Chapter 5

• Emperor Belshazzar hosted a grand feast for his thousand nobles and drank wine in front of them.

Who is Belshazzar?

After the death of Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon, the empire went through a period of political transitions and instability, marked by rapid successions to the throne and palace coups. Amel-Marduk, Nebuchadnezzar's son, only reigned for two years before being assassinated in 560 BCE by his brother-in-law, Neriglissar. Neriglissar, a man with military experience, managed to temporarily stabilize the empire, but his death in 556 BCE again paved the way for rapid and violent succession, culminating in the short and tragic reign of his son, Labashi-Marduk.

In the same year, a new figure entered the scene: Nabonidus, an influential noble and general, who became the king of Babylon. Unlike his predecessors, Nabonidus is known for his unconventional religious policies and his devotion to the god Sin, to the detriment of Babylon's traditional god, Marduk. This deviation from religious norms created tensions among the priesthood and Babylonian elite.

Another unusual aspect of Nabonidus's reign was his decision to leave the capital for an extended period, settling in the city of Teima in northwest Arabia for nearly a decade. During this prolonged absence, Nabonidus left his son, Belshazzar, to handle the daily affairs of the empire, as co-regent. This arrangement was unusual, as, although Belshazzar held an influential position, he was not officially king, his name not being mentioned in royal inscriptions as a legitimate sovereign.

Ancient historians provide only a few details about Belshazzar, but Babylonian and Hellenistic sources, such as the writings of Herodotus and Xenophon, mention that during this final period of Babylonian rule, the empire was in decline, and Belshazzar's leadership was characterized by internal tensions and external threats. However, Belshazzar is most famously mentioned in the biblical texts, where his role is central in the account in the Book of Daniel, chapter 5.

Political and military context

On the night depicted in chapter 5 of the Book of Daniel, Babylon was in a state of tension and uncertainty. Internationally, the once-dominant Babylonian Empire was increasingly threatened by the rapid rise of the Persian Empire under the leadership of Cyrus the Great. Starting in 550 BCE, Cyrus conquered the kingdom of Media and began expanding his territories, becoming a threatening power in the region. Within just a few years, his empire had massively expanded, and by 540 BCE, after conquering Lydia in Asia Minor, Babylon was clearly the next target.

In October 539 BCE, the Persian army, led by General Gobryas (also known as Ugbaru), one of Cyrus the Great's trusted commanders, had already invaded Babylon. Shortly before, in the Battle of Opis, the Babylonian army had been decisively defeated, leaving Babylon virtually defenseless against the Persian invasion.

The Battle of Opis, which took place at the beginning of October 539 BCE, was a major turning point. After this defeat, the Babylonian army was unable to organize effective resistance, and most territories quickly fell into Persian hands.

In this difficult military context, Belshazzar, the regent of Babylon, organized a grand feast, seemingly unconcerned with the imminent danger. Although the Persian army was already near the city and even had it surrounded, Belshazzar continued to live in the illusion of security. The organization of this opulent feast suggests either a naive confidence in Babylon's fortifications or a denial of the gravity of the situation.

Marduk and Sin

Beyond these external threats, Babylon was also affected by internal tensions. Nabonidus, Belshazzar's father, had adopted a religious policy that had caused dissatisfaction among the population and priesthood. Nabonidus favored the cult of the moon god Sin over Marduk, the principal god of Babylon, creating a rift between him and the priesthood loyal to Marduk. Babylonians were strongly attached to their traditional cult, and this religious deviation weakened the king's authority and generated a sense of political and religious instability.

The city of Babylon

Babylon was renowned for its imposing walls and the Euphrates River, which flowed through the middle of the city, providing natural protection. Additionally, the city was well supplied, which could have contributed to Belshazzar's and the Babylonian elite's sense of security, even in the face of the Persian threat.

The political and military context of Babylon on that night was marked by a sense of impending change. Although Belshazzar was in a moment of apparent celebration, internal tensions and external threats foreshadowed an inevitable outcome. His attitude of organizing a feast while the Persians approached suggests a combination of denial and desperation, reflecting the deep crisis facing his empire.

Feast Invitations

Who are those "nobles" invited to Emperor Belshazzar's feast, and why do they play an essential role in the unfolding events? The "nobles" called to the feast were not just officials or administrative leaders of Babylon, but individuals with considerable influence over society, especially in times of crisis. In an empire on the verge of collapse, with the Medo-Persian armies approaching the capital, these leaders had the capacity to mobilize and control the masses. In a fragile political and military context, Belshazzar felt the need to rely on forces that had a profound influence over the people, to try to rectify the situation or, at least, to mask the reality.

Among these "nobles" were undoubtedly the empire's priests, who held a prominent position in Babylon. They were not only responsible for administering the temples but also played a major role in maintaining religious and political stability, as religion was a central pillar of Babylonian society. These priests had the power to influence public perception and, especially, to support imperial mythology and theology.

In the Revelry of Wine

• And, in the revelry of wine, he commanded to bring the gold and silver vessels that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem, so that the emperor and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them.
• They immediately brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the Temple of the House of God in Jerusalem, and the emperor and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines drank from them.
• They drank wine and praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

The key action of Belshazzar in bringing the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem Temple for his grand feast lies in the religious and political significance this gesture held. These vessels were not mere decorative objects but powerful symbols of victory over other peoples and, implicitly, over their gods. In the ancient world, conquering a people was perceived not just as a military victory but also as a defeat of that people's god. Therefore, the use of the vessels from the Temple of Israel had a profound significance, especially in the spiritual and political context in which Babylon found itself.

Inviting the "nobles" to Belshazzar's feast and bringing these vessels were, undoubtedly, an act of devotion towards the Babylonian gods, whether it was Marduk, the supreme god of Babylon, or the god Sin, favored by Nabonid, Belshazzar's father. This gesture represented an attempt to reaffirm the superiority of the Babylonian gods over those of other peoples. At the same time, it was also a display of contempt for the defeated gods, considering that if a people were defeated, their god was also defeated. But why choose the God of Israel specifically, when Babylon had conquered many other peoples with their own deities and temples?

