Daniel 5:18

"Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation."

Key Reflection

Daniel 5:18 highlights Daniel's humble yet resolute response to King Belshazzar's offer of rewards. By suggesting that the king should keep his gifts for himself and give them to someone else, Daniel demonstrates both humility and confidence in God’s wisdom and power. This act reflects not only Daniel's commitment to serving Yahweh but also his understanding that the ability to interpret writing is a divine gift, not something to be bought or sold.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom ... -This reference to Nebuchadnezzar is evidently designed to show to Belshazzar the wickedness of his own course, and the reason which he had to apprehend the Divine vengeance, because he had not learned to avoid the sins which brought so great calamities upon his predecessor.

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