Daniel 5:1-12!

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Introduction

Daniel 5:1–12: Today’s reading takes place later in the Jewish exile in Babylonia, during the reign of King Belshazzar, a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar holds a state banquet and is terrified when a human hand appears and begins writing on the wall. When none of his advisers can interpret the writing, the king’s mother encourages him to send for Daniel.

Today’s Key Verse: Daniel 5:11a GNT

[The queen mother said:] “There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. When your father was king, this man showed good sense, knowledge, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods.”

Read

1 One night King Belshazzar invited a thousand noblemen to a great banquet, and they drank wine together. 2 While they were drinking, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver cups and bowls which his father Nebuchadnezzar had carried off from the Temple in Jerusalem. The king sent for them so that he, his noblemen, his wives, and his concubines could drink out of them. 3 At once the gold cups and bowls were brought in, and they all drank wine out of them 4 and praised gods made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

5 Suddenly a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster wall of the palace, where the light from the lamps was shining most brightly. And the king saw the hand as it was writing. 6 He turned pale and was so frightened that his knees began to shake. 7 He shouted for someone to bring in the magicians, wizards, and astrologers. When they came in, the king said to them, “Anyone who can read this writing and tell me what it means will be dressed in robes of royal purple, wear a gold chain of honor around his neck, and be the third in power in the kingdom.” 8 The royal advisers came forward, but none of them could read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 In his distress King Belshazzar grew even paler, and his noblemen had no idea what to do.

10 The queen mother heard the noise made by the king and his noblemen and entered the banquet hall. She said, “May Your Majesty live forever! Please do not be so disturbed and look so pale. 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. When your father was king, this man showed good sense, knowledge, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, made him chief of the fortunetellers, magicians, wizards, and astrologers. 12 He has unusual ability and is wise and skillful in interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining mysteries; so send for this man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, and he will tell you what all this means.”

Reflect

What is Belshazzar doing at the banquet before the message appears (verses 2–3)? What does he promise to the person who can read the writing (verse 7)? According to the queen mother, what does Daniel have that sets him apart from the other advisers (verse 11)? Is there someone in your life you have turned to for spiritual advice? What qualities do they possess?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you do not leave us in our sins but speak to us even now through your Scriptures and servants. Give us ears to hear your word for us, that we may turn again to you and leave behind our sinful ways. We praise you and your everlasting love. Amen.

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