The answer to this question ties back to a much deeper aspect, one that concerns not just the power relations between Babylon and Israel but also a divine revelation known by some of those present at the feast. Certainly, in the feast hall, there were people who remembered the prophecy Daniel had made years ago when he interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream. In that revelation, Daniel explained that after the "head of gold" – the symbol of Babylon, the most powerful kingdom – another, weaker kingdom would take control. In other words, Babylon would eventually be replaced. The message was clear: Babylon's power would not last forever, and another kingdom would emerge on the historical stage.

Denying Reality

Now, during the feast, the reality of this prophecy was beginning to manifest. Babylon had just suffered a major defeat in the Battle of Opis, and the Medo-Persians were already at the city's gates. The geopolitical situation reflected exactly what Daniel had prophesied, and those present at the feast could not ignore this fact. Therefore, the bringing of the vessels from the Temple of Israel was not a random act; it was a desperate attempt to defy this prophecy. Choosing the Israeli vessels was not just a sign of contempt for the God of Israel but also a symbolic gesture meant to contradict what had already been revealed. Essentially, Belshazzar and those present at the feast were trying to deny the inevitable reality of Babylon's fall.

This denial of reality fits in line with the entire organization of the banquet. They were not only clinging to the idea of Babylon's grandeur, but, by using the vessels from the Jerusalem Temple, they were trying to demonstrate that not even the God of Israel could stop this grandeur. As the prophecy of Daniel was known, so too was their desire clear: to symbolically cancel that revelation and show that Babylon, led by its powerful gods and leaders, could defy any forecast, including the divine one.

However, the irony of the situation is evident. Even as they tried to deny this reality, the facts spoke for themselves. Babylon was already in decline, and conquest by the Persians was imminent. Those present at the feast were in a state of spiritual blindness, refusing to accept that the history being written by the God of Israel was more powerful than any Babylonian religious or political system. The bringing of the vessels from the Temple was not just a proof of contempt but a symbol of their powerlessness to change what had already been decreed by God.

In summary, bringing the vessels from the Jerusalem Temple to Belshazzar's feast was not just a ceremonial gesture but an attempt to deny the already known divine revelation. Faced with their own downfall, the leaders of Babylon chose to defy fate and cling to a glorious past, using sacred symbols to try to demonstrate that they could change the course of history. But, as it would turn out, this act only hastened their fall, for what God has decided will always come to pass, regardless of human attempts to ignore or defy this reality.

The Mysterious Hand Writing on the Wall

• At that moment, the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the palace wall, in front of the lampstand. The king saw this part of the hand that was writing.
• Then the king's face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him; the joints of his hips weakened, and his knees knocked together.

In a vast hall, where there were about a thousand guests, it is natural to assume that several lampstands illuminated the space. However, the scene described in chapter 5 of the Book of Daniel provides an important detail: Emperor Belshazzar was the one who saw the hand writing on the wall. This supernatural hand, appearing "in front of the lampstand," was visible to the emperor and those immediately around him, but it is unlikely that all the attendees directly saw it.

The size of a human hand limits the distance from which it can be clearly observed, probably no more than 10-20 meters. In such a large hall, many guests, especially those at the opposite end or at a distance, would not have seen the details of the hand, but only the mysterious writing that remained on the plaster of the wall. Thus, the intention of this divine revelation was primarily to be perceived by the emperor, the main witness to the warning transmitted by God.

The choice to have the emperor see the hand is not coincidental. As a ruler, Belshazzar was directly responsible for his actions, including the defiant act of using the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem. Therefore, an immediate impact on him was necessary. Although the writing remained on the wall for all to see, it is evident that the entire atmosphere of panic began with the emperor's reaction. Those at a distance, even if they did not see the hand itself, were influenced by Belshazzar's shock and fear, a reaction that quickly spread among all the attendees.

This revelation was not necessarily meant to be visible to everyone in the same way. It was enough for the emperor, the central figure of the banquet and Babylonian power, to be the direct witness to this divine intervention. Ultimately, his panic affected the entire assembly, but its beginning was personal, meant to clearly convey to Belshazzar that his days and those of his empire were numbered.

Thus, we understand that the purpose of the revelation was not just to bring a divine message to all the people of Babylon, but especially to the one who held the power and direct responsibility. Although all the attendees could see the writing on the wall, the clear symbol of the empire's imminent fate, that night was meant to be seen and felt most profoundly by the emperor himself, the one who would fall along with his kingdom.

Belshazzar's Reaction

Specifically, the biblical text mentions that the writing hand appeared "in front of the lampstand." The Hebrew translation of this phrase uses the term בְּפֶן (be'fen), which is more accurately translated as "in the vicinity of" or "near" the lampstand, suggesting that the supernatural hand appeared in a well-lit area close to Emperor Belshazzar. This strategic positioning allowed the emperor to clearly observe the writing and be the main witness to this divine manifestation.

The appearance of the hand, sudden and unexpected, disrupted the opulent festivity of the feast. However, the details of the initial writing were unclear to most participants, creating a state of confusion and panic among those present. The entire atmosphere of the room was suddenly changed, and the moment of merriment was replaced by fear and uncertainty.

Belshazzar's reaction, vividly described in the biblical text, reflects the profound impact of this revelation. The emperor, who until then had been the center of attention, immediately became overwhelmed with fear. His face turned pale, and his body reacted viscerally—"his knees knocked together" and "his joints loosened." Belshazzar's panic is evident, not just in his facial expression but also in his uncontrollable physical reactions.

