VidDevo Church: Daniel 5:1-6:28 ~ Bob Caldwell

Daniel 5:1-6:28 ~ Bob Caldwell

5:12 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

6:5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

Up to this point, Daniel has proven to be an amazing man with a single passion to live his life before God. He revealed his unswerving loyalty to God as a young man, and that loyalty of love for God continued throughout his life. And here in chapters 5 and 6, he's an amazing example not only of starting right but finishing right. No one but God ever owned him. Such men are ultimately the only free men in this world. His success, his position, and his wealth had no hold on him.

We see this exclaimed when he is chosen—above all other wise men in the entire Babylonian Empire—to solve the miraculous handwriting that appeared on the wall in the palace of Belshazzar, the current ruler of Babylon (5:1-12). When offered wealth and positions of honor in reward for the interpretation of these mysterious words, Daniel made it clear that he was not for sale; his interpretations would be a gift from God. He would receive no gifts or honor from this king who Daniel knew God had judged and would allow to be overthrown for his arrogance (5:18-28).

What's so amazing about Daniel's life is that here he is once again invited to share in another transition of power when the Medo-Persian Empire takes over the Babylonians. He never had to compromise or play politics for the high places of power in which he walked. He simply did one thing --he lived before God, faithfully and selflessly serving wherever he was placed. The result was inevitable. He exhibited an "excellent spirit" that distinguished him above all of his peers. His peers, however, responded with a plot to destroy him. They knew the only trap they could set for him would be to catch him in something related to his loyalty to God, something that, though right before God, would be seen as worthy of death before man.

What our enemies see is important, what they know we will always do in our response to God is one of the greatest proofs of who we are (6:1-9). Daniel's jealous enemies were able to enact a law that made praying to any man or god except the king a death-penalty crime. They felt sure their plan would work because everyone knew Daniel openly prayed three times a day while facing Jerusalem.

Daniel did pray, was caught, and was thrown to the lions. But what Daniel's enemies did not know was the God he prayed to was real. In the end, Daniel escapes without injury, and the lions had Daniel's enemies for lunch.

It is only those who choose to live faithfully before God are free from the fear that man will win in the end. Finish well—live freely from the fear of what man can do to you. Instead, live full of faith and hopeful in what God alone can do.

Daniel 5:1-6:28

Belshazzar's Feast

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in the presence of the thousand. 2 While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which had been in Jerusalem, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.

5 In the same hour the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom." 8 Now all the king's wise men came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.

10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. 12 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

The Writing on the Wall Explained

13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 Now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give the interpretation of the thing. 16 And I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and explain enigmas. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom."

17 Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. 19 And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down. 20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. 21 Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.

22 "But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. 23 And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified. 24 Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

25 "And this is the inscription that was written:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 TEKEK: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians." 29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Belshazzar's Fall

30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. 31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Daniel 6The Plot Against Daniel

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: "King Darius, live forever! 7 All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." 9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

Daniel in the Lions' Den

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?"

The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter."

13 So they answered and said before the king, "That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day."

14 And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed."

16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you." 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.

Daniel Saved from the Lions

18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"

21 Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you."

23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

Darius Honors God

24 And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.

25 Then King Darius wrote:

To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:
Peace be multiplied to you.

26 I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.
For He is the living God,
And steadfast forever;
His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,
And His dominion shall endure to the end.

27 He delivers and rescues,
And He works signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel 5:1-6:28

v. 1 Belshazzar – For centuries, scholars had criticized the book of Daniel for its reference to this mysterious figure about whom history and archaeology had said nothing. All extra-biblical accounts discovered through the end of the 19th century had stated that a man named Nabonidus was the last king of Babylon. Several archaeological discoveries around the turn of the century, however, showed that Belshazzar was a real individual and had been appointed as co-regent over the empire, while his father was on the outposts fighting against the Medes and the Persians. This is an excellent example of archaeology confirming the truthfulness of the Scriptures.

the King – Technically, Nabonidus was the actual head of the empire, but his son was named co-regent, which means co-king and, although his status was secondary to that of his father, he would have been called "king."

Great feast – The ancient Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon confirm that a great festival was celebrated in the city of Babylon, the night it was conquered by the Medes and the Persians.

Lords – men of noble birth in positions of governmental authority within the empire

v. 2 Gold and silver vessels…had taken – In the year 586, Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed the Temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem, taken the gold and silver instruments used for worship, and brought them into his own storehouse of treasures.

His Father – As stated above, archaeology has confirmed that Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon was Belshazzar's father, but descendants of great men are often referred to as "sons" of the men in question. Consider, for instance, the kings of Judah being referred to as "sons of David." Nonetheless, some continue to criticize Daniel here, because Nabonidus was known to be the son of a commoner and of no relation to Nebuchadnezzar. However, kings would often refer to an important monarch as their "father" in order to bring legitimacy to their reign. It is also possible that Nabonidus married a woman descended from Nebuchadnezzar to strengthen such a claim.

