THE FEAST OF BELSHAZZAR

Outline

l. The Fatal Error of Belshazzar 5:1-4

ll. The Finger of God 5:5-9

lll. The Fame of Daniel 5:10-28

IV. The Fall of Babylon 5:29-31

Purpose of Chapter

The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the people of God in a time of historical crisis. They are encouraged by seeing that God is in control. He alone is sovereign. The historical emergency of this chapter is the fall of Babylon. The date of this chapter is October 10, 539 B.C. Daniel had predicted this in chapter two, and now it comes to pass, “and another kingdom will arise after thee." But what about God's people who had been taken into captivity in 606 B.C. (66 years in captivity), some in 598 B.C. (59 years in captivity), some came after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. (47 years in captivity). In other words, for most of their lives these people had been in Babylon, and they hope to return to their land. Now Babylon is crumbling. Persia is on the rise. What will happen to us? The comfort to God’s people in this chapter is, “Have no fear God is on the throne; He is the Person in charge.”

The Fatal Error of Belshazzar 5:1-4

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

The Moral Decline of the Babylonian Empire

After the death of Nebuchadnezzar in 562 B.C., the Chaldean Empire staggered and eventually collapsed under the leadership of inept and immoral rulers. Both Nebuchadnezzar and his father, Nebopolassar, had been vigorous, dynamic military and administrative leaders; but Nebuchadnezzar's sons were poor rulers. l would like to fill in the jump in time from chapter four 562 B.C. and Chapter five 539 B.C. What happens in the 23 years? Babylonian history can be summed up under three major eras:

l. Rise to Power - 625 to 605 B.C. This is the study of the history of how Nebopolassar defeated the Assyrians.

ll. Rise to Prominence 605 to 562 B.C. This is the study of the 43 years which Nebuchadnezzar ruled the Babylonian Empire. Daniel 1-4 covers this period of history.

lll. Decline and Fall of Babylon 562 - 539 B.C. This covers the period of the last 23 years and tells the story of the moral decline of the empire. Daniel five depicts the last days of this period and the last ruler.

After Nebuchadnezzar's death his son Evil-Marduk (562 - 560 B.C. 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34) was made king. He reigned two years. So damaging to the nation was his reign, that his brother-in-law, Neriglissar, (Nergal-Sarezer) had him killed. He is mentioned in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 39:3,13

3) Then all the princes of the king of Babylon came in and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal- Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sarezer, Rabmag, with the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon.

13) So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent Nebushasban, Rabsaris, Nergal- Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon’s chief officers;

This is a record of the Babylonian army’s staff meeting in Jerusalem when it fell in 586 B.C.. He was one of the men who had Jeremiah released from prison. He held great estates in Babylon and Opis. Neriglissar (560 - 556 B.C.) ruled briefly with some distinction and upon his death was succeeded by his son, Labashi-Marduk (556 B.C.), who after nine months was assassinated.

In 556 B.C., a Babylonian noble, Nabonidus (556 -539 B.C.), came to the throne. Although not of royal blood, he had married Nitocris, Nebuchadnezzar’s second daughter. He was of priestly lineage and deeply religious. He is noted for rebuilding the temple of sin in Haran. He was absent from the capital for long periods of time. He maintained a royal residence in Tema in Arabia, Southeast of Edom, and at one period of 14 years did not so much as visit his capitol. Ancient accounts agree that the king spent much of his time away from Babylon. A very interesting story emerges here. We see again the divine inspiration of Scripture.

Reputable historians such as Xenophon, Herodotus, Berosus and Abydenus, assumed that Beltshazzar was a mythical figure. Thus throughout many centuries, writers neglected any reference to Belshazzar, and all are in agreement that Nabonidus was the last king of Babylon. According to Ptolemy‘s canon, Nabonidus reigned seventeen years; yet Archbishop Ussher's chronology credits those years to Belshazzar. The contradictions between the chroniclers and Scripture seemed to be absolute. Skeptics cited these historians to discredit the Book of Daniel, while Bible commentators tried to solve this controversy by rejecting the conclusions of the historians.

In 1854, the British archeologist, Sir H. C. Rawlinson, translated cuneiform inscriptions which named Belshazzar (Bel-sarra-uzar) as the eldest son of Nabonidus. Once and for all, these discoveries testified to the accuracy of the Biblical references to Belshazzar (Dan. 5; 7:1; 8:1) and further proved that while the Bible is not a history book, all historical information contained in it is correct! Nabonitis was very old when he took over the rule of Babylon, about 60 years of age. He retired from public life and moved to his summer home in Tema, leaving his son as co-regent.

Babylon’s decline divided the world into four great spheres of influence: Medo- Persia, Chaldea (Babylon), Egypt, and Lydia. After the Persians conquered the Medes and the Lydian Empire of Croesus fell in 546 B.C., Cyrus, king of Persia, turned his attention to the decadent Babylonian Empire. Early in 539 B.C., he defeated the Chaldeans at Opis and Sippara. Only the double-walled city of Babylon remained to be captured. It was to be included in his brilliant array of conquests. With this purpose in view, General Gobryas, Persian commander under Cyrus, was stationed in the area when Belshazzar gave his famous banquet - the party to end all parties - which culminated in the fall of the great Chaldean Empire!

