Daniel 5:4
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Babylon's polytheism worshiped multiple deities: Marduk (chief god), Nebo (god of wisdom), Ishtar (goddess of war and love), and numerous others. Archaeological discoveries reveal elaborate cult statues made from precious metals, brass, iron, wood overlaid with gold, and carved stone. These idols received daily offerings, ritual washings, and ceremonial processions. The feast's participants praised these inanimate objects while drinking from vessels consecrated to Yahweh—the ultimate irony. Ancient paganism believed gods inhabited their images; biblical faith affirmed one transcendent God who cannot be represented materially (Exodus 20:4-5). The contrast between living God and dead idols is prophetically mocked in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Psalm 115:4-8. Belshazzar's feast validated these critiques: while praising impotent idols, the living God wrote judgment on the wall.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the catalog of idol materials (gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, stone) emphasize idolatry's absurdity?
- What modern 'gods' do people worship despite their obvious impotence and man-made nature?
- Why is combining sacrilege with idolatry particularly provocative to God?
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Analysis & Commentary
While drinking from Jerusalem's holy vessels, the revelers 'praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.' This catalog of materials emphasizes idolatry's absurdity: worshiping man-made objects rather than the living God. The comprehensive list (six materials) suggests Babylon's pantheon—multiple idols made from various substances, all inanimate, all impotent. The juxtaposition is stark: vessels consecrated to the living God are used to honor dead idols. This reversal—treating holy things as profane while treating profane things as holy—epitomizes covenant rebellion. The act combines multiple sins: idolatry, sacrilege, pride, and drunkenness. It represents the fullness of ungodliness provoking immediate divine judgment. Within moments, the handwriting appears (v.5), bringing terror and doom. This teaches that God tolerates much, but certain provocations—particularly direct mockery of His holiness combined with idolatrous worship—trigger swift response.