncontrolled trembling of his body. And there was a possibly that the King might lose his bodily functions also.
9) Comments: (Daniel 5:9); in verse nine; then the king Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astounded. Now the King grew more and more hysterical at the handwriting on the wall. Also his face reflected the terror and so did his officers and all the King’s astrologers and the soothsayers were trembling with fear in their hearts and their bodies.
10) Read; (Daniel 5:10); Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live forever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: KJV
10) Explanation: (Daniel 5:10); in verse ten; the queen was attracted by the noise made by the king and his noblemen, and she came into the banqueting hall. Then the queen (mother), overhearing the exciting words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house. The queen (mother) said, O king, live forever! Do not be alarmed at your thoughts or let your cheerful expression and the color of your face be changed. Now it seems that the “Queen” was not present during the revelry, but she only came into the “banquet house” upon hearing of this strange phenomenon that there was a hand which wrote some strange language on the wall.
10) Comments: (Daniel 5:10); in verse ten; the information given to the king, by the queen-mother, concerning Daniel, how fit he was to be consulted in this difficult case. It is supposed that this queen was the widow of Evil-Merodach, and was that famous Nitocris whom Herodotus mentions as a woman of extraordinary prudence. She was not present at the feast, as the king’s wives and concubines were (verse 2); it was not agreeable to her age and gravity to keep a merry night. But, tidings of the fright which the king and his lords were put into being brought to her apartment, she came herself to the banqueting-house, to recommend to the king a physician for his melancholy. She entreated him not to be discouraged by the insufficiency of his wise men to solve this riddle, for that there was a man in his kingdom that had more than once helped his grandfather at such a dead lift, and, no doubt, could help him.
11) Read; (Daniel 5:11); There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; KJV
11) Explanation: (Daniel 5:11); in verse eleven; The King was informed that there is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the holy God (or gods), and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father; the king, I say, your father, appointed him master of the magicians, enchanters or soothsayers, Chaldeans, and astrologers. This signifies that the Queen, who was Belshazzar’s mother and she knew of Daniel, which he could interpret dreams. Now it seems that Belshazzar did not know Daniel, but only had heard of him. And at this time, Daniel was probably between seventy and eighty years old.
11) Comments: (Daniel 5:11); in verse eleven; the queen could not undertake to read the writing herself, but directed him to one that could; let Daniel be called now, who should have been called first. Now observe, 1. The high character she gives of Daniel: He is a man in whom is the spirit of the holy gods, who has something in him more than human, not only the spirit of a man, which, in all, is the candle of the Lord, but a divine spirit.
12) Read; (Daniel 5:12); 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
12) Explanation: (Daniel 5:12); in verse twelve; now it was because of Daniel’s excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, clarify riddles, and solve knotty problems were found in this same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation. Now it was because of Daniel’s excellent spirit, which proves that the Queen possibly had spent considerable time being taught by him.
12) Comments: (Daniel 5:12); in verse twelve; now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation of the dream. But it was because of Daniel’s excellent spirit, which proves that the Queen possibly had spent considerable time being taught by him. Also she had been greatly impressed by the Christ like Spirit that radiating from him. The queen had no faith in the “astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers,” but she had faith in Daniel.
13) Read; (Daniel 5:13); 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? KJV
13) Explanation: (Daniel 5:13); in verse thirteen; then Daniel was brought in before the king. And the king said to Daniel, Are you that Daniel of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah? Then Daniel was brought in, and he shows the king, that due to fallen man’s unchanging action, they will seek help from God help as a last resource, and not as the first. But even them; the great big pompous fool condescendingly says. “I have even heard of you” in verse fourteen. Now Daniel does not add that “the Spirit of the Holy God is in you,” but as the Queen Mother had said, but rather that “the spirit of the gods is in you.
13) Comments: (Daniel 5:13); in verse thirteen; the king asks, Daniel with an air of haughtiness; “Art thou that Daniel who art of the children of the captivity?” Now Daniel being a Jew, and a captive, he was loath to be beholden to him if he could help it.
III) (Belshazzar Calls For Daniel) (Verses 13-16)
14) Read; (Daniel 5:14); 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. KJV
14) Explanation: (Daniel 5:14); in verse fourteen; but I have heard of you, that the Spirit of the holy God (or gods) is in you and that light and understanding and superior wisdom are found in you.