For over a year, Cyrus the Great has been advancing on the capitol city of Babylon. Belshazzar has been defeated in battle and has retreated to the town, which in his mind is an impenetrable fortress.

Herodotus, an ancient historian, said: “ the city occupied an area of about 200 square miles” (three times the size of Brigantine Island). lt was surrounded by a series of walls, a moot wall, outer wall, and inner wall. The inner wall was 300 feet high (higher than any building in our area) and 87 feet thick. lt is said that six chariots could ride abreast on the top of the inner wall. There were about 250 watchtowers, some at the height of 420 feet. The city was built on both sides of the Euphrates river, and the water from the river was used to surround the town with water.

Belshazzar had utterly divorced himself from reality. He lived in the elusive world of escapism, self-indulgence, and sublimation and gave no thought to the peril which loomed at the gates of Babylon. Without mentioning him by name, Xenophon described the Chaldean Empire’s last ruler as "impious and cruel“ and demonstrated this by two graphic illustrations. On a hunting trip, one of Belshazzar's nobles was the first to bag his limit. This so enraged the king that he drew his sword and killed the nobleman on the spot, thus setting a precedent that caused many a prudent hunter of the Chaldean Empire to feign poor marksmanship! On another occasion, the king hosted a party similar to the orgy described in our passage. During the festivities, a courtier named Gadates was admired by one of the king's concubines. For this breach of royal favor, the unfortunate man was castrated.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and

stone.

Under the influence of alcohol, Belshazzar defiantly ordered the Jewish ceremonial vessels to be brought from the treasure house into the banquet hall. They mocked the God of Israel by drinking out of them. But Why’? This is a clear indication that the leading princes and priests knew Daniel's prophecy of Babylon’s Fall. The prediction was about to come true.

Belshazzar was a little boy when Daniel was first counsel to Nebuchadnezzar. He was a young man when his grandfather was struck down in chapter four. No doubt heard the acceptance of the God of Israel testimony of his grandfather but personally rejected it. He chooses to trust in the gods of the Babylonian Pantheon. At least four gods of Chaldea to whom this drunken adulation was given: (1) Marduk, the chief god of the Babylonians and the patron god of the city of Babylon. He was also known as Bel, the sun-god, and was comparable to Zeus or Jupiter; (2) Nebo or Nabu, the god of wisdom, literature, and education; (3) Nergal, the god of war; and (4) Ishtar, the goddess of fertility and "patron saint" of the phallic cult, comparable to Aphrodite or Venus.

Long forgotten were the three great lessons from their own history: (1) the rescue by Daniel of all of Babylon’s leading families when he gave Nebuchadnezzar the interpretation of the dream (Daniel 2). (2) The miraculous rescue of the three Jewish men from the fiery furnace. (3) The astonishing recovery of Nebuchadnezzar from his seven-year madness, who had only been dead for about 23 years, (chapter 4). Instead, the drunken king and his besotted courtiers ignored these proofs of divine power and chose to rely on their man made walls and idols. ,

The Finger of God 5:5-9

The Fear of the King

5) 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.

“ln the same hour,” meaning that God, upon being mocked, immediately responded. This was an appropriate means of communicating divine intentions. You see, the ancient world kings like to have their great deeds recorded on palace walls. Well, the sovereign God of this universe wrote His inscription upon the wall.

6) 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.

The Frustration of the State Department

7) 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 he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."

8) Now all the king’s wise men came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation.

9) Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.

They all sobered up quickly! Fear and panic will do that. There is a lesson to be learned, and as believers, we sometimes make the same mistake. What mistake?

When you reject the Word of God, you have no other recourse but to call upon one’s fellow man. People cannot provide peace and happiness in a time of crisis. God says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; l will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15). Further, “ It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8,9 ). When we begin to lean on people, we open ourselves up for disappointment, “Thus says the LORDZ Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD." On the other hand, we are to depend on the Lord, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:7) The only exception is when we have friends who know the Word of God, and they use it to encourage us in times of difficulties and disasters.

The Fame of Daniel 5:10-28

10) 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. '

11) “There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. 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—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.

12) “Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”

The queen that is mentioned here is thought to be Belshazzar’s mother, Nitocris. She probably was a believer. She knew Daniel. She knew where to find him. She knew all about his love and devotion to God. What a testimony she gives about Daniel. She notes that he possessed the RUACH ELOHIM "the Spirit of God.”

Daniel was God’s man prepared to meet the crisis. His strength came from the Holy Spirit and

the Word of God. Daniel’s greatness does not come from his personality, talent, or any other human ability; it comes from the doctrine stored in his soul applied to life.

Daniel Summoned and questioned

13) Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah?

