Archives for 2024

Good morning,

Daniel 7 is a powerful testament to the certainty of God’s ultimate victory. Despite the chaos, destruction, and uncertainty embodied by the four beasts, God’s sovereign rule is unquestionable. He will judge justly, and His kingdom, handed to the Son of Man and shared with the saints, will endure eternally. This assures believers that despite worldly tribulations, God’s justice and His promise of an everlasting Kingdom are certain. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 7)

Daniel 7

Vision of the Four Beasts

The Ancient of Day holds court (v.9-14)

9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

The vision shifts to a heavenly court with the Ancient of Days, or God, presiding. The court passes judgment on the fourth beast, destroying it, but allowing the other beasts to live for a time. Then, the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days and is given dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom that will never pass away. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 7)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 7 is a powerful testament to the certainty of God’s ultimate victory. Despite the chaos, destruction, and uncertainty embodied by the four beasts, God’s sovereign rule is unquestionable. He will judge justly, and His kingdom, handed to the Son of Man and shared with the saints, will endure eternally. This assures believers that despite worldly tribulations, God’s justice and His promise of an everlasting Kingdom are certain. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 7)

Daniel 7

Vision of the Four Beasts

 Vision of the four beasts (v.1-8)

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Daniel dreams of four beasts arising from the sea, each unique in appearance. The first is like a lion with eagle’s wings, the second like a bear, the third like a leopard with four wings and four heads, and the fourth terrifying and powerful with iron teeth and ten horns. As Daniel watches, a little horn appears on the fourth beast, replacing three of the original horns. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 7)

The four beasts represent the same four world empires pictured in the great statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2). They were Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (cf. v.17). In verse seven, the ten horns on this beast pictured the ten kingdoms that would come out of the Roman Empire as it dissolved, but it pictures more. Among these ten horns will rise another little horn (v.24). He will be the Antichrist who will restore the Roman Empire.

The fourth beast is pictured again in revelation 13, the culmination of all the world empires. Revelation 13:3 tells how one of his heads was “wounded to death”. The Roman Empire declined. It will be restored then by this Antichrist. The ten horns here are the same ten kings represented in Revelation 17:16 who will cooperate with the Antichrist and give power to him. (The Rice Reference Bible,1981, pg.921)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 6 beautifully illustrates the victory of unwavering faith and righteousness over deceit and danger. Amidst adversity, Daniel’s devotion to God does not waver, demonstrating that when faced with trials, a steadfast faith can lead to divine intervention and justice. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Daniel 6

Daniel in the lion’s den

God’s Sovereignty Proclaimed (Verses 25-28)

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

King Darius issues a decree to all nations to fear and reverence the God of Daniel, acknowledging His eternal kingdom and delivering power. Daniel continues to prosper in Darius’s reign and into the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Themes

Unwavering Faith

Divine Protection

Political Intrigue

Triumph over Adversity

Jealousy and Deceit

Power of Prayer

God’s Sovereignty

Topics

Prayer and Worship

Political Scheming

Integrity and Righteousness

Divine Intervention

Trials and Temptations

Punishment of the Wicked

People

Daniel

King Darius

The Satraps

The Administrators

The Lions

Locations

Babylon

The Lions’ Den

(Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 6 beautifully illustrates the victory of unwavering faith and righteousness over deceit and danger. Amidst adversity, Daniel’s devotion to God does not waver, demonstrating that when faced with trials, a steadfast faith can lead to divine intervention and justice. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Daniel 6

Daniel in the lion’s den

Divine Protection in the Lion’s Den (Verses 16-24)

16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him.19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Daniel is cast into the lion’s den, but God sends an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and he remains unharmed. King Darius rushes to the den at dawn and is overjoyed to find Daniel alive. The conspirators are thrown into the den and devoured by the lions. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 6 beautifully illustrates the victory of unwavering faith and righteousness over deceit and danger. Amidst adversity, Daniel’s devotion to God does not waver, demonstrating that when faced with trials, a steadfast faith can lead to divine intervention and justice. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Daniel 6

Daniel in the lion’s den

The Plot against Daniel (Verses 1-5)

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

King Darius appoints 120 satraps to rule throughout his kingdom, with three administrators overseeing them. Daniel distinguishes himself, and King Darius plans to set him over the entire kingdom. Jealous officials conspire to trap Daniel by exploiting his religious faith. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

The Royal Decree (Verses 6-9)

6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

The satraps and administrators convince King Darius to issue a decree that anyone who prays to any god or human other than the king for thirty days will be thrown into the lions’ den. The King unknowingly signs this irrevocable law. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Daniel’s Unfaltering Faith (Verses 10-15)

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him.15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

Despite the decree, Daniel continues praying to God openly. When the officials find him praying, they remind the king of the decree, forcing the king to reluctantly order Daniel’s punishment, hoping that Daniel’s God would save him. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Divine Protection in the Lion’s Den (Verses 16-24)

16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him.19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Daniel is cast into the lion’s den, but God sends an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and he remains unharmed. King Darius rushes to the den at dawn and is overjoyed to find Daniel alive. The conspirators are thrown into the den and devoured by the lions. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

God’s Sovereignty Proclaimed (Verses 25-28)

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

King Darius issues a decree to all nations to fear and reverence the God of Daniel, acknowledging His eternal kingdom and delivering power. Daniel continues to prosper in Darius’s reign and into the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Themes

Unwavering Faith

Divine Protection

Political Intrigue

Triumph over Adversity

Jealousy and Deceit

Power of Prayer

God’s Sovereignty

Topics

Prayer and Worship

Political Scheming

Integrity and Righteousness

Divine Intervention

Trials and Temptations

Punishment of the Wicked

People

Daniel

King Darius

The Satraps

The Administrators

The Lions

Locations

Babylon

The Lions’ Den

(Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 6 beautifully illustrates the victory of unwavering faith and righteousness over deceit and danger. Amidst adversity, Daniel’s devotion to God does not waver, demonstrating that when faced with trials, a steadfast faith can lead to divine intervention and justice. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Daniel 6