Concubines – Functionally these women were wives, but they held a lower status than a true wife.

v. 5 Gods of gold…stone – The people were holding this feast in honor of false gods that were made of the same kinds of materials from which they were eating and drinking. It's meant to be taken as a bit of irony.

v. 6 Joints…were loosened…knees knocked – These are sayings that merely mean that he was scared. They are not to be taken literally.

v. 7 Cried aloud – literally, "shouted with great strength" (Aramaic)

Astrologers – those that interpret patterns in the stars as signs giving information about the future

Chaldeans – a group of men devoted to occult practices and notorious for their ability to read and interpret portents of the future

Soothsayers – A magician that specializes in predicting the future and foretelling events. Each of these men relied upon pagan practices and demonic arts to reveal things about the future. They were called upon because of the king's confusion at the strange event that had just occurred.

Purple – Purple die was extremely difficult to come by and could only be afforded by the very wealthy. Thus, purple became the color of nobility and royalty.

Third ruler – This further confirms the consistency of the Bible with the archeological record, because Belshazzar was the second in the Kingdom. Thus the highest position the king could bestow upon anyone was that of third.

v. 8 Wise men – generic term used of the different classes of magicians outlined in the previous verse

v. 9 Countenance – The look or expression on the face. In this case, the king's expression became one of discouragement and perplexity.

Astonished – shebash (Heb.) means to be perplexed or confused

v. 10 The Queen – Many think that this is referring to Belshazzar's mother, rather than his wife, and that she was the one wielding real authority in the city.

v. 11 In whom is the Spirit of the Holy God – This is the same phrase used of Daniel by Nebuchadnezzar. (Dan. 4:8, 9, 18) This shows that Belshazzar's mother is at least familiar with Nebuchadnezzar's sayings and might be evidence that she is his daughter or granddaughter, making Belshazzar a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar on his mother's side.

Light, understanding, and wisdom – Each of these terms is meant to evoke the same idea: that Daniel is a man of great wisdom. It is very common in Jewish writings to repeat the same terms and ideas as a poetic form. This repetition of an idea is called parallelism.

v. 12 Explaining enigmas – Literally in Aramaic, this means to "untie knots" and is metaphoric of solving difficult problems.

v. 18 Most High God – Daniel used this term to emphasize the fact that his God, Yahweh, is greater than all other gods. He did this because the king worshipped many false gods, and Daniel wanted him to know that the interpretation he was about to give came from his God and would prove that Yahweh is greater than the gods of all the men that had been trying to interpret the writing on the wall.

v. 19 Majesty – his greatness or grandeur; the display of his power, most of which is described in the rest of the verse

v. 20 Heart was lifted up – a metaphor for pride

Deposed – Removed from his position. Daniel is here recounting the events of the previous chapter.

Glory – Here the word glory is being used in the same way that "majesty" was used in the previous verse.

v. 21 Heart was like the beasts – Here, heart is speaking more of the man's spirit or mind. It is saying that Nebuchadnezzar was thinking like an animal.

Dwelling – He had lived in the wild with animals.

Till he knew – Nebuchadnezzar was in this state until he recognized the truth that Yahweh is the Most High God and does whatever He pleases. As Daniel retold this tale he was trying to draw a parallel between the two kings and warn Belshazzar that his own pride would lead to judgment just as it did with Nebuchadnezzar.

Whomever he chooses – Daniel is teaching the king that there is nothing special about him in particular, but that he holds this position only because God gave it to him. He can take it away just as easily as He gave it.

v. 22 You knew this – Belshazzar has no excuse for his own pride as he was well aware of what had befallen Nebuchadnezzar.

v. 23 Lifted yourself up against – a metaphor meaning that he had pridefully resisted the Lord

Do not see or hear or know – Daniel is simply teaching the king that the gods he worshipped are nothing more than inanimate objects that are of no help to him.

v. 25 Mene – Comes from the word mina, which was a monetary value as well as a unit of measurement used by the Babylonians. It is used here to mean numbered, counted, or measured in a numerical sense.

Tekel – Comes from an Aramaic verb meaning to weigh and is related to another monetary unit, a shekel.

Upharsin – This comes from the Aramaic verb "Peres" meaning "to divide" and was used also as a monetary unit meaning a half shekel.

v. 26 Each word – It is most likely that, although the Babylonians would have understood the meaning of each of these words individually, they would not have been able to piece together the message. In what follows, Daniel unfolds the overall meaning of the message.

v. 28 Peres…divided…Persians – As stated above the Aramaic word Peres, from which Upharsin is derived means "to divide." Interestingly, this word closely resembles the Aramaic word for Persian, which is Paras. And so, there is a word play used here in the original that would have been evident to the original hearers.

