Daniel 5 Commentary

Daniel 5 Commentary

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Chapter 5 is world-famous for the writing on the wall: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. It meant judgment on the drunken and blasphemous King Belshazzar. The end of Belshazzar meant the start of another empire, the Medo-Persia Empire under the rule of Darius the Mede.

For Bible students, chapter 5 isn’t merely a transition of a world power. The fall of Babylon is a long awaited event. Isaiah 14. Ezekiel’s Gog and Magog may be a reference to Babylon and Babylon-like powers. They all face the wrath of the LORD. The sovereignty of the LORD is such that a carefully planned military event and a loose social event are all part of the plan.

The LORD is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

There is no chance that Belshazzar’s hopped repentance, albeit a vain hope, can save the king. He has crossed the line. The writing is on the wall. He has had chance and opportunity to do good and follow the example of his ‘father’ Nebuchadnezzar by responding positively to the warnings. But Belshazzar is vanity through and through – a fool who doesn’t know when to stop.

The presence of Daniel means more to the New Testament saint. The LORD is not without a witness even at this level of government! Yes, this is Babylon and this is high-flying Belshazzar – a man at the top of his life and influence. Who needs an old-fashioned preacher? And what do we have to do with myths and superstitions? Let’s have it easy! But then comes the writing on the wall. MENE. MENE. TEKEL. PARSIN.

The saint can look at chapter 5 and appreciate that the LORD God is in control of events. The LORD has the ultimate control of man’s destiny. The high-flying establishments and their social and drunken parties come to an end. The vanity seeker must know the meaning of the writing – numbered, numbered, weighed, divided. Translate ‘divided’ as scattering and know whatever the LORD hasn’t established will be scattered in judgment. And there is a fixed date for it!

There is one hero in Daniel: the LORD God. There is one smart military operation that deposes King Belshazzar but there is also God’s decision. There is one foolish and drunken king but there is also the prophecy against the mighty Babylon. The word of the LORD always prevails.

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