14) Comments: (Daniel 5:14); in verse fourteen; here the king acknowledges that all the wise men of Babylon were baffied; and they could not read this writing, nor show the interpretation. But he promises Daniel the same rewards that he had promised them if Daniel would do it.
15) Read; (Daniel 5:15); 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: KJV
15) Explanation: (Daniel 5:15); in verse fifteen; now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me that they might read this writing and make known to me the interpretation of it, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter.
15) Comments: (Daniel 5:15); in verse fifteen; here wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before the King that they might read this writing and make known to the King just what this interpretation was, but none of the wise men nor the enchanters could not show the interpretation of the matter. The fact is that none of them could “show the interpretation of this thing.” And neither can the modern prognosticators tell the King what it means. But the “handwriting on the wall” is presently obvious and apparent in all the world, but very few now, can “show the show the interpretation of the matter.”
16) Read; (Daniel 5:16); 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
16) Explanation: (Daniel 5:16); in verse sixteen; but I have heard of you that you can make interpretations and solve knotty 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 put around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
16) Comments: (Daniel 5:16); in verse sixteen; then the King said, I have heard of you that you can make interpretations and solve knotty 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 put around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. Also in this verse sixteen there was and old saying that some people quote in these times. The first one is dissolving doubts, and some just say, “untie knots and unbind what is been bound.” But there is an expression used in the east to signify a judge of eminent wisdom and skill in these matters.
IV) (Daniel Rebukes the King) (Verses 17-25)
17) Read; (Daniel 5:17); 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. KJV
17) Explanation: (Daniel 5:17); in verse seventeen; Then Daniel answered before the king, Let your gifts be for yourself and give your rewards to another. However, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.
17) Comments: (Daniel 5:17); in verse seventeen; the King offered to give a reward to those that could understand and what God is doing with us. Also it is of use to us to review and what he has done with others. Whatever degree of outward prosperity and has any arrive at, then they must own that it is of God’s giving, not their own getting. But let it never be said, “My might, and the power of any hand, that has gotten me this wealth, and this preferment,
but let it always be remembered that it is God that gives men power to get wealth, and gives success to their endeavors. Also it is a very hard and rare thing for men to have an absolute arbitrary power, and not to make an ill use of it.
18) Read; (Daniel 5:18); O thou king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: KJV
18) Explanation: (Daniel 5:18); in verse eighteen; O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and greatness and glory and majesty;
18) Comments: (Daniel 5:18); in verse eighteen; here King Nebuchadnezzar, (thy father), (or grandfather), as the margin reads in verse two. Also you must read the notes on verse one too. This is referring to what happened at Belshazzar’s feast or better known as the orgy party with his friends. We should never forget this unforgivable act of dishonor to our God (Jehovah). It was here that Belsharzzar and his companions of his orgy did drank wine out of the Sacred Vessels that they took from the Temple of God. Also the contempt that was shown by this man was double, because this man used these Sacred Vessels and he also used them as a sacrifice to heathen gods.
19) Read; (Daniel 5:19); 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. KJV
19) Explanation: (Daniel 5:19); in verse nineteen; And because of the greatness that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive; whom he would he set up, and whom he would he put down.
19) Comments: (Daniel 5:19); in verse nineteen; here the prophet Daniel is telling this king that his grandfather’s pride caused him to “be deposed from his kingly throne,” and also the same is about to happen to Belshazzar. But King Nebuchadnezzar repented and was restored to his kingdom. But his grandson showed no inclination whatsoever toward repentance and therefore, was not restored.
20) Read; (Daniel 5:20); 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: KJV
20) Explanation: (Daniel 5:20); in verse twenty; He was driven from among men, and his heart or mind was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the heavens until he learned and knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men and that He appoints and sets over it whomever He will. But when his heart was lifted up and his mind and spirit were hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne and his glory was taken from him.
20) Comments: (Daniel 5:20); in verse twenty; He was driven from among men, and his heart or mind was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the heavens until he learned and knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men and that He appoints and sets over it whomever He will.
