Daniel 5:1
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
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?
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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.