The original Hebrew text uses the term בִּרְכּוֹתָיו (birkhotav), which refers to "knees," suggesting that the emperor was so disturbed that he could barely maintain physical stability. Modern translations that use the term "hips" do not accurately reflect the original meaning of the text. Additionally, in the Septuagint, the Greek term σπλάγχνα (splanchna) refers to "entrails," highlighting the deeply visceral reaction of the emperor to this revelation.

The Court's Wise Men and Magicians

• The emperor shouted loudly to bring in the enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners. Then the emperor spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon: "Whoever reads this writing and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple, will wear a gold chain around his neck, and will be the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
• All the wise men of the emperor came in, but they could neither read the writing nor explain it to the emperor.
• Because of this, Emperor Belshazzar became extremely frightened, his face changed color, and his nobles were stunned.

In the account of Emperor Belshazzar's feast, the biblical text emphasizes an important detail: the wise men and court magicians, who were usually called upon to interpret dreams and signs, were not invited to the royal party. The fact that the wise men were not present at the feast confirms that this gathering had a different purpose.

The feast was not just a simple party but a ritual to reaffirm faith in the gods of Babylon, an attempt to demonstrate that they were more powerful than any other deity, including the God of Israel. Those present were the "nobles" who had influence over the population, people called to participate in the praises of the Babylonian gods.

Among them, the priests played a central role, having the spiritual authority to support the religious ideology of the empire. The priests not only administered temples and religious ceremonies but also had a political role, being considered protectors of the spirit and divine order in Babylon.

When Emperor Belshazzar saw the mysterious writing on the palace wall, his reaction was to summon the wise men and diviners of Babylon to decipher what seemed, at first glance, a clear message. The biblical text emphasizes that the supernatural hand wrote a message, which shows unequivocally that it was about a written text, not a symbol or drawing, and even less about a cryptic or artistic representation.

Belshazzar, disturbed and scared, makes a specific promise: "Whoever reads this writing and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple, will wear a gold chain around his neck, and will be the third highest ruler in the kingdom." This clearly indicates that the emperor wanted the message to be read and understood. Therefore, he offered significant rewards to whoever could not only interpret but also read the writing itself.

This detail is important: what appeared on the wall were not abstract symbols, images, or artistic representations. They were written words, a complete text, which the wise men should have been able to read if they understood the language or the meaning of the words. Specifically, the emphasis is on the fact that the wise men could not read the writing, which underscores that the problem was not just one of interpretation or deciphering symbols. They were not even able to recognize the letters or the meaning of the written words.

Moreover, the fact that the wise men could not read shows that the writing was in a language unknown to them or in a form they could not recognize. This eliminates any interpretation that it was about drawings, graphical representations, or other forms of visual communication. The writing on the wall had a clear structure, formed by words that only someone with specific knowledge of the language and their meanings—like Daniel—could decipher.

The divine revelation was clearly transmitted through a written text, not through images or abstract symbols. This writing, impossible for the wise men of Babylon to understand, highlighted the limit of their knowledge and underscored the need for a skilled interpreter both to read and to decipher the message crucial for the fate of the kingdom.

The biblical text says that the wise men of the emperor were called to read and interpret the message, but "they could neither read the writing nor explain it to the emperor" (Daniel 5:8).

In traditional interpretations, it is assumed that the message was written in a form of Aramaic, the official language of the Babylonian Empire at that time. According to this interpretation, the wise men could not read the message due to the panic created by the sudden appearance of the supernatural hand and the tense atmosphere.

Although Aramaic was a language known to them, the stress and pressure of the situation could have affected their ability to read the message. Some commentators believe that the wise men were so disturbed by the sudden appearance of the hand that, despite the text being written in a familiar language, they were unable to focus enough to read the message. However, this explanation is not strongly supported by the biblical text and remains a mere assumption.

Arguments Against the Panic Hypothesis

The idea that the wise men could not read the message due to panic is unfounded. The biblical text indicates that time passed until Daniel was called and brought to the feast, showing that the wise men had sufficient time to analyze and read the writing on the wall. If it had been written in a known language (Aramaic), they should have been able to read the message, even under the influence of stress. The fact that they failed to read demonstrates that the problem was the language being unknown to them.

Furthermore, the wise men were accustomed to critical situations and had experience interpreting signs and dreams. It is hard to believe that a state of panic would completely prevent them from reading a message, especially after the initial tension had subsided. The panic argument does not sufficiently explain their inability to read the message.

Interpretation of the Message as Written in Hebrew

According to my interpretation, the message was written in Hebrew, which explains the wise men's inability to read it. Hebrew was not a familiar language for the Babylonian wise men, and the text was written in an alphabet and vocabulary unknown to them. This conclusion is supported by renowned researchers from the past such as Charles-François Houbigant and Adam Clarke, who stated that the message was written in a form of ancient Hebrew (Samaritan or Paleo-Hebrew alphabet), unknown to the wise men of Babylon.

This detail explains why none of the king's wise men and scribes were able to read or interpret it. Only Daniel, who knew this archaic script, could decipher the divine message and provide the king with the correct explanation.

The original writing was in the paleo-Hebrew alphabet, which was used before the Babylonian exile. The exact form of the words is as follows:

מנא מנא תקל ופרסין
(MENE MENE TEKEL UFARSIN)

If the text had been written in one of the official languages of Babylon or the Persian Empire, the variants would have been different, and the royal court would have been able to read it. In Akkadian, the language used in Babylonian administrative documents and written in cuneiform, the text would have appeared as:

𒌨𒁡 𒌨𒁡 𒌼𒁗𒂻 𒂉𒂒𒁭𒂕
(Transliterated: MANÛ MANÛ TÊQÊLU ŪPARSIN)

In Imperial Aramaic, the official language of the Persian Empire and widely spoken by many peoples in the region, the text would have been written as:

ܡܢܐ ܡܢܐ ܬܩܠ ܘܦܪܣܝܢ
(Transliterated: MENE MENE TEKEL UFARSIN)

If the message had been written in Old Persian, the official language of the Persians used in royal inscriptions, its cuneiform form would have been:

𒁦𒁚𒁡 𒁦𒁚𒁡 𒁚𒁹𒁣𒁞𒁚 𒁲𒁥𒁻𒁣𒁞
(Transliterated: MANIY MANIY TAIKALA UPARASIY)

The fact that the text was not written in any of these languages accessible to the Babylonian court, but in ancient Hebrew, confirms its divine nature and God's intention to convey a clear message that was hidden from those without the discernment to understand it. Only Daniel, God's chosen servant, was able to read and correctly interpret the message, emphasizing both his prophetic role and the divine judgment that was to fall upon Babylon on that fateful night.

