Daniel 5:1

Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them.

Study Bible

Later
The word "later" sets the stage for a significant event following previous narratives in the Book of Daniel. It indicates a continuation of the historical and prophetic timeline. In the context of Daniel, this word suggests a transition from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar to that of Belshazzar, highlighting the unfolding of God's sovereign plan through successive empires. Historically, this period marks the decline of the Babylonian Empire, setting the stage for the Medo-Persian conquest.

King Belshazzar
Belshazzar, the central figure in this chapter, is identified as a king, though historically he was the co-regent with his father, Nabonidus. His name means "Bel, protect the king," reflecting the Babylonian practice of invoking their gods for protection. Belshazzar's reign is characterized by arrogance and impiety, contrasting with the humility learned by Nebuchadnezzar. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of acknowledging the true God.

held a great feast
The phrase "held a great feast" indicates a lavish celebration, typical of royal courts in ancient times. Feasts were often used to display wealth, power, and to solidify political alliances. In the context of Daniel 5, this feast is marked by excess and irreverence, as it occurs while the city of Babylon is under threat from the Medo-Persian army. The feast symbolizes Belshazzar's false sense of security and disregard for the impending judgment.

for a thousand of his nobles
The mention of "a thousand of his nobles" underscores the grandeur and scale of the event. It reflects the hierarchical structure of Babylonian society, where nobles held significant influence and power. This gathering of the elite serves to emphasize the widespread nature of the moral and spiritual decay within the kingdom, as they partake in the king's blasphemous actions.

and he drank wine with them
The act of drinking wine is a central element of the narrative, symbolizing indulgence and lack of restraint. In the Bible, wine can represent joy and blessing, but it also serves as a metaphor for excess and moral decline when consumed irresponsibly. Belshazzar's drinking with his nobles highlights his disregard for the sacred, as he later uses the vessels from the Jerusalem temple for his revelry. This act of sacrilege sets the stage for the divine judgment that follows, illustrating the biblical principle that God will not be mocked.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Belshazzar
The ruler of Babylon at the time of this event. He is known for his arrogance and disregard for the God of Israel, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

2. Babylon
The capital city of the Babylonian Empire, known for its grandeur and as a center of power and idolatry. It serves as the backdrop for the events in Daniel 5.

3. The Great Feast
A lavish banquet hosted by King Belshazzar for a thousand of his nobles. This event is marked by indulgence and excess, highlighting the king's pride and sense of security.

4. The Nobles
High-ranking officials and dignitaries of Babylon who were invited to the feast. Their presence underscores the importance of the event and the king's desire to display his wealth and power.

5. Wine
Symbolic of indulgence and excess, the consumption of wine at the feast represents the moral and spiritual decay of Belshazzar's reign.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Belshazzar's feast is a vivid illustration of how pride can lead to a false sense of security and ultimately to one's downfall. Christians are called to humility, recognizing that all power and authority come from God.

The Illusion of Security
Despite the grandeur of the feast, Babylon was on the brink of collapse. This serves as a reminder that worldly security is fleeting, and true security is found in God alone.

The Consequences of Disregarding God
Belshazzar's actions show a blatant disregard for the God of Israel. This teaches us the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life and the consequences of failing to do so.

The Role of Accountability
The presence of the nobles at the feast highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with godly counsel. Belshazzar's downfall was partly due to the lack of accountability and wise counsel.

The Call to Sobriety and Watchfulness
The indulgence in wine at the feast serves as a warning against excess and the need for sobriety and watchfulness in the Christian life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Belshazzar's feast illustrate the biblical principle that pride comes before a fall? Can you think of other biblical examples where this principle is evident?

2. In what ways do we see the illusion of security in today's world, and how can we ensure our security is rooted in God?

3. How can we apply the lesson of accountability from this passage in our own lives, particularly in our relationships and decision-making?

4. What are some practical ways we can honor God in our daily lives, avoiding the mistakes of Belshazzar?

5. How does the call to sobriety and watchfulness in this passage relate to New Testament teachings on being alert and prepared for Christ's return?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The account of Belshazzar's feast connects to the broader biblical theme of pride leading to downfall, as seen in the accounts of other rulers like Pharaoh in Exodus and Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4.

The feast can be contrasted with the Last Supper in the New Testament, where Jesus uses a meal to teach humility and service.

The indulgence and idolatry of Babylon are reminiscent of the warnings against such behaviors found in the Proverbs and the prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.