Belshazzar
The Arrogant King of Babylon
Name Information
- Meaning: "Bel protects the king"
- Language of Origin: Akkadian
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Belshazzar was a Babylonian king who desecrated the temple vessels in a feast, leading to the divine message of judgment — the 'writing on the wall' — interpreted by Daniel.
⏰ Babylonian Empire (c. 539 BC)
Roles
- King
Relationships
- Ancestor: Nebuchadnezzar
- Enemy: Daniel
Story
Held a lavish feast using gold and silver vessels from God’s temple.
Praised false gods while dishonoring the true God.
Saw a mysterious hand write 'MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN' on the wall.
Daniel interpreted it as God’s judgment — his kingdom would fall.
That night, Babylon was conquered by the Medes and Persians.
Spiritual Significance
- Used sacred temple vessels for idolatrous feasting.
- Witnessed the supernatural writing on the wall.
- Received God’s judgment through Daniel’s interpretation.
What We Can Learn
- Pride and irreverence toward God bring swift judgment.
- Sacred things should not be treated with contempt.
Memory Verses
You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
— Daniel 5:27
Key Passages
- Daniel 5
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