Daniel 5

Read Daniel 5

Helpful Background Information: 

• Daniel 5 records the fall of Babylon. Belshazzar, co-regent of Babylon and son of King Nabonidus, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, hosts a grand feast. In a display of pride and mockery, he orders the sacred vessels taken from God’s temple in Jerusalem to be used for drinking wine. As the party spirals into idolatry, they toast the false gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Historically, we know that this party was happening while the city was under threat from the Medo-Persian army. Belshazzar trusted in Babylon’s famous walls and storehouses rather than humbling himself before God.

• Then, suddenly, a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the palace wall. The king is terrified. None of his wise men can read or explain the writing. At that moment, the queen (likely Belshazzar’s mother) remembers Daniel, a man known for wisdom during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. When Daniel arrives, he boldly reminds Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar’s story, how God humbled him until he acknowledged that heaven rules. Belshazzar, though fully aware of that history, chose to disrespect God anyway. Daniel interprets the writing: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin.” God has numbered your days, you have been weighed and found lacking, and your kingdom is about to be divided. That very night, Babylon falls, and Belshazzar is killed. 

Reflection Questions: 

• Why do you think Belshazzar felt so secure throwing a party while the city was under siege?

• Daniel told Belshazzar that he had not humbled his heart, even though he knew what happened to Nebuchadnezzar. What past examples has God given you that you need to learn from?

• Why do you think Belshazzar ignored the lessons of history and the warnings of God? What keeps us from taking God’s warnings seriously today?

• That very night, Belshazzar died and Babylon fell. What does this sudden judgment teach us about the urgency of repentance and obedience?