Daniel Chapter 5 · Verse 1
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Original Language Analysis
לְחֶ֣ם
feast
H3900
לְחֶ֣ם
feast
Strong's:
H3900
Word #:
4 of 11
(for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
אַלְפָּ֖א
the thousand
H506
אַלְפָּ֖א
the thousand
Strong's:
H506
Word #:
7 of 11
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וְלָקֳבֵ֥ל
before
H6903
וְלָקֳבֵ֥ל
before
Strong's:
H6903
Word #:
8 of 11
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
Cross References
Esther 1:3In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:Isaiah 22:14And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.Isaiah 22:12And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
Historical Context
Historical sources (Herodotus, Xenophon) describe Babylon's fall occurring during a feast. Belshazzar ruled as co-regent with his father Nabonidus (explaining why he offers Daniel position as 'third ruler,' 5:16—after Nabonidus and himself). Archaeological discoveries including the Nabonidus Chronicle and Cyrus Cylinder document Babylon's fall in 539 BC to Cyrus the Persian. The feast's timing during siege shows either confidence in Babylon's walls or fatalistic escapism. Ancient banquets demonstrated royal power and prosperity through lavish excess.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the feast during siege illustrate human attempts to maintain normalcy and control when facing inevitable judgment?
- What does Belshazzar's public excess teach about how pride manifests in shameless self-indulgence even when facing danger?
Analysis & Commentary
Daniel 5 shifts to Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar's successor. 'Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.' The massive banquet demonstrates royal excess and confidence despite Babylon being under siege by Medo-Persian forces (historical context from 5:30-31). The public drinking 'before the thousand' shows the king's shameless indulgence. This feast becomes backdrop for God's judgment, demonstrating that human revelry cannot prevent divine purposes. The contrast between earthly celebration and impending judgment creates dramatic irony throughout the chapter.