Question 1

What is happening in the story of Belshazzar’s feast and the writing on the wall?

Accepted Answer

This story takes place in Babylon during a large royal feast. King Belshazzar is drinking wine with a thousand of his nobles while enemy forces are outside the city. In his pride he orders the sacred gold and silver cups taken from God’s temple in Jerusalem to be used for drinking. As they drink, they praise idols of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. At that moment a hand appears and writes on the wall. The king is terrified, the wise men cannot explain it, and Daniel is brought in to tell what it means.

Question 2

Why did God judge Belshazzar during the feast with the holy vessels?

Accepted Answer

God’s judgment comes while Belshazzar is openly mocking Him. The king knows what God did to humble Nebuchadnezzar before him, but he refuses to learn. Instead, he lifts himself up against the Lord of heaven by using the holy vessels from the temple as if they were common cups and by praising powerless idols. Daniel says Belshazzar has not humbled his heart, has not glorified the God who holds his breath and ways, and has chosen pride and idolatry. The writing on the wall shows that God’s patience has run out and judgment has arrived.

Question 3

What does “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Daniel explains each word to Belshazzar. “Mene” means that God has numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom and finished it. It is said twice to show how sure and fixed God’s decision is. “Tekel” means the king has been weighed in God’s scales and found wanting, or lacking. “Peres” (from Upharsin) means the kingdom is divided and will be given to the Medes and Persians. So the message is that Belshazzar’s rule is measured, judged, and about to be taken away and given to others.

Question 4

Who is Daniel in this story, and why is he able to interpret the writing?

Accepted Answer

Daniel is one of the exiles from Judah who was brought to Babylon years before. He had already served under Nebuchadnezzar and had been known for wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to interpret dreams and hard sayings. The queen remembers this and tells Belshazzar about him. She says that the spirit of the holy gods is in Daniel. When Daniel comes in, he refuses rewards and speaks boldly. God gives him understanding of the strange words on the wall, so he can explain God’s message of judgment to the king.

Question 5

Why could the Babylonian wise men not read or explain the writing on the wall?

Accepted Answer

When the hand writes on the wall, Belshazzar quickly calls his astrologers, wise men, and soothsayers. He offers them high honors if they can read and interpret the message. But they cannot do it. This shows that human wisdom and magic cannot grasp what God is saying when He chooses to speak. Their failure increases the king’s fear and helps everyone see the difference between their empty skills and the true wisdom God gives to Daniel. It also shows that only God can reveal the meaning of His own warning.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about pride, especially in leaders?

Accepted Answer

This passage gives a sharp warning about pride. Belshazzar enjoys luxury and feels secure while danger is at his door. He ignores how God humbled Nebuchadnezzar, who was far greater than he was. Instead of fearing God, he lifts himself up against Him and treats holy things as toys for his party. God shows that He rules over all kingdoms and can remove a king in a single night. For leaders and for anyone, this teaches that pride, contempt for God, and careless sin against what is holy lead to sudden and serious judgment.

Question 7

What does this story show about God’s control over kingdoms and history?

Accepted Answer

The story shows that God rules over human kingdoms, no matter how strong they seem. He gave Nebuchadnezzar power, and He took it away for a time when that king grew proud. Now He weighs Belshazzar and ends his rule. The words on the wall say the kingdom will be given to the Medes and Persians, and that is exactly what happens that same night when Belshazzar is killed and Darius the Median takes the kingdom. This reminds readers that God sets up and removes rulers and that no empire is outside His hand.

Question 8

What was happening in Babylon the night Belshazzar saw the writing on the wall?

Accepted Answer

That night, while Belshazzar holds a great feast, Babylon is actually under threat. Enemy forces of the Medes and Persians are near. Instead of humbling himself or seeking God, the king seeks to show his power and security. He gathers a thousand of his lords, drinks wine in front of them, and uses the temple vessels from Jerusalem for his party. He feels safe behind his walls, but God shows him that his kingdom is already numbered and finished. Before the night ends, the city falls and the king is slain.

Question 9

How can the message of the writing on the wall speak to people today?

Accepted Answer

The message on the wall shows that God sees pride, sin, and contempt for what is holy, and that He sets a limit to it. People today may not drink from temple cups, but they can still treat God’s name, worship, and truth lightly, and live as if they answer only to themselves. This passage calls people to humble themselves, remember that life and breath are in God’s hand, and turn away from idols of wealth, power, or pleasure. It reminds us that God will weigh every life and that it is wise to honor Him now.

Daniel 5:1

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

Belshazzar’s Feast

The Handwriting on the Wall

Daniel Interprets the Handwriting

Belshazzar’s Feast

Cross References

Daniel 5:1

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

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