Daniel 5:6 Study Bible: Then the king's face was turned pale, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs gave way, and his knees began knocking together.

◄ Daniel 5:6 ►

his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.

his face grew pale
This phrase captures the immediate physical reaction of King Belshazzar upon witnessing the mysterious handwriting on the wall. The Hebrew root for "pale" (זִיו, ziv) suggests a loss of color or brightness, indicating fear and shock. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a change in facial color was often associated with terror or divine encounters. This reaction underscores the king's vulnerability and the gravity of the divine message being delivered. It serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God, who can instill fear even in the hearts of mighty rulers.

his thoughts so alarmed him
The Hebrew word for "thoughts" (רַעְיוֹנִין, ra'yonin) refers to the inner musings or reflections of the mind. The term "alarmed" (בְּהַל, behal) conveys a sense of panic or dismay. This phrase highlights the internal turmoil and confusion experienced by Belshazzar. Despite his earthly power, the king is rendered helpless by the divine intervention. This serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human wisdom and the supremacy of God's will.

his hips gave way
The phrase "gave way" (שְׁנִין, shenin) can be understood as loosening or collapsing. In the context of ancient warfare, strong hips were essential for a warrior's stability and strength. The imagery of Belshazzar's hips giving way symbolizes a complete loss of control and strength, both physically and metaphorically. It signifies the crumbling of his confidence and authority in the face of divine judgment. This serves as a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of human power when confronted with the eternal sovereignty of God.

his knees knocked together
This vivid description of Belshazzar's knees knocking together (דָּקַק, daqaq) paints a picture of extreme fear and trembling. In the ancient world, such a physical reaction was often associated with overwhelming dread or the presence of the divine. The knocking of knees is a universal symbol of fear, emphasizing the king's utter helplessness. This imagery serves as a humbling reminder that no matter one's status or power, all are subject to the authority and judgment of God. It calls believers to live in reverence and awe of the Almighty, recognizing His ultimate control over all things.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Belshazzar
The Babylonian king who held a great feast and saw the mysterious handwriting on the wall, leading to his fear and trembling.

2. Babylon
The setting of this event, a powerful empire known for its wealth and idolatry, which was nearing its downfall.

3. The Handwriting on the Wall
A divine message written by a mysterious hand during Belshazzar's feast, signifying God's judgment on Babylon.

4. Daniel
The prophet who later interprets the writing for Belshazzar, revealing God's impending judgment.

5. The Feast
A lavish banquet hosted by Belshazzar, during which sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple were profaned.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Belshazzar's arrogance and disrespect for God led to his downfall. We must remain humble and reverent before God.

The Certainty of God's Judgment
Just as the handwriting on the wall was a clear sign of judgment, God's Word assures us that His judgment is certain and just.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Daniel's ability to interpret the writing highlights the need for spiritual wisdom and discernment in understanding God's messages.

The Transience of Earthly Power
Belshazzar's fear and the fall of Babylon remind us that earthly power and wealth are temporary and should not be our ultimate pursuit.

The Fear of the Lord
Belshazzar's reaction underscores the importance of having a healthy fear of the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and authority.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Belshazzar's reaction to the handwriting on the wall reflect the human response to divine intervention? Can you think of other biblical examples where people reacted similarly?

2. In what ways does the account of Belshazzar challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of pride or arrogance?

3. How can we cultivate spiritual discernment like Daniel to understand and apply God's messages in our lives today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the fall of Babylon about the temporary nature of worldly power and success?

5. How does the fear of the Lord influence our daily decisions and actions, and how can we grow in this area according to biblical teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 21:2-9
This passage prophesies the fall of Babylon, which is fulfilled in the events of Daniel 5.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, as seen in Belshazzar's arrogance and subsequent downfall.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
The suddenness of God's judgment parallels the unexpected nature of the handwriting on the wall.

Hebrews 10:31
The fear of falling into the hands of the living God is exemplified by Belshazzar's reaction to the divine message.

