What does Daniel chapter 5 mean?

In discussions of biblical historical accuracy, this passage is among the most common addressed. Taken literally and directly, the progression of kings given here conflicts with commonly accepted history. The primary criticism of this passage is that Nebuchadnezzar did not have a son named Belshazzar. Nor was Belshazzar the last recorded king of Babylon prior to its fall. However, the biblical text is brief and subject to various interpretations. Also, ancient historical records of that era are often contradictory, vague, or incomplete. Untangling the various options could fill multiple books; many have been written for that purpose.

Among the more reasonable explanations involves regional names—building on the common occurrence of a person being known by different names in different times or places. "Belshazzar" might be used here as another name for Evilmerodach, clearly identified as Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor, and who was murdered after a short rule. Another option is that this chapter refers to Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus. Nabonidus was the last king of Babylon; he left his son as co-regent of the capital city while he was on a journey, at which time the city was captured. Either of these implies Daniel 5:30–31 summarizes the events between the end of this particular Babylonian ruler's life and the cementing of Darius the Mede's control of Babylon.

Some time after Nebuchadnezzar's period of insanity (Daniel 4:33–37), Belshazzar holds an enormous party for himself and other nobles. Daniel immediately notes the king's consumption of wine, then specifies that it was after drinking that Belshazzar made a fateful choice. He orders the sacred objects captured by Nebuchadnezzar (Exodus 30:22–29; Daniel 1:1–2) to be brought to the party. There, they are used as props during further drinking and toasts to idols (Daniel 5:1–4).

Without warning, the king and others see disembodied fingers writing on the wall, in a spot brightly lit by a lamp. The ethereal fingers, the strange writing, the location on the wall, and the suddenness make it clear that this is a supernatural event. The king is terrified; Daniel's description may mean that he collapsed from fright. Immediately, Belshazzar begs for an explanation. He offers great honor and a position of power. None of the advisors can explain the words. In fact, they cannot even read them, suggesting they were in a foreign script or code. This rekindles the king's fear (Daniel 5:5–9).

The woman who speaks next does not seem to be one of Belshazzar's wives or concubines. She is most likely the widow of a former king, or possibly the "queen mother." She arrives at the banquet hall and suggests Belshazzar consult with Daniel. She refers to Daniel using phrases like those spoken by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:8). She notes Daniel's ability to explain such things and encourages the terrified king to call the captive Hebrew. When Daniel arrives, the king once again promises great rewards if Daniel can explain what has happened (Daniel 5:10–16).

Few characters in Scripture exhibit as much raw courage as Daniel. As a captive of Babylon, in a hall surrounded by nobles, facing the king, and likely nearing eighty years old, one might expect Daniel to cower and choose delicate words. Instead, he begins by rejecting Belshazzar's offer of payment. Then he briefly explains the incident when Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God (Daniel 4:28–33). Daniel ruthlessly proclaims that Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar's descendant, has not learned the same lesson. Instead, he is rebellious, profane, and dishonorable (Daniel 5:17–23).

For that reason, says Daniel, God sent the hand to write a message for Belshazzar. This comes in the form of four words which are either Aramaic or derived from Aramaic language: mene mene tekel [and] parsin. Mene implies counting, tekel refers to weights, and parsin means separation or splitting. Daniel explains that these words are an omen. God has assessed Babylon, counted out its days, found it inferior, and planned to divide it. The nation will be conquered; Daniel subtly changes the last word from plural to singular to highlight how similar peres is to Paras, or Persia (Daniel 5:24–28).

Belshazzar makes good on his promise to give Daniel riches and honor. No other details of his reaction are given. Whatever he might have thought or said, the prophecy is fulfilled immediately. The king dies that very night; while the Bible does not say exactly how, it's possible the city fell to a siege which had been ongoing. Daniel's summary is extremely brief, skipping to the next important figure in his story (Daniel 5:29–31).