Daniel in the lion’s den

The Plot against Daniel (Verses 1-5)

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.       4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

King Darius appoints 120 satraps to rule throughout his kingdom, with three administrators overseeing them. Daniel distinguishes himself, and King Darius plans to set him over the entire kingdom. Jealous officials conspire to trap Daniel by exploiting his religious faith. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

The Royal Decree (Verses 6-9)

6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

The satraps and administrators convince King Darius to issue a decree that anyone who prays to any god or human other than the king for thirty days will be thrown into the lions’ den. The King unknowingly signs this irrevocable law. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Daniel’s Unfaltering Faith (Verses 10-15)

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him.15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

Despite the decree, Daniel continues praying to God openly. When the officials find him praying, they remind the king of the decree, forcing the king to reluctantly order Daniel’s punishment, hoping that Daniel’s God would save him. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 6)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 5 powerfully underscores the unavoidable consequences of pride and disrespect toward God. The ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory is contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter challenges us to remain humble, respectful, and mindful of our actions, urging us to understand that ignoring God’s will can lead to our downfall.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel 5

The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

The judgment: Daniel interprets the writing (v.18-28)

18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor:19 And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.25 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel chastises Belshazzar for not learning from Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation at the hands of God due to his arrogance. He explains the writing: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN,” meaning God has numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end; he has been weighed and found wanting; his kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

The fall of Babylon (v29-31)

29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

Despite the grim prophecy, Belshazzar honors Daniel. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom.

Daniel 5 is a captivating chapter of the Bible, in which a mysterious supernatural event takes place in the grand palace of King Belshazzar. The chapter not only narrates an unprecedented event, but it also powerfully underscores the consequences of pride, disrespect toward God, and the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Themes

Divine judgment and punishment.

Folly of arrogance and pride.

Interpretation of divine messages.

Recognition of God’s sovereignty.

Consequences of blasphemy and idolatry.

Topics

Defilement of holy items.

Supernatural events.

Interpretation of signs.

Transfer of power.

Moral accountability.

People

King Belshazzar.

Queen mother.

Prophet Daniel.

The Babylonian nobles.

Darius the Mede.

Locations

Babylon.

King Belshazzar’s palace.

 (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 5 powerfully underscores the unavoidable consequences of pride and disrespect toward God. The ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory is contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter challenges us to remain humble, respectful, and mindful of our actions, urging us to understand that ignoring God’s will can lead to our downfall.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel 5

The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

Daniel the interpreter (v.10-17)

10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?14 I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:16 And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

The queen mother suggests Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. Daniel is brought before the king, who promises him great rewards for interpreting the writing. However, Daniel refuses the rewards and agrees to interpret the message.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 5 powerfully underscores the unavoidable consequences of pride and disrespect toward God. The ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory is contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter challenges us to remain humble, respectful, and mindful of our actions, urging us to understand that ignoring God’s will can lead to our downfall.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel 5

The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

King Belshazzar’s feast (v.1-4)

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

King Belshazzar hosts a great feast for his nobles, during which he arrogantly orders that the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought for his guests to drink from. This act defiles the sacred items as they toast to their gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Handwriting on the wall (v.5-9)

5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.6 Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.8 Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.      

Suddenly, a disembodied hand appears and writes on the palace wall, terrifying Belshazzar. He calls for his wise men to interpret the writing, but they are unable. This further distresses the king, leaving his nobles equally baffled and terrified.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel the interpreter (v.10-17)

10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?14 I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:16 And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

The queen mother suggests Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. Daniel is brought before the king, who promises him great rewards for interpreting the writing. However, Daniel refuses the rewards and agrees to interpret the message.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

The judgment: Daniel interprets the writing (v.18-28)

18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor:19 And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.25 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel chastises Belshazzar for not learning from Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation at the hands of God due to his arrogance. He explains the writing: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN,” meaning God has numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end; he has been weighed and found wanting; his kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

The fall of Babylon (v29-31)

29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

Despite the grim prophecy, Belshazzar honors Daniel. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom.

Daniel 5 is a captivating chapter of the Bible, in which a mysterious supernatural event takes place in the grand palace of King Belshazzar. The chapter not only narrates an unprecedented event, but it also powerfully underscores the consequences of pride, disrespect toward God, and the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Themes

Divine judgment and punishment.

Folly of arrogance and pride.

Interpretation of divine messages.

Recognition of God’s sovereignty.

Consequences of blasphemy and idolatry.

Topics

Defilement of holy items.

Supernatural events.

Interpretation of signs.

Transfer of power.

Moral accountability.

People

King Belshazzar.

Queen mother.

Prophet Daniel.

The Babylonian nobles.

Darius the Mede.

Locations

Babylon.

King Belshazzar’s palace.

 (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Daniel 5 powerfully underscores the unavoidable consequences of pride and disrespect toward God. The ephemeral nature of worldly power and glory is contrasted with the eternal sovereignty of God. The chapter challenges us to remain humble, respectful, and mindful of our actions, urging us to understand that ignoring God’s will can lead to our downfall.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Daniel 5

The Writing on the Wall: Divine Judgment and the Fall of Babylon

Handwriting on the wall (v.5-9)

5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.6 Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.8 Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished.      

Suddenly, a disembodied hand appears and writes on the palace wall, terrifying Belshazzar. He calls for his wise men to interpret the writing, but they are unable. This further distresses the king, leaving his nobles equally baffled and terrified.  (Bible Hub Chapter Summaries-Daniel 5)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com