14) “l have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

15) “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 give the interpretation of the thing.

16) “And l have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and explain enigmas. 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."

Daniel’s Response - a history lesson

17) Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet l will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

18) “O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor.

19) “And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down.

20) “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.

21) “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.

22) “But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this.

It was one thing to recall his grandfather’s mistakes, but quite another to censure the reigning king before his entire court. Daniel spoke the truth with courage and conviction.

23) “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.

The Indictment from God

24) .“Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

25) “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26) "This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it;

The word “mene” is the peal passive participle of “mena” and means “to be numbered.” Belshazzar and the people of Babylon had been given a fixed number of days. The doubling of the participle indicates the completeness of this judgment. The last day of the Chaldean empire has arrived.

27) “TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting;

This refers to the king personally. Failed to measure up to the divine standard (Romans 3:23). “He that believes on Him (Christ) is not condemned, but he that believes not on Him is condemned already (John 3:36)." The king is minus salvation and therefore found wanting.

28) “PERES: Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

The kingdom will fall and be divided between the Medes and Persians.

The Fall of Babylon 5:29-31

29) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple, put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

30) That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain.

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

The fall of Babylon was predicted by Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel. God gave many warnings. The last two chapters of Jeremiah were written around 594 B.C., eight years before the fall of Jerusalem and in the 11th year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. Prince Seraiah was sent to Babylon with a scroll from Jeremiah, which contained the cities’ doom’s prediction:

Jeremiah 51:59

The word which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah, the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. And Seraiah was the quartermaster.

Jeremiah 51:60

So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that would come upon Babylon, all these words that are written against Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:1-3

1) The word that the LORD spoke against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

2) “Declare among the nations, Proclaim, and set up a standard; Proclaim—do not conceal it—Say, ‘Babylon is taken, Bel is shamed. Merodach is broken in pieces; Her idols are humiliated, Her images are broken in pieces.

3) For out of the north a nation comes up against her, Which shall make her land desolate, And no one shall dwell therein. They shall move, they shall depart, Both man and beast.

The Biblical account tells them that the attack will come from the North. The Persian invasion came from the North, as Jeremiah foretold. Also, notice that warning came before Judgment. This is the grace of God.

Jeremiah 50:9,10:

9) For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon An assembly of great nations from the north country, And they shall array themselves against her; From there she shall be captured. Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior; None shall return in vain.

10) And Chaldea shall become plunder; All who plunder her shall be satisfied,” says the

LORD.

Jeremiah 50:21

Go up against the land of Merathaim (meaning twofold or double rebellion. The name was given to Babylon because she defied the Lord), against it, And against the inhabitants of Pekod (a strong Aramean tribe in the Babylonian empire; Ezekiel 23:23) Waste and utterly destroy them," says the LORD, “And do according to all that l have commanded you.

24) You have indeed been trapped, O Babylon, And you were not aware; You have been

found and also caught, Because you have contended against the Lord.

30) Therefore her young men shall fall in the streets, And all her men of war shall be cut off in that day," says the LORD.

31) “Behold, l am against you, O most haughty one" says the Lord God of hosts; “For your day has come, The time that l will punish you.

Why was the Lord against them? Because they “contended against the Lord.” The prophet Continued:

Jeremiah 51:1

Thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, Against those who dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind (Cyrus the Great).

lsaiah 45:1

Thus says the LORD to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand l have held--To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut:

God’s man for this is predicted by Isaiah 200 years before it occurred. Ancient historians tell us that Cyrus diverted the river Euphrates by constructing a dam. The canals that went under the city walls dried up, and the Persians went under these gates in a night assault, and the city fell without a fight. Their destruction was so complete that the Babylonians ceased to exist. God keeps His Word.

The fulfillment of prophecy is one of the pieces of evidence that the Bible is like no other book. lt is God’s word given to men. Good guessing in these prophecies is ruled out. There are too many prophecies and too much detail. No, the fact is that Jeremiah wrote about the Fall of Babylon 55 years before the event. He said that the attack would come from the North. Isaiah predicted it 200 years before and even told us the victorious king’s name, “Cyrus.” He told us about Cyrus before there was a Cyrus. Daniel wrote of the event some 64 years before it occurred, in Daniel two. The Bible is validated time and time again by the fulfillment of prophecy. God's word is infallible and inerrant.

Acknowledgment

At my side, as I prepared this commentary on Daniel, are my notes taken at Practical Bible Training School listening to my professors Dr. Marion Lowe, my teacher in the Old Testament, and Dr. Floyd H. Barackman, friend and teacher of Theology. These men wrote no book on Daniel, but they are ever-present in my understanding of Daniel. For historical background, The Cambridge Ancient History Vol. 3 - 5 was beneficial. Dr. Leon J Wood’s books on (1) The Survey of Israel’s History, and his own Commentary on Daniel, significantly contributed to my understanding of the persons and events in the Book of Daniel. No commentary begins with a blank sheet of paper, and my debt to these works when not footnoted is always present.