Sermons

The Problem of Life and its Solution	N. P. Dame.	Daniel 5:6
The Terror of a Guilty Conscience	J. Downes, M.A.	Daniel 5:6
Troublesome Thoughts	H. R. Parmeles.	Daniel 5:6
Blasted Merriment	J.D. Davies	Daniel 5:1-9
The Crisis of Awaking	H.T. Robjohns	Daniel 5:5-17

People

Babylonians, Belshazzar, Belteshazzar, Daniel, Darius, Micah, Nebuchadnezzar, Persians

Places

Babylon, Jerusalem

Topics

Affrighted, Alarmed, Body, Changed, Color, Colour, Countenance, Face, Frightened, Grew, Hip, Joints, King's, Knees, Knocked, Knocking, Legs, Limbs, Loins, Loosed, Loosened, Pale, Shaking, Slack, Smiting, Smote, Strength, Struck, Thighs, Thoughts, Trouble, Troubled

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Daniel 5:6

Daniel 5:1-8

Daniel 5:5-6

Daniel 5:5-8

Daniel 5:5-9

Library

Mene, Tekel, Peres
'Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another: yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18. O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: 19. And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Scales of Judgment
There has never been a deed of persecution--there has never been a drop of martyr's blood shed yet, but shall be avenged, and every land guilty of it shall yet drink the cup of the wine of the wrath of God. And especially certain is there gathering an awful storm over the head of the empire of Rome--that spiritual despotism of the firstborn of hell. All the clouds of God's vengeance are gathering into one--the firmament is big with thunder, God's right arm is lifted up even now, and ere long the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

"So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. "
Rom. viii. 8.--"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is a kind of happiness to men, to please them upon whom they depend, and upon whose favour their well-being hangs. It is the servant's happiness to please his master, the courtier's to please his prince; and so generally, whosoever they be that are joined in mutual relations, and depend one upon another; that which makes all pleasant, is this, to please one another. Now, certainly, all the dependencies of creatures one upon …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Human Government.
Human governments a part of the moral government of God. In the discussion of this subject I will,-- I. Inquire into the ultimate end of God in creation. We have seen in former lectures, that God is a moral agent, the self-existent and supreme; and is therefore himself, as ruler of all, subject to, and observant of, moral law in all his conduct. That is, his own infinite intelligence must affirm that a certain course of willing is suitable, fit, and right in him. This idea, or affirmation, is law …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter
Reproach [Rebuke] hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. T he greatness of suffering cannot be certainly estimated by the single consideration of the immediate, apparent cause; the impression it actually makes upon the mind of the sufferer, must likewise be taken into the account. That which is a heavy trial to one person, may be much lighter to another, and, perhaps, no trial at all. And a state …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision A. Reasons for Retiring to Galilee. ^A Matt. IV. 12; ^B Mark I. 14; ^C Luke III. 19, 20; ^D John IV. 1-4. ^c 19 but Herod the tetrarch [son of Herod the Great, and tetrarch, or governor, of Galilee], being reproved by him [that is, by John the Baptist] for Herodias his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done [A full account of the sin of Herod and persecution of John will be found at Matt. xiv. 1-12 and Mark vi. 14-29. John had spoken the truth to Herod as fearlessly …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan
In this my relation of the merciful working of God upon my soul, it will not be amiss, if in the first place, I do in a few words give you a hint of my pedigree, and manner of bringing up; that thereby the goodness and bounty of God towards me, may be the more advanced and magnified before the sons of men. 2. For my descent then, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father's house being of that rank that is meanest, and most despised of all the families in …
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
Meditate that hunger is like the sickness called a wolf; which, if thou dost not feed, will devour thee, and eat thee up; and that meat and drink are but as physic, or means which God hath ordained, to relieve and cure this natural infirmity and necessity of man. Use, therefore, to eat and to drink, rather to sustain and refresh the weakness of nature, than to satisfy the sensuality and delights of the flesh. Eat, therefore, to live, but live not to eat. There is no service so base, as for a man …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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