Here I also made a comparison using translations of the phrase "numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided" into several modern languages. For example:

• English: numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided
• Swedish: räknad, räknad, vägd och delad
• Hungarian: megszámlálva, megszámlálva, megmérve és felosztva
• Turkish: sayıldı, sayıldı, tartıldı ve bölündü
• Spanish: contado, contado, pesado y dividido
• French: compté, compté, pesé et divisé
• Finnish: laskettu, laskettu, punnittu ja jaettu
• Romanian: numărat, numărat, cântărit și împărțit 

Although all these languages use the Latin alphabet, each has its own vocabulary and spelling differences, making the text completely unintelligible to someone who does not know the respective language. This analogy underscores that there were significant differences in vocabulary and word meaning between Hebrew and Aramaic, even if the alphabets were similar. Thus, the Babylonian wise men, although familiar with Aramaic, would not have had the necessary knowledge to understand the text written in Hebrew.

Hebrew was a sacred language for the Jews. The message written on the wall in a language unknown to the Babylonians was a clear manifestation of divine authority, showing that their wise men were not capable of understanding what came from the God of Israel. This underscores the idea that the message was intended to be interpreted only by someone who had serious knowledge and concern for divine revelations, like Daniel.

Differences Between Hebrew and Aramaic

Although the Hebrew and Aramaic alphabets are similar, they are not identical, and the differences between them are not limited to letters. Each language has its own vocabulary, and the meanings of words can differ in the two languages. Hebrew and Aramaic have evolved as distinct languages, and the Babylonian wise men, even if they were familiar with the alphabet, could not understand the words in a language they did not know. This explains why they could not even read the text, let alone interpret it.

Another important aspect is that Aramaic and Hebrew, while having common features, had essential differences in grammatical structure and vocabulary. A word written in one language could have a completely different meaning or even no meaning at all in the other language. This clarifies why the Babylonian wise men, accustomed to Aramaic, could not read a message written in Hebrew.

When the text tells us that "for this reason, Emperor Belshazzar became extremely frightened, his face turned pale, and his nobles were stunned," we clearly see that not only the emperor but the entire elite present at the banquet were overwhelmed by fear and helplessness. This panic was not only triggered by the supernatural appearance of the hand writing on the wall but especially by their total inability to understand the divine message.

What stands out in this scene is the powerlessness of those who trusted in "gods of iron and bronze" – gods who, as Daniel later remarks, "neither see, nor hear, nor write, nor reveal anything." The Babylonian wise men, theologians, and priests, who should have had the necessary knowledge to interpret divine messages or provide answers in the face of the unknown, proved completely incompetent in the face of this revelation. None of them was able to read or understand the writing, thus highlighting the spiritual and intellectual void of a society that had placed its trust in false gods and human powers.

This scene is not just about Babylon and its inability to interpret the divine message, but about any nation that relies on something other than the revelation offered by the God of the heavens, who knows all and can do all. Babylon, like any other empire or nation that elevates its own power and ignores the truth revealed by God, is doomed to destruction. In the face of a major crisis, a nation that does not have access to true divine revelation, that does not understand its reality and future, has no hope of survival.

This moment of crisis clearly underscores that a nation that does not recognize or refuses to see the evidence shown to it is doomed. In Babylon's case, the message on the wall was clear – the end of the empire was imminent, and those present, blinded by their trust in false gods, were incapable of recognizing this truth. Symbolically, what happened then applies to any nation that refuses to rely on true divine revelation and to understand the world from God's perspective.

When a people do not have a God to provide them with the truth, to reveal their future, and to help them understand the reality in which they live, that people lose their future. By ignoring the truth and taking refuge in illusions or faith in false powers, that people are doomed to fall. This is true not just for Babylon, but for any nation, any civilization, that builds its identity on something other than the revelation of the God of the heavens, who is the only one capable of seeing everything, knowing everything, and conveying the truth to those willing to hear it.

What happened at Belshazzar's banquet is a warning for all times: without a God who reveals the truth, without a spiritual guide to bring an understanding of reality and the future, any nation is destined for loss. Divine revelation is the key to a people's survival and prosperity, and without it, there remains only fear, helplessness, and the inevitable end.

Babylon achieved its greatness by divine will. The empire was raised not by its own powers or the grandeur of their gods, but because God granted them this position. The Babylonians were delighted as long as the revelation spoke about their glory, about the "head of gold" of the statue from Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which symbolized their greatness and supremacy. But things took a different turn when the revelation began to speak about "another kingdom" that was to take their place, a part of the prophecy they were unwilling to accept.

The Empress Enters the Banquet Hall

• Upon hearing the words of the emperor and his nobles, the empress entered the banquet hall. The empress spoke and said, "May you live forever, Emperor! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face change!

In the midst of this feast praising the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood, an unexpected figure appears: the empress. The biblical text tells us that the empress "upon hearing the words of the emperor and his nobles" entered the banquet hall. Her presence is significant because, until that moment, she had not been invited or had not participated in the feast. This detail suggests that the empress either chose not to be present or was not invited for reasons related to her differing beliefs.

