Topical Bible: Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar

◄ Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar ►

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In the biblical narrative, the theme of reproof is vividly illustrated in the account of Daniel and King Belshazzar, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, chapter 5. This episode highlights the faithfulness of Daniel in delivering God's message of judgment and the consequences of Belshazzar's impiety and arrogance.

Context and Background

Belshazzar, the son of Nabonidus, was the co-regent of Babylon during the time of Daniel. The historical setting of Daniel 5 is the opulent and decadent feast hosted by Belshazzar, where he and his nobles, wives, and concubines drank from the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. This act of sacrilege was a direct affront to the God of Israel, demonstrating Belshazzar's disregard for the sacred.

The Writing on the Wall

During the feast, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote a message on the plaster of the wall, causing great fear and confusion among the king and his guests. The king's wise men were unable to interpret the writing, leading the queen to recommend Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions.

Daniel's Faithful Reproof

Daniel was brought before the king, and he did not hesitate to deliver a message of reproof. He reminded Belshazzar of the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar's predecessor, who had been driven from his throne until he acknowledged the sovereignty of the Most High God. Daniel rebuked Belshazzar for failing to learn from Nebuchadnezzar's experience, stating:

"But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. You had the vessels from His temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, wives, and concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in His hand your life and all your ways" (Daniel 5:22-23).

Interpretation of the Message

Daniel then interpreted the writing on the wall: "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." He explained that "MENE" meant God had numbered the days of Belshazzar's reign and brought it to an end; "TEKEL" meant Belshazzar had been weighed on the scales and found wanting; and "PARSIN" (or "PERES") meant the kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:25-28).

The Fulfillment of the Prophecy

That very night, Belshazzar was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy delivered by Daniel. This event underscores the faithfulness of Daniel in delivering God's message without compromise, regardless of the personal risk involved. Daniel's reproof of Belshazzar serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility before God and the consequences of pride and irreverence.

Conclusion

The account of Daniel and Belshazzar in Daniel 5 is a profound example of reproof and faithfulness. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God's truth, even in the face of a powerful and arrogant king, exemplifies the role of a faithful servant of God. The narrative serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride and the necessity of honoring the sovereignty of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 5:17-24
Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... The faithfulness of his extracts from books has been fully ... heart, though thou knewest
all this' (Daniel 5:22 ... A home reproof, indeed, but home [reproof] is most ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... worth of the merits of Jesus Christ; light, to see the truth and faithfulness of
God ... cleave one to another, "even as iron is not mixed with clay" (Daniel 2:43). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm