And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Belshazzar makes his offer to Daniel: interpret the writing and receive scarlet clothing, gold chain, and position as third ruler. The king assumes Daniel, like others, will be motivated by rewards—honor, wealth, and power. This reveals Belshazzar's worldview: everyone has a price; wisdom is a commodity that can be purchased. Daniel's forthcoming response (v.17)—'Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king'—will directly challenge this assumption. True prophetic ministry isn't motivated by reward but by commitment to God's truth. The contrast between Belshazzar's offer and Daniel's refusal emphasizes different value systems: the world offers temporal rewards for service; God's servants seek His approval regardless of earthly compensation. This challenges both ancient and modern assumptions about motivation and reward.
Historical Context
The offer of 'third ruler' position reflected political reality: Nabonidus was supreme king (though absent in Arabia), Belshazzar was co-regent (second), leaving third as the highest available position. Scarlet/purple clothing and gold chains symbolized high office throughout the ancient world. Belshazzar's assumption that these rewards would motivate Daniel shows how rulers typically operated: patronage, bribery, and reward systems maintaining loyalty. Daniel's refusal of these rewards (v.17) was culturally shocking—rejecting royal favor and high position contradicted expected behavior. His willingness to interpret despite refusing rewards demonstrated pure prophetic motivation: proclaiming God's truth regardless of personal consequence or benefit. This established prophetic authenticity.
Questions for Reflection
What does Belshazzar's assumption that Daniel will be motivated by rewards reveal about worldly values?
How does refusing earthly rewards demonstrate that prophetic ministry is motivated by commitment to truth rather than personal gain?
In what ways do contemporary Christians face similar temptations to compromise truth for reward, position, or approval?
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Analysis & Commentary
Belshazzar makes his offer to Daniel: interpret the writing and receive scarlet clothing, gold chain, and position as third ruler. The king assumes Daniel, like others, will be motivated by rewards—honor, wealth, and power. This reveals Belshazzar's worldview: everyone has a price; wisdom is a commodity that can be purchased. Daniel's forthcoming response (v.17)—'Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king'—will directly challenge this assumption. True prophetic ministry isn't motivated by reward but by commitment to God's truth. The contrast between Belshazzar's offer and Daniel's refusal emphasizes different value systems: the world offers temporal rewards for service; God's servants seek His approval regardless of earthly compensation. This challenges both ancient and modern assumptions about motivation and reward.