A key aspect here is that the banquet was intended for the "nobles" who were there to praise the gods of Babylon, those false gods of gold, silver, bronze, and stone. However, the empress seems to have held a different theology. Her absence suggests that she did not share the same confidence in these gods, which would have been evident to those who organized the party. Perhaps she chose to distance herself from this celebration of idolatry, or perhaps those present avoided inviting her, knowing she did not share their beliefs. In any case, her absence until that moment highlights a separation between her and the rest of the elite present at the banquet.

The intervention of the empress brings to the forefront Daniel, a man of divine revelation and wisdom. She reminds Belshazzar of the prophet Daniel, about the "light, understanding, and divine wisdom" that were evident during Nebuchadnezzar's reign. In a moment of crisis, when neither the wise men nor the priests could understand the divine writing, the empress offers a solution: Daniel, the man of God, who could unravel mysteries and provide clear answers, needed to be summoned.

This suggestion is not accidental. The empress knew, from past experiences, that true wisdom did not come from the gods of Babylon but from the revelation provided by the God of the heavens, which had been revealed through Daniel. While the rest of the banquet participants were caught up in idol worship and denying the prophetic reality, the empress stands out by understanding that only through Daniel, and thus the God of Israel, could the true answer be found.

Her absence from the banquet further underscores this theological difference. In a world where most trusted in false gods, the empress shows that she understands the true power that comes from God. She knew that Daniel, the divine prophet, could not only read the writing on the wall but also provide an accurate and revealing interpretation of Babylon's fate.

Thus, the empress not only plays a critical role in this moment of crisis, but her presence and words underline the difference between those who trust in false gods and those who seek true wisdom from God. This crisis becomes not just a political one but also a spiritual one, where divine truth begins to emerge, despite all efforts to hide or deny it.

Daniel is Brought Back into Public Attention

• "In your kingdom is a man who has the spirit of the holy gods in him and during your father's reign was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, yes, your father, the king, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners,
• because Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."

With Daniel's reintroduction into the scene, we notice a character well recognized by the Babylonian empress, evident from the respectful words with which she describes him. However, at that moment, Daniel was no longer an active figure in the administration of the empire, as he had been in the past. At about 81 years old, Daniel had retired from public life, and younger others had taken his place in the power structures. Time had passed, and with leadership changes, many of Daniel's achievements and prophecies had gradually been forgotten or, more precisely, deliberately "erased" from collective memory and official historical records.

The reason why Daniel had been marginalized is simple: over the years, the new leaders of Babylon, those who had taken over administrative and political functions, had tried to impose their own vision of history. These leaders were the ones who "modified" history to hide traces of uncomfortable truths or to erase from collective memory events and prophecies that no longer suited their view of reality. They tried to avoid remembering Daniel's prophecies, including the famous vision of the "Head of Gold" – which prefigured that their empire would be replaced by another – and the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream about the great tree, which had a profound impact on the former king.

However, in the midst of this attempt to rewrite history, the empress remained one of the few who had not forgotten. She knew the "real history," a history based on facts and divine revelations, and refused to align with efforts to erase Daniel's traces and his prophecies. The empress not only remembered Daniel but also had respect for his role and the truths he had revealed over time. Faced with this immense crisis, she remembers that Daniel, through his divine wisdom, had been able to decipher dreams and mysteries, and now he was again the man who could provide the necessary answers.

This dynamic casts an interesting light on Babylon and on peoples who choose to "rewrite" their history. When a people try to eliminate or ignore uncomfortable events and truths from the past, they risk losing their compass in times of crisis. Those aspects of the past that have been hidden, avoided, or altered are exactly those that could provide a clear light on the future. Refusing to accept or preserve historical truth creates a void that is most acutely manifested when the people need direction the most.

The Babylonian people, in their attempt to recreate a comfortable and convenient history, found themselves in a situation of confusion and darkness. Faced with such an evident divine revelation, the emperor and his nobles were unable to understand what was happening, precisely because they had ignored the lessons of the past and tried to build an illusory reality. Here lies the importance of the "torch of the past," which, if carefully preserved, can illuminate the path to the future. Rejecting the truth and ignoring revelations from the past prevents them from understanding the present reality and leaves them without guidance in the face of imminent destiny.

This lesson is valid not just for Babylon, but for any people who falsify or hide their own history. In the face of a crisis, a people who have lost their collective memory cannot navigate the future correctly. Exactly those prophecies and revelations they tried to forget would have been the key to understanding what was about to happen. Without this "torch" of the past, Babylon lost its way, and Emperor Belshazzar was caught in his own spiritual blindness.

Why Belshazzar Did Not Personally Know Daniel

• Then Daniel was brought before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?
• I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence, and outstanding wisdom.
• The wise men and enchanters have been brought before me to read this writing and tell me its meaning, but they have not been able to explain it.
• However, I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems; now if you can read this writing and tell me its meaning, you will be clothed in purple, wear a gold chain around your neck, and be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

From the way Belshazzar speaks to Daniel, it is evident that the emperor did not personally know the prophet. Moreover, it emerges that Belshazzar had not even heard of Daniel before, which may seem surprising to readers, especially given that the text calls Belshazzar "the son of Nebuchadnezzar." This discrepancy requires a clarification of Belshazzar's identity and the historical context that explains why he was not familiar with Daniel's figure.

Firstly, Belshazzar was not the biological son of Nebuchadnezzar, but the son of Nabonidus, the last official king of Babylon. Belshazzar governed Babylon as regent in the absence of his father, Nabonidus, who had retreated to the city of Tema in Arabia for an extended period. In the biblical text, Nebuchadnezzar is called "father" to Belshazzar in a symbolic sense, indicating a dynastic relationship or royal continuity. This explains why Belshazzar, who was not directly related to Nebuchadnezzar, was unaware of Daniel and his role as a prophet during the reign of the great emperor.

