The book of Daniel.

Chapter 5, verses 1 to 20
1 Belshazzar the king Some older critical scholars claimed that Belshazzar was never a king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Constable wrote and cited the example of the work of H. H. Rowley, "The Historicity of the Fifth Chapter of Daniel," Journal of Theological Studies 32 (October 1930):12. These critics scoffed at Daniel because available historical and archeological records identified Nabonidus as the king of the Babylonian Empire. There was no record of Belshazzar, as king, until the excavation of Nabonidus Cylinder at ancient Babylon by Hormuzd Rassam (also identified the Hanging Gardens) from 1877 to 1882, or 130 years ago (Wikipedia). Since then, there were at least 10,000 fragments attesting to the accuracy of Daniels prophecy and there were no contradictions found. Make a feastand drank wine Herodotus, a Greek historian, reported that they were celebrating a festival. A thousand of his lords it was a great occasion where at least one thousand guests of nobility were present. Perhaps they were running away from the invading Medo-Persian Armed Forces. 2 He tasted the wine While under the effects of wine, men will do what they dare not do when sober (JFB). Father (or grandfather) In Chaldee, there is no word for grandfather. Nebuchadnezzars daughter married Nabonidus (residing in Tema) and their eldest child was named Belshazzar, the co-regent in Babylon. Dr Constable gave a chart outlining all the Babylonian kings (Chart 1). Why Belshazzar commanded the vessels to be brought out? Golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem as stated in Dan 1:1-2. His princes, his wives, and his concubines the queen mother was probably too old to join the party (might drink therein). 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver - they were toasting to the idols made by hands of man. 5 In the same hour same moment in time, not sixty minutes. Fingers of a man's hand Not the whole hand, but only the parts usually employed in writing. Not a man writing; not even an arm, but fingers that seemed to move themselves. They appeared to come forth from the walls, and were seen before they began to write. It was this that made it so impressive and alarming. (Barnes) Wrote over against the candlestick 1) Where it was lighted so that everyone can see clearly; 2) Where usually, the king was seated, illumination is necessary. Upon the plaister of the wall - The Chaldee word means lime, not inappropriately rendered here plaster. (Barnes) The king saw the writing on the wall. Archeologist, Robert Johann Koldewey (10 September 1855 4 February 1925), who excavated Babylon (1899-1917), reported that in their excavation of the palace of Babylon from the time of Belshazzar, they found in the palace a large room, 55 feet wide and 173 feet long. Midway in the long wall opposite the entrance there was a niche in front of which the king may well have been seated. Interestingly, the wall behind the niche was covered with white plaster as described by Daniel, which would make an excellent background for such a writing." (Walvood) 6 Four descriptions of fear and terror. 1) King's countenance was changed (from the flushed face of alcoholic intoxication to ashen white, 2) thoughts troubled him (disturbed mentally), 3) joints of his loins were loosed referring to the back was weakened till he crouched, 4) knees smote one against another (knees trembling). Nahum 2:10 described how Ninivehs knee smite together and in Zec 2:7, the Lord of Host is going to shake all nations, when the Desire of All Nations come. 2

7 The astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers the same constituents of the members of the think-tank noted since Daniel 2:2 and 4:7. The king is going to reward them with honour (clothed with scarlet, or purple royal colour), wealth (chain of gold around neck) and power (third ruler in the kingdom Nabonidus, the first and Belshazzar the second ruler). 8 All the wise men and their human wisdom could not read or interpret the hand writing on the wall. 9 When the wise men fail, the kings trouble increased in degree greatly troubled. 10 Now the queen (mother) came into the banquet house. 11 The queen mother remembered Daniel, whom resides the Spirit of the Holy God (Dan 4:8, 9, 18). Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel, the master of the wise men. Nebuchadnezzar was the (grand-) father of Belshazzar. 12 Belteshazzar, also known as Daniel had 5 remarkable qualities: 1) excellent spirit (mind that excels), 2) knowledge (factual matters), 3) understanding (wisdom to apply knowledge), 4) interpreting of dreams (gift from God) and 5) shewing of hard sentences and dissolving of doubts (problem solver). 13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king Daniel was living in Babylon at this time and he had no part in the royal orgy. By this time, Daniel was an old man (605-539+15=81). Art thou Daniel? Belzhazzar was only vaguely acquainted with Belteshazzar, whom probably retired from civil service on account of his age. 14 Heard of thee from his mother or grandfather. 16 Belzhazzar offered the same incentives which no one was able to take up earlier. 17 Daniel answered, 1) without the normal greetings for the king, 2) refused the rewards and 3) provided interpretation of the writing on the wall. In todays society, we need man like Daniel, exuding fearless courage, needed no strings to pull to get to the top, filled with integrity, burning with holy zeal to deliver Gods word, untainted righteousness over a life time of more than eighty years, not tempted with great honour, wealth or power. 18 This reference to Nebuchadnezzar is evidently designed to show to Belshazzar the wickedness of his own course, and the reason which he had to apprehend the Divine vengeance, because he had not learned to avoid the sins which brought so great calamities upon his predecessor. (Barnes) 19 And for the majesty - That is, on account of Nebuchadnezzars greatness, referring to the talents which God had conferred on him, and the power which God had put in his hands, he abused it and ruled like a tyrant. 20 But when his heart was lifted up (Dan 4:20), and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed. Nebuchadnezzars insanity for seven years was Gods punishment for pride.3

Chart 1: Babylonian Kings from Dr Constables notes on Daniel, pg 57.

21 Reasoning returned when he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will (Sovereignty of God the main message). 22 First of the 3 accusations against Belshazzar, 1) Sin with knowledge though thou knewest all this. 23 The second accusation was Blasphemy drunk wine in vessels taken from Gods Temple in Jerusalem. The third accusation was Idolatry - praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone. 24 This is the writing - Daniel here read out the writing, which was most likely ancient Hebrew which he knew but the Babylonians were ignorant, even the learned men. It should be observed, that each word stands for a short sentence;