Daniel 5:17

"But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. 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.”"

Key Reflection

In Daniel 5:17, Belshazzar acknowledges Daniel's reputation for interpreting dreams and solving enigmatic challenges. By offering rewards like purple garments, a gold chain, and a high administrative position as the third ruler in the kingdom, Belshazzar seeks Daniel’s expertise to decipher the mysterious writing on the wall. This context highlights the prestige associated with wisdom and the political significance of such knowledge in ancient Babylonian society.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself -That is, “I do not desire them; I do not act from a hope of reward.” Daniel means undoubtedly to intimate that what he would do would be done from a higher motive than a desire of office or honor. The answer is one that is eminently dignified. Yet he says he would read the writing, implying that he was ready to do anything that would be gratifying to the monarch. It may seem somewhat strange that Daniel, who here disclaimed all desire of office or reward, should so soonDaniel 5:29have submitted to be clothed in this manner, and to receive the insignia of office.

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