Another significant factor contributing to Belshazzar's unawareness of Daniel is the prophet's gradual marginalization in the later years of Nebuchadnezzar's reign. After the vision of the great tree, Daniel was no longer actively involved in the empire's administration. Although he had been a trusted advisor in the past, his influence began to wane significantly after this vision. Why? Partly because of Nebuchadnezzar's choice to be guided by Babylonian theology and the advice of court priests and magicians. They encouraged him in the illusion of his greatness, promising him a bright future, ignoring Daniel's warnings. Although Daniel gave him clear advice, urging him to humble himself to avoid divine punishment, Nebuchadnezzar chose to listen to those who promised him otherwise, preferring a comfortable theology that affirmed his ego and ambitions.

This decision to follow the advice of magicians and priests had consequences. Twelve months after the tree vision, Nebuchadnezzar lost his mind, and during that period, Daniel had no influence over the rulers who took control of the empire in the emperor's absence. The empire's leadership was dominated by the priests and theologians of Marduk and Sin, who sought to maintain their power and control. These men considered Daniel an "outsider" and a "negative element" because of his prophecies and his ties to the God of Israel, a god they did not respect and whose prophetic messages undermined their position.

When Nebuchadnezzar recovered, Daniel's influence was temporarily restored. Nebuchadnezzar honored Daniel and even sent out a letter acknowledging the power and authority of the God of Israel. However, this letter was not widely circulated throughout the empire, a clear sign that Babylonian priests had "blocked" this initiative, preventing the spread of the message. For them, Daniel represented a threat to their power, and his theology was not compatible with their vision of Babylon's greatness.

These events explain why, by the time of Belshazzar, Daniel had been effectively "erased" from the imperial court's memory. The new rulers and priests who took the reins of power in the empire had no interest in keeping alive the memory of Daniel or his prophecies, as these undermined the religious and political order they were trying to support. Therefore, Daniel was marginalized and "forgotten" by the generation that followed, and Belshazzar, raised in this atmosphere of Babylonian theology, had no knowledge of the prophet who had interpreted the dreams of his dynastic father.

The conclusion that can be drawn from this story is that rewriting or ignoring history and divine revelations can only lead to crisis. When Babylon needed divine wisdom the most, those very truths had been hidden or denied. Belshazzar and his court became victims of their own ignorance, unable to see that the very prophecies they had ignored were coming true before their eyes.

Daniel Rejects Belshazzar's Offer

• Daniel responded to the king: "Keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else! However, I will read the writing to the king and make it known to him.

Daniel's response to King Belshazzar is a telling moment that highlights several important traits of the prophet and his divine mission:

Daniel immediately refuses the gifts and rewards offered by Belshazzar, stating clearly: "Keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else!" This refusal has deep significance. Firstly, it shows that Daniel is not motivated by material gains or promises of earthly honors. He is not interested in becoming wealthy or gaining a prestigious position in the empire, but is wholly dedicated to his divine mission. This reaction sharply contrasts with the usual behavior of the courtiers and wise men of Babylon, who were motivated by rewards and honors. His refusal suggests that God’s truth cannot be bought and that Daniel is not a prophet of compromise.

By offering to read and interpret the writing without asking for anything in return, Daniel reaffirms his role as a bearer of divine truth. He is not swayed by the temptations offered by the emperor, thus demonstrating his integrity and faith. This gesture emphasizes that Daniel's mission is not a human one, but divine. He is a messenger of God, and his purpose is to reveal divine will, not to seek worldly favors.

Daniel is about to interpret not just a mysterious writing but to unveil a divine revelation. What follows is not merely the deciphering of a cryptic text, but the interpretation of a direct message from God, intended not just for Belshazzar but for the entire Babylonian empire. Daniel is aware that what he is about to say has profound significance and represents divine judgment on Babylon. This moment clearly shows that Daniel does not speak on his own behalf, but as an instrument through which God communicates.

The way Daniel responds shows his clarity and resolve. He is not intimidated by the crisis situation or by Belshazzar's position as emperor. His courage is evident, and his commitment to God provides him with assurance in the presence of the emperor. In a moment of crisis, when everyone else is gripped by panic and helplessness, Daniel stands firm and calm, providing the solution and interpretation that the emperor sought. This confidence comes from his deep conviction that he is the bearer of a divine message.

Daniel's response reflects his integrity and devotion to God. His refusal of gifts and material honors highlights that Daniel is guided by spiritual values and the desire to fulfill God’s will. In a world ruled by ambition, power, and rewards, Daniel stands out as an example of faith and loyalty, showing that divine truth cannot be bought. This is the moment where Daniel not only demonstrates his moral character but also his unique role in God's plan, even in the presence of an emperor facing his own downfall.

Why the History of Nebuchadnezzar Was Rewritten

• "O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, greatness, glory, and splendor.
• Because of the greatness he gave him, all peoples, nations, and men of every language trembled and feared before him. He killed whom he wanted to kill and spared whom he wanted to spare; he raised up whom he wanted to and humbled whom he wanted to.
• But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.
• He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes.
• But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this."

In the quoted passage, Daniel offers King Belshazzar a harsh and clear history lesson, not based on the Babylonian theology that had exalted the emperor's and his false gods' greatness, but on the theology of the God of the heavens, who absolutely controls the fate of empires and leaders. Daniel directly emphasizes that the greatness of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar's dynastic father, was not the result of any human power or the influence of Babylonian gods, but was entirely given by God. This historical lesson is not just a simple summary of Nebuchadnezzar's life, but a reminder of a reality that Belshazzar and his court had neglected or even deliberately ignored.

