DANIEL 5
10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers,
12 because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.” 13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah. 14 I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter. 16 But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. 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.” – Daniel 5:10-16
DANIEL 5 BELSHAZZAR SUMMONS DANIEL
When King Belshazzar couldn’t unravel the handwriting on the wall by his magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans and astrologers, his wife, the Queen reminded him of Daniel who had served his father (some commentaries say that it is more likely a grandfather but they refer to father more as ancestors). It seems like history repeated itself, only now it is in the form of a finger writing on the wall instead of a dream. Like his ancestor, Nebuchadnezzar, they rely so much on these magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans and astrologers. They considered them wise but I would say that they are just intelligent and knowledgeable but not necessarily wise. Their understanding is limited, just like any other human being. Daniel was given a promise of prestige and power if he cracked the writing on the wall. He was going to be clothed with purple clothes which were very rare and expensive that time and will also be promoted to be the third ruler in the kingdom.
REFLECTION
- Do you think Daniel was interested in the promotion if he cracked the writing?
