Daniel Unlocked #27. In the play and Counter Play of Human History, God is Sovereign.
Please Read Daniel Chapter 5.
It is important to know what God has done in the history of His people, because history tells us what happens to those who forget the past. We will spend several days contemplating this chapter because it figures heavily in the Book of Revelation. Especially Revelation 16-18.
“And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21.) In Daniel 5, the Word of God gives us a powerful example of excessive human pride or self-confidence that ends in a stunning and dramatic way. Though one could say that it takes Nebuchadnezzar a long time to learn his lesson, at least he learned it. His grandson, Belshazzar, does not. In using the temple vessels in a palace orgy, Belshazzar desecrates them. Such an act of desecration is tantamount to an attack and insult on God Himself. Thus, Belshazzar fills up the cup of his iniquities, acting in ways like the little horn that we will encounter in Daniel 7 and 8. This power (the Little Horn) will attack the foundations of God’s sanctuary. By removing dominion from Belshazzar, God prefigures what He will accomplish against the enemies of His people in the very last days.
The events narrated in Daniel 5 took place in 539 B.C., on the night Babylon fell before the Medo-Persian army. Here occurs the transition from gold to silver, predicted in Daniel 2. Once more it becomes evident that God rules in the affairs of the world. Prior to Babylon’s fall, Cyrus had dried up (diverted) the river Euphrates. Another part of the story alluded to in the Book of Revelation prior to the fall of spiritual Babylon.
The king commands that the sacred utensils of the Jerusalem temple be used as drinking vessels. Revelation 17:2 will paint a similar picture. Nebuchadnezzar had seized the vessels from the Jerusalem temple, but he placed them in the house of his god, which shows that at least he respects their sacred status.
But Belshazzar turns the sacred vessels into drinking utensils in a most profane way.
While drinking from the sacred vessels, Belshazzar’s lords “praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone” (Dan. 5:4). It is worth noticing that six materials are mentioned. The Babylonians used the sexagesimal system (a system based on the number 60) in contrast to the decimal system used today. Thus, the six categories of gods represent the totality of the Babylonian deities and, therefore, the fullness of the Babylonian religious system. The number 6 will figure in Revelation and is one of the identifications of spiritual Babylon.
Interestingly enough, the order of the materials mentioned follows the order of the components of the dream statue of Nebuchadnezzar, except that wood replaces the clay. As in the dream, stone appears last; although here it designates the material composition of idols. Stone also evokes God’s judgment upon worldly empires (see Dan. 2:44, 45), which Babylon symbolizes. This feast serves as an apt representation of end-time Babylon as seen in the book of Revelation. Like Belshazzar, the woman in end time Babylon holds a golden cup and offers polluted drink to the nations. In other words, by means of false doctrines and a distorted worship system, modern Babylon lures the world into evil (Rev. 17:4–6), oblivious to the judgment that will soon fall upon her. One day judgment will come.
Reflect for a moment on the ways our society and culture profane the truth of God’s Word. How can we be careful not to take part in that profanation, even in subtle ways? Think for example of the fourth commandment in Exodus 20:8-11.
As Nebuchadnezzar did in a previous crisis (Dan. 2:2, 4:7), Belshazzar calls the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers to clarify the mysterious writing. And to make sure that they give their best, the king promises them extravagant honours: purple clothing, a colour worn by royalty in ancient times (Esther 8:15); a chain of gold, which was a sign of high social status (Gen. 41:42); and the position of third ruler in the kingdom. This last reward reflects accurately the historical circumstances of Babylon at that time. Because Belshazzar was second ruler as co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, he offers the position of third ruler. But despite the tempting rewards, the sages once again fail to provide an explanation.
Yes in the old days it was all about worship as it will be in the end days which is not to far off God continue to bless you 🙏
Satan will always try to counterfeit worship for himself. Being true to God will reveal the deception. He ultimately loses and God is our Sovereign Lord and King