Sermon Tone Analysis
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In , we almost get the sense that we have heard this story before.
Just like in & 4, Daniel is able to do what he does and what the other wise men could not do because of the power of God.
Belshazzar is now the king of Babylon and has much of the same problem with pride that Nebuchadnezzar had.
One of the challenges we faced with this account is that history did not record a king of the Babylonians names Belshazzar.
The last king of the Babylonians was Nabonidus and he ruled until Cyrus conquered Babylon is 539 B.C.
This was a major problem for a long time, even bringing some to believe this was an error in the Scriptures; however, in the 19th century some tablets were discovered and deciphered.
These tablets spoke of a son of Nabonidus named Belshazzar who was in charge of Babylon during a 10 year absence by his father.
Naturally, this man would be the acting “king”.
Apparently, Nabonidus was a worshipper of the moon god Sin.
His devotion to the moon god angered the more prominent sect of Marduk followers.
They liked forced him to leave Babylon and take of residence in a city called Teima, located in modern day Saudi Arabia.
His son, Belshazzar, who didn’t share his father’s religious leaning was put in charge of Babylon.
So, this explains why Belshazzar is not listed as a Babylonian king and yet the biblical text say that he was the one in charge, a king if you will, of Babylon.
1. Belshazzar’s Feast ()
A. Belshazzar throws a final party for the ruling class of Babylon.
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I say “final party” because at this point in history the Persians are literally knocking on the door of Babylon.
The Persians had already defeated the Babylonians not 50 miles from Babylon.
His father, Nabonidus, fled the battle, but did not return to Babylon, knowing what would happen next.
Belshazzar knew an attack on Babylon was imminent.
This is apparently, eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.
It was a diversion from the obvious.
Maybe even to try and rally or inspire the leaders.
Tension is definitely in the air.
I say “final party” because at this point in history the Persians are literally knocking on the door of Babylon.
The Persians had already defeated the Babylonians not 50 miles from Babylon.
His father, Nabonidus, fled the battle, but did not return to Babylon, knowing what would happen next.
Belshazzar knew an attack on Babylon was imminent.
This is apparently, eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.
It was a diversion from the obvious.
Maybe even to try and rally or inspire the leaders.
Tension is definitely in the air.
B. Belshazzar, under the influence of alcohol, ordered the vessels from the Temple be brought to the party.
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Why? Likely, to equate himself with the powerful Nebuchadnezzar.
In his pride and vanity, he thought he would show his powerful over the God Nebuchadnezzar feared.
His final act is like spitting in God’s eye.
C. The ruler of Babylon defiled the vessels.
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Not only does he defile the vessels through profane use, but he also used them in idolatrous worship.
Basically, he toasts his false gods with God’s holy vessels.
After spitting in God’s eye, he expects his false gods to protect him.
2. The handwriting on the wall ()
A. The terrified Belshazzar watches as a supernatural, disembodied hand writes on the wall.
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B. Belshazzar summons the wise men to interpret the message, but they cannot.
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He offered them major incentives to interpret the message, but they are baffled by the inscription.
At this point in the book of Daniel, we can’t help but think these are a bunch of bubbling idiots masquerading as wise men.
Why they can’t figure out the meaning of what was written is not clear.
Later we find out the inscription was written in Aramaic, but they couldn’t figure out the significance.
C. The queen mother, likely Nebuchadnezzar’s wife, informs Belshazzar of where he can find the answers.
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We know she is of considerable influence in the kingdom because she chides Belshazzar for his lack of decorum, behaving in ways unfit for a king.
3. Daniel goes before the king ()
This is the third time Daniel is brought to give answers after the wise men fail.
A. Belshazzar addresses Daniel in a condescending manner.
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Notice, that Belshazzar reminds Daniel of his place.
He was nothing more than a Judean exile.
Belshazzar is king and Daniel is his captive, not his advisor.
Twice he says, “I have heard”.
He has no confidence in Daniel or trust.
B. Daniel gives a stinging rebuke to Belshazzar ()
One of the Old Testament roles of a prophet was to serve as the conscience of the king.
The prophets were there to remind the king of his place before God.
i.
Daniel rejects Belshazzar’s offers.
Belshazzar really had nothing to give anyway.
The Babylonian Empire was crumbling and he wasn’t really in charge anyway.
He had no power or authority to give.
ii.
Daniel reminds Belshazzar of the lessons Nebuchadnezzar had to learn.
iii.
He rebukes Belshazzar for not learning from the mistakes of his predecessors.
iv.
He rebukes Belshazzar for his pride and arrogance.
His sins go beyond that of his predecessors.
Not only was he full of pride and arrogance, but also he profaned the vessels of God and used them in idolatrous worship.
He directly confronted the power of God.
C. Daniel gives the interpretation of the writing on the wall.
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These are three different nouns.
The first is repeated for emphasis.
They are all units of money.
It could be translated “mina, mina, shekel, and a half.”
Daniel’s interpretation takes them and translates them as verbal forms.
The verbal root of the word are translated as
Mene - numbered
Tekel - weighed
Peres - divided
Belshazzar was evaluated by God and found to be deficient.
He would have to be punished.
The Babylonian Empire had served God’s purpose and is now going to end.
The time of the Medes and the Persians has come.
It is interesting that we still use these phrases today.
“Your time is up.”
“Your days are numbered.”
“The handwriting is on the wall.”
D. The interpretation is fulfilled ()
A. Belshazzar rewards Daniel ()
B. Babylon is conquered ()
History records that it was during a night time feast Babylon was invaded and destroyed.
Darius the Mede, likely a general for Cyrus, made the final raid on Babylon and killed Belshazzar.
Once again, we are reminded that God is in control of all things.
He takes blasphemy seriously.
What are some modern day examples of blasphemy?
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