Darius the Mede – As it once was with Belshazzar, there is debate as to who this Darius the Mede may have been. Extra-biblical sources and archaeology makes no mention of this person, and all other historical sources say that Cyrus the Persian was the conqueror of the Babylonian Empire. Some people argue that Cyrus made Darius a co-regent, as Nabonidus had done with Belshazzar. This would make some sense, as historical sources indicate the Cyrus did in fact place a man called Gubaru in position as governor of the city of Babylon. The ancient Greek playwright, Aeschylus, in his play "The Persians" says that the first king of Persia was a man he referred to simply as "The Mede." He, contrary to other historical sources, says that Cyrus came third. In any case, it is impossible to completely explain the entire historical record at this point.

Received – Some point out that because the text says that Darius "received the kingdom" that his authority must have been delegated to him by Cyrus the Persian.

The Kingdom – The Greek historian Xenophon confirms this account of the taking of Babylon by recording that the Persians had diverted the waters of the Euphrates and entered the city through the dry channels of the riverbed. When the Persians reached the walls of the city they found them wide open due to the feasting and revelry that the Babylonians had been taking part in throughout that day and night. They entered the city unimpeded and two generals slew Belshazzar.

Daniel 6

v. 1 Satrap – A governor over the provinces of the Persian Empire, 120 satraps were placed under the leadership of three main overseers to help them govern the lands formerly under Babylonian control.

the whole kingdom – refers to all the lands occupied and controlled by the Medo-Persians

v. 2 Governor – The 120 satraps were under the authority of these governors (about 40 satraps to each overseer). They were to help Darius govern the lands of Babylon.

So that the king would suffer no loss – Refers to financial and territorial loss. One of their roles was to collect taxes.

v. 3 an excellent spirit was in him – Spirit here refers to the seat of the mind. He had a good mind or a good attitude, and had a reputation for honesty in fulfilling his responsibilities before king Darius.

v.4 charge – they were seeking to convict him of a crime

Concerning the kingdom – This phrase refers to "the law of the land." The governors and satraps are trying to find out if Daniel has broken any laws.

v. 5 the law of his God – These men knew that Daniel was faithful to keep the Jewish laws and were convinced that the only way they could get the conviction they wanted was to find some Hebrew law that would be in opposition to the Persian law. They knew that Daniel would choose his own laws over the law of the land, but they also knew he would obey the Persian law in all other instances.

v. 6 thronged – to gather together and present themselves in an imposing and almost forceful manner

Live forever – a common greeting when addressing a ruler or king

v. 7 Statutes – a decree or law

Petition – To request or ask something of someone. These men knew that Daniel would pray to his God regardless of what the law of the land might state.

Den of lions – A pit, where wild animals might live. The language used seems to indicate that the den was more like a hole in the ground as opposed a cave in the side of a mountain.

v. 8 sign the writings – By "signing" the decree, Darius would establish it as a law for the Medo-Persian Empire.

which does not alter – It was the practice of the Medo-Persians that once a law was established it could not be revoked or changed by anyone, not even the king himself.

v. 10 open towards Jerusalem – Jerusalem lay to the west of Babylon, and it was the practice of the Jews in that day to face the Holy City when praying.

as was his custom since early days – This phrase would be better understood as "just as he had always done."

v. 11 Supplication – to make a request or ask a favor of somebody

v. 13 due regard – This is referring to Daniel paying proper respect towards Darius and the law he had established.

v. 14 set his heart on Daniel to deliver him – Darius understood that he had been duped and made a mistake in writing the decree, but, given the unalterable nature of the law, he could do nothing to change it, in spite of trying desperately to do so.

v. 16 deliver – to free or rescue

v. 17 a stone – It is thought that the stone was a flat stone that would fit over the mouth of the pit like a lid.

signet ring – A signet ring was a ring that left an impression either on clay or wax. This was to act as a signature to authenticate messages. It was also used to mark ownership of property. In this case, the signet ring of the king was used to seal the stone at the mouth of the pit. This was to assure that nobody would intervene to remove the stone.

v. 18 Fasting – To abstain from eating or drinking for any of various purposes. In this case, Darius has the hope of obtaining a request from God

his sleep went from him – He couldn't sleep.

v. 20 lamenting – to weep or wail, to cry out in sadness

v. 22 angel – messenger

v. 24 broke all their bones in pieces – Another way of saying this phrase, could be "torn apart" or "devoured."

v. 26 the living God – Darius refers to Daniel's God as "the living God." Thus he acknowledges that God is a living and real God, unlike the dead idols the rest of the kingdom worshipped. He is active and intervenes in the lives of those who trust him.

Steadfast – enduring, remaining, or standing fast in spite of adversity; faithful

Dominion – what is under one's control