Daniel 5:23

"“You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,"

Key Reflection

In the context of the Babylonian Empire and its court culture, Belshazzar was likely a co-regent, possibly even the rightful king as Nebuchadnezzar's son. This verse from Daniel 5:23 would have been shocking to the original audience, emphasizing that despite knowing about God’s judgment on past kings like Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar had not learned humility. The implication is that his lack of reverence could lead to similar divine retribution, aligning with the prophetic tradition of God’s consistent judgment against arrogance and idolatry in Babylon.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven -The God who had so signally rebuked and humbled Nebuchadnezzar. The monarch had done this, it would seem, during the whole of his reign, and now by a crowning act of impiety he had evinced special disregard of him, and contempt for him, by profaning the sacred vessels of his temple. And they have brought the vessels of his house before thee ... -See the note atDaniel 5:2. And the God in whose hand thy breath is -Under whose power, and at whose disposal, is thy life.

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