21) Read; (Daniel 5:21); 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. KJV
21) Explanation: (Daniel 5:21); in verse twenty-one; here the King Nebuchadnezzar was driven from the sons of men and lived like a wild beast. And his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses. Here King Nebuchadnezzar, was driven from men and he ate grass like an oxen; and his body was wet with the dew of Heaven till his hair had grown out like an eagle’s feathers and his nails were like a bird’s claws. He was immediately struck with insanity and his mental disease was known as lycanthropy, from the Greek word lykos, meaning “wolf,” and the word Anthropos, which means “man.” Also King Nebuchadnezzar became a certain type of animal which made him act like a wild animal in appearance and his actions. Now the cause for his mental condition was the judgment of God, and the result was the humbling of a prideful king for seven long years. And the King, was like this wild animal in appearance and his actions, until he knew that the Most High God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that God appointed over it whomsoever he willed.
21) Comments: (Daniel 5:21); in verse twenty-one; our Lord God reminds us that pride is a sin that hardens the heart in all other sin and must render the means of repentance. Now God deprive men of their reason when they become unreasonable and will not use it, and of their power when they become oppressive and use it ill. Here in this verse Nebuchadnezzar continued like a brute till he knew and embraced that first principle of religion; which the Most High rules. And it is rather by religion than with reason that man is distinguished from, and dignified above, the beasts; and it is more his honor to be a subject to the supreme Creator than to be lord of the inferior creatures. But Kings must know, or shall be made to know, that the Most High God rules in their kingdom, and that He appoints over them whomsoever He wills. Also God makes heirs, and so He makes the princes too.
22) Read; (Daniel 5:22); and thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; KJV
22) Explanation: (Daniel 5:22); in verse twenty-two; and you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart and mind, though you knew all this but knew it and was defiant.
22) Comments: (Daniel 5:22); in verse twenty-two; now because you his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this. Also because you have not humbled thine heart; these judgments and mercies have had no good effect upon thee then you will answer to our God for your sins.
23) Read; (Daniel 5:23); 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
23) Explanation: (Daniel 5:23); in verse twenty-three; and you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven, and the vessels of His house have been brought 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, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know; but the God in Whose hand your breath is and Whose are all your ways you have not honored and glorified (but you have dishonored and disgraced).
23) Comments: (Daniel 5:23); in verse twenty-three; here Daniel told the king Belshazzar that you have 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 do you know. But the God in whose hand your breath is and whose are all your ways you have not honored and glorified (but you have dishonored and disgraced). Now all the sins of King Belshazzar and his lords and ladies could be summed up in the last line of this scripture, concerning the Lord God of Glory, of whom it was said, “ you, O, King, have not glorified our God.
24) Read; (Daniel 5:24); Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. KJV
24) Explanation: (Daniel 5:24); in verse twenty-four; then was the part of the hand sent from the presence of (the Most High God), and this writing was inscribed for all of them to see. But no one at the party could understand this type of writing.
24) Comments: (Daniel 5:24); in verse twenty-four; it is God that now writes bitter things against thee, and also makes thee to possess thy iniquities (Job 13:26). Note: Remember the sin of sinners is written in the book of God’s omniscience, so is the doom of sinners also written in the book of God’s law; and the day is coming when all of those books shall be opened, and they shall be judged by them.
25) Read; (Daniel 5:25); and this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. KJV
25) Explanation: (Daniel 5:25); in verse twenty-five; this is the inscription that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN–numbered, numbered, weighed, divisions. The first two words; mene, mene are repeated, for the thing is certain that signifies, both in Hebrew and Chaidee, for He has numbered and finished, which Daniel explains this in verse 26.
25) Comments: (Daniel 5:25); in verse twenty-five; For many people it may be difficult to understand why all the wise men, the magicians, the soothsayers, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers were unable to translate a few simple words, especially when Daniel’s prescribed education in languages was the same as their own and he had no difficulty translating. The answer is that any wise man who was present there probably could recognize the four inscribed words, but only the uncompromising man of God who knew God through daily fellowship and communion with Him, who was so dedicated to Him that God could speak to him and through him only such a man could tell what the words really meant. Blessed, happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable are those who dare to be a Daniel!
