Daniel – Day 5
After the reign of Nebuchadnezzar ended others took leadership in Babylon. Although verses 1 & 2 of Chapter 5 indicate that Belshazzar succeeded his father Nebuchadnezzar, the historical record indicates that Nebuchadnezzar was not succeeded by any blood relative. Equally clear, the book of Daniel shows that Belshazzar’s final days were not related in the faintest way to Nebuchadnezzar s last words. While Nebuchadnezzar praised and honored the King of heaven, Belshazzar was apparently intent on dishonoring God, which was made manifest in the drunken orgy that culminated in the misuse of temple vessels, which Nebuchadnezzar had carefully stored.
Although the history of Nebuchadnezzar’s life shows that humans can change dramatically, Belshazzar’s life shows that there comes a point in time wherein the hoped for change does not materialize. This lesson suggests that we must work with some urgency to bring light to situations we encounter in our lives and the lives of others and that we should quickly and swiftly respond when God provides opportunities for repentance. The Scriptures contain evidence of the provision of God’s grace for some figures, which stands in apparent stark contrast to God’s rejection of others. Hence, we can contrast Abel with Cain who hated God; we can perceive Jacob who struggled with God and surrendered to his sovereignty in contrast with Esau’s bitterness; we should consider David along with Saul and Judas along with the eleven faithful disciples. Lastly, we should consider Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar.
The differences between such figures (Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar) are all part of God’s grace, sovereignty, wisdom and our response, which give rise to a great mystery. Belshazzar like Nebuchadnezzar had opportunities to respond to God’s grace but ultimately he rejected God. Thus, while Belshazzar was partying with the vessels from God’s temple, at the same hour the finger’s of a man’s hand appeared and wrote on the wall of the king’s palace. (Daniel 5:5-6). This led to a change in the king’s countenance. Responding to his plight, the queen of Babylon said: ‘O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God’ (Daniel 5:10-11). Belshazzar immediately summoned Daniel, who gave the king the interpretation. Daniel said, God has numbered your kingdom and finished it. You have been weighed in the balance and found wanting. Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians. (Daniel 5:26-28). That very night Belshazzar was slain and the Persians took over. It is important to note that Belshazzar, despite Nebuchadnezzar’s example and judgment and his ultimate submission to the authority of heaven, had refused to humble his heart in spite of the fact that he knew all this prior history. Instead of praising the God of heaven, Belshazzar praised the gods of silver and gold. He rejected God and submitted to human invention and creativity. Human pride earns God’s rejection.
Key Verses:
“But you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of Heaven.” ~ Daniel 5:22-23
Questions:
- Chapter 5 emphasizes that God hates the proud and gives grace to the humble. Why does God hate pride so much that he is prepared to destroy individuals like Belshazzar?
- In what areas of your own life, have you become prideful?
- Despite the possibility of God’s judgment, particularly because of a lack of humility, in what areas and ways has God’s grace drawn you to him?
- What advice, counsel, and friends do you have in your life that can help you guard against the monster of pride rearing its ugly and destructive head?
