What does Daniel 5:29 mean?
When Belshazzar first sought an explanation for his terrifying encounter (Daniel 5:5), he promised great power and wealth to anyone who could give him an answer (Daniel 5:7). In an example of tremendous nerve, Daniel not only dismissed the offer (Daniel 5:17), but he then scolded King Belshazzar for his blasphemy and hard-headed sin (Daniel 5:18–23). Daniel explained that the writing was an omen, predicting that the Babylonian kingdom would be defeated and divided (Daniel 5:24–28).Scripture does not record how Belshazzar took this news. It simply notes that the king made good on his promise. Daniel is immediately dressed in finery and proclaimed the "third ruler." Scholars believe this is because Belshazzar was acting as a regent—second-in-command—while his father, Nabonidus, the "first ruler" and true king, was away. It is remarkable that a pagan Gentile ruler would elevate Daniel, a Hebrew and captive exile (Daniel 1:3–7), to such a prominent position. However, God was working in the situation to make this happen. It's possible the king was trying to appeal to Daniel for forgiveness. He may have thought he could appease the Lord…but it was too late. As the next verse notes, Belshazzar met his death that very night (Daniel 5:30).
Babylon had conquered Jerusalem and taken Daniel and others captive, but God moved Belshazzar to honor one of those captives, and very soon He would use the Persians to conquer Babylon. God works in wondrous ways to accomplish His will.