V) (Daniel Interprets the Writing on the Wall) (Verses 26-29)
26) Read; (Daniel 5:26); this is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. KJV
26) Explanation: (Daniel 5:26); in verse twenty-six; this is the interpretation of the matter of the word (mene), here God has numbered the days of your kingship and brought them to an end; Here we should observed that each word stands for a short sentence and the word signifies a numeration.
26) Comments: (Daniel 5:26); in verse twenty-six; the word mene; which is repeated, for the thing is certain here; mene, mene; that signifies, both in Hebrew and Chaldee. He has numbered and finished, which Daniel explains this herein (verse 26): “God has numbered thy kingdom, the years and days of the continuance of it; these were numbered in the counsel of God, and now they are finished; the term has expired for and during which thou was to hold it, and now it must be surrendered. Here is an end of thy kingdom.”
27) Read; (Daniel 5:27); TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. KJV
27) Explanation: (Daniel 5:27); in verse twenty-seven; Tekel, you are weighed in the balances and are found wanting. Here we should observed that this word signifies in Chaldee, that thou are weighed and in Hebrew, thou are too light. Now for this king and his actions are weighed in just and unerring balances of divine equity. Also our God does as perfectly know his true character as the goldsmith knows the weight of that which he has weighed in the nicest scales. Remember God does not give judgment against him till he has first pondered his actions, and considered the merits of his case. “But thou art found wanting, unworthy to have such a trust lodged in thee, a vain, light, empty man, a man of no weight or consideration,”
27) Comments: (Daniel 5:27); in verse twenty-seven; the word Tekel; that signifies, in Chaldee, Thou art weighed, and, in Hebrew, Thou art too light. So Dr. Lightfoot. For this king and his actions are weighed in the just and unerring balances of divine equity. God does as perfectly know his true character as the goldsmith knows the weight of that which he has weighed in the nicest scales. God does not give judgment against him till he has first pondered his actions, and considered the merits of his case. “But thou art found wanting, unworthy to have such a trust lodged in thee, a vain, light, empty man, a man of no weight or consideration.
28) Read; (Daniel 5:28); PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and the Persians. KJV
28) Explanation: (Daniel 5:28); in verse twenty-eight; the word Peres or pharsin, and your kingdom and your kingship are divided and given to the Medes and Persians. This is foretold in these two books of the bible in (Isaiah 21:2-5), and (Isaiah 21:9).
28) Comments: (Daniel 5:28); in verse twenty-eight; Here Daniel puts both together and tells the King that thy kingdom is divided, your kingdom is rent from thee and given to the Medes and Persians and will be as a prey to be divided among them. Now this will be without any force, but will be applied to the doom of sinners. Also these words of Mene, Tekel, Peres, may easily be made to signify death, judgment, and hell. Now at death, the sinner’s days are numbered and finished; after death the judgment, when he will be weighed in the balance and found wanting; and after judgment the sinner will be cut asunder, and given as a prey to the devil and his angels.
29) Read; (Daniel 5:29); 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. KJV
29) Explanation: (Daniel 5:29); in verse twenty-nine; then Belshazzar commanded, and Daniel was clothed with purple and a chain of gold put about his neck, and a proclamation was made concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
29) Comments: (Daniel 5:29); in verse twenty-nine; now at Belshazzar’s promise he ordered that Daniel be dressed in purple gown and gave him a gold chain, and proclaimed him to be the third ruler in the kingdom. Note, many show great respect to God’s prophets who yet have no regard to his word. Daniel did not value these titles and ensigns of honor, yet would not refuse them, because they were tokens of his prince’s good-will: but we have reason to think that he received them with a smile, foreseeing how soon they would all wither with him that bestowed them. They were like Jonah’s gourd, which came up in a night and perished in a night, and therefore it was folly for him to be exceedingly glad of them.
VI) The Writing is fulfilled) (Verses 30-31)
30) Read; (Daniel 5:30); in that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. KJV
30) Explanation: (Daniel 5:30); in verse thirty; during that night Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans was slain. Here was the death of King Belshazzar who had reason enough to tremble, for he was just falling into the hands of the King Darius in this verse 30 and he was terrified.
30) Comments: (Daniel 5:30); in verse thirty; here in that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans killed. The phrase “in that night,” refers to the very night of the drunken feast and when our God put His “handwriting on the wall.”
