A Rich Legacy
Chapter 5 of Daniel brings in elements from previous chapters. For example, chapter 1 introduced the captivity of Daniel and his colleagues. Chapter 2, gave a visual allusion to the gods of metals which preceded the perpetual golden statue in chapter 3. In chapter 4, last week, we witnessed yet another failure of the so-called wise men (https://robert-a-l-blake.com/a-lesson-in-humility/). We find, though, that Nebuchadnezzar had left a rich legacy, which was scorned. The scene in Daniel 5 starts abruptly, without a historical introduction.
Belshazzar’s Last Party
A seemingly uninterpretable message written by a bloodless, not to mention disembodied hand, perplexes the current king, Belshazzar. This occurred during a celebration of sorts. True to tradition, he turned to his court counselors to interpret the message. In Daniel’s rebuke of King Belshazzar, he referenced Nebuchadnezzar’s fall from grace in the preceding chapter. Belshazzar was the son or more likely grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. However, he apparently was not a student of history or a subscriber to it. It is clear, though, that he was not oblivious to what had transpired in the relatively recent reign before him. Daniel rebuked the king’s knowledge base in verse 22. “You knew this, yet you became defiant anyway”, I paraphrase.
Belshazzar’s actions showed arrogance to the nth degree, as he disrespected the God of heaven. Some historians note he knew that the Medes and Persians had surrounded the city. In an act of either drunken insanity or overconfidence, he threw a lavish banquet, anyway. Neglect or divine intervention left the security gates open. Probably the latter, as Isaiah had prophesied it in chapter 45 verse 1. The nation God used to discipline His chosen people was now being punished by God via the Medes and Persians. This was because they had neglected the sovereignty of God.
A Rich Legacy
In chapter 4 of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar’s parting statement was a wonderful testimony from a contrite follower of God. That sentiment obviously did not trickle down to Belshazzar and he, as well as his nation, suffered the dire consequences. It is another lesson for us today. Aligning one’s own life with God is not enough. One must instruct and influence the next generation. That is truly a rich legacy.
Prayer
Our dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for the rich legacy You have given us through Your Son. Help us to share this Gift with our family and those closest to us. In doing so, we continue to enjoy Your blessings. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
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