"THE BOOK OF DANIEL"
Chapter Five
This chapter fast forwards to 539 B.C. and the last night of Babylonian
rule. King Belshazzar (grandson of Nebuchadnezzar) throws a drunken,
idolatrous feast that is interrupted by a hand writing on the wall
(1-12). Daniel is brought in, and explains that it proclaims the
judgment of Belshazzar and the fall of Babylon into the hands of the
Medes and Persians (13-29) which occurs that very night (30-31).
POINTS TO PONDER
* The character of King Belshazzar contrasted with that of Daniel
* The meaning of the writing on the wall as explained by Daniel
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Belshazzar's feast and the writing on the wall - Dan 5:1-12
- Daniel explains the writing on the wall - Dan 5:13-29
- Belshazzar's fall - Dan 5:30-31
2) What is the setting leading to the hand writing on the wall? (1-4)
- A drunken, idolatrous feast using gold vessels from the house of God
in Jerusalem
3) What reaction did the king have to the hand writing on the wall? (6)
- Countenance changed, troubled thoughts, hip joints loosened, knees
knocking
4) Who was unable to tell the king the interpretation of the writing?
(7-8)
- His wise men (astrologers, Chaldeans, soothsayers)
5) Who counseled the king to call for Daniel to interpret the writing?
(10-12)
- The queen (likely the queen mother, daughter of Nebuchadnezzar)
6) Before interpreting the writing, what did Daniel tell King
Belshazzar? (17-24)
- The king could keep his reward (gifts) for himself
- He had not learned from what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar
- He had failed to humble himself before God, and did not glorify Him
7) What was the inscription written on the wall, and the
interpretation? (24-28)
- Mene (to number): God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it
- Tekel (to weigh): You have been weighed in the balances, and found
wanting
- Upharsin (to divide): Your kingdom has been divided, given to the
Medes and Persians
8) What happened that very night? (30-31)
- King Belshazzar was slain
- Darius the Mede received the kingdom