31) Read; (Daniel 5:31); And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. KJV
31) Explanation: (Daniel 5:31); in verse thirty-one; And Darius the Mede took the kingdom; he was about sixty-two years old.
31) Comments: (Daniel 5:31); in verse thirty-one; here Darius the Median took the kingdom, also we should remember that death comes as a snare upon those whose hearts are overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness. And deep are the counsels of God concerning God’s people, and thus kind are His designs towards them.
A) Now this concludes our Bible Study on the five chapter of the Book of Daniel. Next week we will continue our lesson studies in the chapter six of the Book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach this great book of the Bible.
B) Remember; if you are not saved our God has the power to save anyone that calls upon the name of Jesus Christ and repents of their sins. Now all that are lost need God’s power because we have a problem with sin. The Bible tells us that “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).
C) Now you can find the way to Heaven in the book of (Romans 10:9). This scripture in the bible tells us that “If you confess with your mouth, that “Jesus is Lord,” and that you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
D) We all need to confess our sins and ask God for his forgiveness. When you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord, then this involves an agreeing with God about your sin and your need for Salvation. You must repent of your own personal sins, by doing this you are willing to turn away from the direction in life in which you are going.
E) Now to “believe in your heart” is to place your faith in Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, also you are trusting that Jesus died on the Cross to pay for your sins. But our God proves His own love for us in that while we were sill sinners, Jesus Christ died for all of us. (Romans 5:8).
F) Before we close chapter 9 of the book of Daniel, I would just like to say, I believe that all the scriptures are very important to all of God’s people and every Christian should know and keep them in his heart. I believe that our Lord Jesus said these scriptures in the book of (Matthew 22:37-39). Then one of Pharisees ask Jesus a question and he called Him Master. Which is the great commandment in the Law? Then Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37); Now in verse 38, Jesus said, “This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:38); Here in verse 39, our Lord Jesus said, and the second is like it,
I) “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39); Also our Lord Jesus said, this in verse 40, “On these two commandment’s hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:40); Remember we that are believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and know Jesus as our own personal Savior. Also we should give Him praise and thank Him every day of our life. Why? Because Jesus shed His precious blood on that old rugged Cross so that we all could be free and have eternal life with Him in Heaven. But while we are waiting we must be telling everyone about God’s Salvation Plan. And that plan is called the “Gospel” or the “Good News,” this is the job of every born again believer that calls Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
J) Now in the book of Matthew, in chapter 28, these scriptures tells us that the disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them to go. (Matthew 28:16); and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17); and Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All authority is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18); In verse 19; Jesus said, go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, which is Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19); Also in verse 20, Jesus said, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, (age). Amen. (Matthew 28:20);
K) Now you have just finish reading the two scriptures in the book of (Matthew 28:19-20). Most people that are Christians go to church on Sunday morning and then go out to eat lunch or a late dinner. But I would like to ask everyone a few questions about whose job it is to tell the “Good News” or the “Gospel”? Most Christians believe that this is the job of the pastor because that why we pay him for. But then there are the other type of Christians that believe that this job belongs to the Deacon in the church. Well, guess what, I believe that telling the Gospel is my job and every born again believers that has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Yes that means all of us are commanded to go, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, which is Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19); Remember time is running out for all those that are not saved. Also I believe that we are living in those last days right now and we as Christians have very little time left to tell our love ones and those who may not be saved about our Lord Jesus Salvation Plan. And that plan is called the “Gospel” or the “Good News,” this is the job of every born again believer that calls Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
L) Now this concludes our Bible Study about chapter 9 of the Book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach other books of this great book of Bible. Now remember that everything on this web-site is free. Please pass them on to other people if they have helped you.
M) Now this concludes our Bible Study on the ninth chapter of the Book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach the second chapter of this great book of Daniel. Now remember that everything on this web-site is free. Please pass them on to other people if they have helped you.
N) Remember, if you would like to have Salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, you sincerely pray a prayer like this one; “Please God, I confess to you my sins and I need for you to save me right now. I turn away from my sins and I place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord of my life forever. Amen.”
O) Note: Now this concludes our Bible Study on the fifth chapter of the Book of Daniel. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach the six chapter of this great book of Daniel. Now remember that everything on this web-site is free. Please pass them on to other people if they have helped you.
Frank Rose