Daniel describes how Nebuchadnezzar, during his reign, had immeasurable power: he killed whom he wanted, spared whom he wanted, raised up or brought down anyone. This total power had been granted by God, and Nebuchadnezzar was a tool through which God unfolded His plan in the world. However, when Nebuchadnezzar became arrogant and allowed his heart to be filled with pride, ignoring the source of his true power, he was humbled. Daniel highlights that Nebuchadnezzar was thrown from his throne, reduced to a state of an animal, until he recognized his mistakes and admitted that “the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

The fundamental lesson Daniel tries to convey to Belshazzar, and implicitly to all present at the feast, is that this history should not have been ignored. History was not just a mere succession of events, but an essential source of wisdom and warning. Nebuchadnezzar had experienced the direct judgment of the divine, and this lesson should have been embraced by his successors. Daniel notes that Belshazzar “knew all these things,” but chose to learn nothing from them. Instead of accepting the truth revealed through his grandfather's experiences, he decided to rely on Babylonian theology, an illusory theology promising eternal greatness without considering the power and will of God.

Daniel's message is clear: Belshazzar and his court had history as a source of learning and guidance, but chose to deny or alter it to fit their own desires and beliefs. Rewriting or ignoring historical truth did them no good because reality, the reality they tried to flee from and replace with their own, caught up with them. Despite their efforts to glorify the gods of Babylon and assume their power was untouchable, the true power belonged to God, and now, at the feast, it was too late to learn anything new.

Daniel tells them that the time for learning has ended. The king and his court had all the information necessary to adjust their course, but chose to deny the evidence. By choosing to trust in false gods and their Babylonian theology, they constructed their own reality, one that proved to be completely false. At that moment of crisis, they were confronted with the true reality, one they tried to avoid but could no longer escape. Now, Daniel offers them not just a history lesson but also a mirror reflecting their errors clearly.

This lesson is, in fact, a judgment upon them. Denying the past and attempting to rewrite history led Belshazzar and those around him to this inevitable moment. Instead of learning from Nebuchadnezzar's experiences, they preferred to live in a false reality, a reality created by a theology promising eternal greatness but ignoring God's will. Now, at the feast, they were forced to confront the consequences of this blindness.

The Desecration Was Conscious and Deliberate

• But you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They brought the vessels from His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which neither see nor hear nor understand, but you did not honor the God who holds in His hand your life and all your ways!

In his speech, Daniel makes it clear: he exposes the deliberate intention behind the actions of Belshazzar and those present at the feast. It was not a mere mistake or an act done out of ignorance, but a conscious and premeditated defiance of the God of heavens. The fact that they brought the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem and drank wine from them was not an accidental act, but a calculated and direct challenge to God.

Daniel emphasizes that this gesture was a clear declaration of their belief in the false gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone—gods that, in essence, are powerless. They cannot see, hear, or understand. In other words, the gods that Belshazzar and his nobles worshiped had no life in them, they had no power to sustain life or to offer hope for the future of the empire. These idols were just mere human creations, devoid of any real power.

What Daniel tells them is that the action—using the holy vessels for a feast dedicated to false gods—was a deliberate affront to the true God. They acted with full knowledge, planning this gesture as a clear and conscious defiance. It was not about ignorance of the divine reality, but an intentional decision to elevate those false idols above the God who controls life and the fate of all.

Furthermore, Daniel underscores that this offering to idols was not just a symbolic gesture but a manifestation of a deceptive theology and belief system. Instead of glorifying the God "in whose hand is their very breath," they chose to worship dead things, lifeless idols, hoping that this would preserve the greatness and future of their empire.

This is the focus of the offense: they chose to defy God with clear intent, knowingly, believing that the power of false gods could offer them the greatness and stability they desired for the empire. They planned this defiance, and the emperor himself agreed, endorsing and participating in this act. Belshazzar and his nobles knew what they were doing and decided to act against the true God, raising praises to their powerless idols.

Daniel explicitly condemns them for this choice, showing that while they elevated these false gods to the status of supreme divinities, they ignored and refused to glorify the only God who had given them the breath of life and control over their ways. The bitter irony is that these idols, which cannot offer even a moment of life, became the object of their worship, while God, who controlled both their life and future, was ignored and defied.

This deliberate action and this clear defiance brought upon them divine judgment. There was no longer room for excuses or to claim ignorance of their actions. In the face of truth, their gesture was exposed as a conscious act of rebellion, and the moment of confrontation with the reality they had denied for so long was now inevitable.

Why Others Did Not Understand the Writing?

• Therefore, He sent this hand that wrote this inscription.

Daniel makes it clear that the appearance of the "hand" writing on the wall was neither an illusion nor a phenomenon explainable by natural means. This supernatural hand was a sign sent directly from the God of heavens, specifically intended to catch the attention of Belshazzar and all those present, signaling the time of divine judgment. This was not a subtle warning, but a visible message, written before their eyes, which brought them face to face with the inevitable truth: they were confronted with the consequences of their deliberate defiance of God.

The written message—"Numbered, Numbered, Weighed, and Divided"—was not understood by anyone except Daniel. Herein lies an important detail: the writing was in Hebrew, a language unfamiliar to most of the attendees. Aramaic was widely spoken at that time and would certainly have been understood by many Babylonians. If the writing had been in Aramaic, it could have been read and interpreted by others, indicating that it was intentionally written in a language that only Daniel, a man of God and a scholar of the Law of Moses, mastered: Hebrew.

Hebrew was not just a language of communication for the Jews but the sacred language of divine revelations, the Law of Moses, the Tablets of the Law, and the holy writings. Daniel, who was a devout man dedicated to adhering to the Laws of God, was one of those who knew and understood this language. The message on the wall was intentionally written in Hebrew, to show that behind this supernatural act was no human force or coincidence, but the God of Israel, whom the Babylonians had mocked.

The choice of Hebrew is significant and symbolic. Amid a feast where Belshazzar and the courtiers used sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem to praise false idols, God sends a message written in the language of the people they were mocking. The Jews were their captives, their temple in Jerusalem was in ruins, and the sacred vessels, meant for serving the God of the heavens, were now desecrated in a banquet dedicated to gods of gold, silver, wood, and stone. This display of divine defiance could not remain unanswered. However, the response did not come in the form of military force or political intervention, but through a divine intervention—a message written in Hebrew, the language through which God communicated His revelations and commands.

