Daniel 5:5

"They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone."

Key Reflection

In Daniel 5:5, King Belshazzar and his guests are depicted engaging in revelry by drinking wine and praising various gods made from different materials like gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. This scene reflects the common practice of idolatrous worship during that time, where people would drink, party, and offer praise to their pagan deities. The cultural context suggests a festive but ultimately vain celebration, as these idols were lifeless and incapable of responding or granting any true benefit or protection, setting up the dramatic contrast with the handwriting on the wall that announces Belshazzar's downfall.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

In the same hour -On the word “hour,” see the note atDaniel 4:19. Came forth fingers of a man’s hand -Not the whole hand, but only the parts usually employed in writing. Not a man writing; not even an arm, but fingers that seemed to move themselves. They appeared to come forth from the walls, and were seen before they began to write. It was this that made it so impressive and alarming. It could not be supposed that it was the work of man, or that it was devised by man for the purpose of producing consternation.

More from Daniel 5

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