Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. Daniel 5:17 (Daniel 5)
Belshazzar’s father, Nabonidus, retired to Arabia, leaving his son as co-regent of Babylon. This king in residence throws a wild party, complete with rowdy friends, intoxicating drinks and wild women. While the festivities were in full swing, the Persian army diverts the Euphrates River so they could walk along the dry river bed, into the impenetrable city uncontested. Most other kings of Babylon offered some degree of reverence to Daniel’s God. Nabonidus himself prays that his son will do likewise, but the arrogant offspring calls for the gold and silver goblets from the Temple of Jerusalem and defiles them by singing praises to the ‘gods’ of gold and silver.
A stubborn heart and an arrogant countenance are a fatal combination. In the midst of the revelry a human like hand appears and writes on a wall. Belshazzar did not know what the writing said, but he quickly grew sober. He sent for enchanters, astrologers and diviners but none could discern the meaning. The queen, probably Nebuchadnezzar’s widow, mentioned Daniel. The king offered him third in line to the throne and all the glory that goes with such power. Daniel informed the king such earthly entrapments held no appeal, but let the puffed up ruler know that in the history of Babylon there had been some great leaders, however, he, Belshazzar, had been weighed, found wanting and his hours were numbered. Indeed, before the night was over, Belshazzar was slain and Babylon’s short, but great, history ended.
Man cannot compensate for sin by making elaborate deals with God. Belshazzar felt he was doing God a favor by elevating Daniel’s status. Time has judged this man harshly, but where could unchecked arrogance take each one of us?…….. A humble and contrite heart is the perfect sacrifice to offer the The Ruler of All Nations.
Love,
Gretchen