©Kris Gerbrandt
Chapter 5:10-17 (ESV) - The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah. I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter. But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.
Question to consider: Why do you suppose the queen knew that Daniel was still alive and would help interpret the writing on the wall?
After experiencing the inaugural embodiment of the expression “the writing is on the wall,” Belshazzar lost control of himself in terror. The words that were written were akin to Aramaic so I don’t think it was the case that he couldn't recognize the words. By themselves, they did not make up a coherent message, and given the fact that the words were delivered by a disembodied hand after Belshazzar desecrated the vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem, he knew they were for something ominous. His dread was made complete when the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers could not interpret the message.
At this point, Daniel was no longer the chief of the Magi. My guess is that when Neriglasser usurped the throne, he began using his own trusted counselors from among the Chaldeans. Given that the throne was taken by force, it is only by the grace of God that Daniel was left alive.
Yesterday, I pointed out that this incident took place at the end of the reign of Nabonidus which lasted about seventeen years. Even if Belshazzar had heard stories about Daniel, his time of service to Babylon had ended before Belshazzar was born. Thus, it is no surprise that he did not think to call upon Daniel on his own.
The queen was most likely his mother rather than one of his wives since she remembered Daniel and knew he still lived in the kingdom. She would have been the direct daughter of Nebuchadnezzar, and so she emphasized Belshazzar’s lineage. Even though I called Belshazzar co-regent, he was technically the true king by blood, and Nabonidus was king by marriage and ruler of the military.
I also think that because she was the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar, she may have had faith in the God of Daniel. She seemed to have great confidence that Daniel would be able to give the interpretation and that he would be willing to deliver it to Belshazzar if only out of respect for his grandfather.
When brought in, Daniel did not appear particularly fond of Belshazzar. Daniel showed the utmost respect and desired the LORD’s blessing for king Nebuchadnezzar, but his response to Belshazzar seemed rather terse. He would grant his request, but he wanted nothing to do with his gifts or offer of power and authority.
Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your servant, Daniel, who set aside his own desires to give Your word of warning, even to a corrupt and profane king. May we be faithful in making disciples of all nations— even among those who hate us and do things to profane Your holy name. We long for them to be reconciled to You and no longer walk as Your enemies. Amen.