The message was clear to Daniel, but a mystery to others. The Babylonians, despite their grandeur, had no need to learn Hebrew, the language of the "Jewish slaves." They not only did not know this language, but they also did not give it any importance, believing that their power was eternal and that their gods were invincible. Therefore, they were unable to understand the message written by the divine hand, but the irony is that the very language they despised—Hebrew—was used to bring their final judgment.

Daniel makes it known that the inscription was not just a condemnation of Emperor Belshazzar but also a reaffirmation of the fact that the God of heavens, whom they had defied, was the same God who had given them revelation. While they mocked His temple, sacred vessels, and chosen people, God used Hebrew to demonstrate that He is sovereign, that He controls history and the destiny of empires. In the face of this divine truth, their idols were powerless.

Thus, the writing in Hebrew was more than just a message: it was a sign that God still watched over His people, even amidst a nation using its power to oppress them. In the end, that supernatural hand, writing in Hebrew, confirmed that behind all things stood the God of heavens, the only one who sees, hears, and knows the future, and who is sovereign over all nations.

• Here, however, is the inscription that was written: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin.
• And here is the interpretation of these words: Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
• Tekel: you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting!
• Peres: your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Daniel immediately recognized the writing in Hebrew and provided those present with the translation directly in Aramaic, the language they all understood. A lesson in Hebrew language and literature would have been pointless at that critical moment. The truly important lesson had already been given in writing: the divine message that precisely foretold what was about to happen, and those events were about to unfold that very night.

The Message Written on the Wall Is Crucial

The interpretation that Daniel provided for the message written on the wall is essential, not only for understanding the events of that night but also for confirming the fact that God governs the kingdoms of men and that His revelations are true and unshakeable. The words "Numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided" were not just a mysterious writing, but a divine message of judgment. Daniel, with his long experience in interpreting dreams and divine revelations, did not hesitate to provide the correct, clear, and precise explanation of this message. Why? Because he already knew, from the multiple previous revelations he had received, what was about to happen.

An important detail to remember is that Daniel no longer needed time to understand the message, as had been the case in the past when he had to wait to receive the interpretation of dreams. In his first encounter with an imperial dream, when Nebuchadnezzar demanded both the dream and its interpretation, Daniel had asked for time to receive the necessary divine revelation. In the case of the dream of the great tree, Daniel was "astonished for a moment," but was able to immediately provide the interpretation, as his mind was clear and well connected to the divine source of wisdom. Now, at the age of about 80 years, Daniel needed no moment of reflection. He already knew what was to happen, because God had revealed these things to him long before.

Daniel's previous experiences, especially the dream of the statue in his youth, had provided him with a solid foundation for understanding the events unfolding before him. In the dream of the statue, Daniel had told Nebuchadnezzar that after Babylon, another, weaker kingdom would follow, and then other kingdoms, until the end of history. These revelations had been clear to Daniel from then on. But more than that, during the reign of Belshazzar, Daniel received two more major revelations, recorded in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Daniel. These visions gave him precise details about what was to happen, including about the Medes and Persians, nations that were to conquer Babylon. Daniel had not just a vague understanding of the future—he knew exactly what was to happen, because God had given him this knowledge through his revelations.

Therefore, when Daniel saw the writing "Numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided," he had no doubt about its interpretation. God had already revealed to him that Babylon would be given to the Medes and Persians. The message on the wall was just a confirmation that the time for this prophecy to be fulfilled had come. Daniel did not need time to think, as he was fully aware of the divine plan. He knew that, following the loss at the Battle of Opis, Babylon was on the verge of final conquest by the Medes and Persians. Thus, the writing on the wall was just a validation of what Daniel had known for years through the revelations received from God.

Daniel's interpretation is therefore extremely important, not just for Emperor Belshazzar, but for all those present. "Numbered" means that the days of Belshazzar's reign were counted and his end was imminent. "Weighed" indicates that Belshazzar had been evaluated by God and found lacking, i.e., he did not meet the divine standards of justice and leadership. "Divided" meant that the empire was to be divided between the Medes and Persians, exactly as had been foretold in previous revelations.

What many may overlook is that, in addition to being well-versed in the divine plan, Daniel was not at all surprised by these events. For him, the "hand" that wrote on the wall was not a new beginning, but just confirmation that the "hour" determined by God had arrived. The judgment of Babylon, predicted many years earlier, was to be fulfilled that night. Daniel knew this not just because he was a wise man or an experienced prophet, but because God had already revealed everything that was about to happen. The writing on the wall was merely the final signal that the prophecies were about to be fulfilled, and Babylon was about to fall under the Medes and Persians.

Thus, Daniel's interpretation was more than just a simple deciphering of the written words; it was a confirmation of the divine plan detailed throughout his life. Daniel knew exactly what was about to happen, and that is why he could provide the interpretation with so much certainty. And events unfolded exactly as he said: that night, Belshazzar and Babylon fell under the dominion of the Medes and Persians, fulfilling God's prophecies.

• Immediately, Belshazzar commanded and they clothed Daniel with purple, put a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed that he would be the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
• But that very night, Belshazzar, the Chaldean king, was slain.
• And Darius the Mede, who was sixty-two years old, took over the kingdom.

The message "Numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided" was clear to Daniel: the days of Belshazzar's reign had been counted, and his empire was to be divided. This was no surprise to him, as he already knew that Babylon would be replaced by another kingdom, and the Medes and Persians would be given control. The fact that the message was fulfilled on the very night Daniel interpreted it not only proves the veracity of the prophecy but also that God's plan is always fulfilled with precision.

Thus, Daniel not only provided a correct interpretation, but he also witnessed the fulfillment of this prophecy that very night, when Belshazzar was killed, and Babylon fell under the rule of the Medes and Persians, as predicted.