Daniel 5:29

Daniel 5:29 records King Belshazzar's immediate fulfillment of his promise to Daniel after the prophet successfully interpreted the mysterious writing on the wall. This verse marks a brief moment of honor for Daniel amidst the dramatic collapse of the Babylonian Empire.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a tense narrative in Daniel chapter 5. King Belshazzar, during a lavish feast, profaned sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem, leading to a miraculous hand writing a cryptic message on the palace wall (Daniel 5:5). When no Chaldean wise men could interpret it, Daniel was summoned. Despite Daniel's rebuke of Belshazzar's pride and idolatry (Daniel 5:23), and his initial refusal of gifts (Daniel 5:17), the king, perhaps out of desperation or a desire to uphold his word, proceeded with the promised reward.

Key Themes

• Temporary Recognition of Divine Wisdom: Belshazzar, though facing imminent judgment, acknowledges Daniel's unique insight, which clearly came from God. He bestows upon Daniel the promised honors: clothing him in scarlet (a color of royalty and high status), a chain of gold (a mark of distinction and authority), and the proclamation that he would be the "third ruler in the kingdom."
• Daniel's Vindication and Elevation: After years, perhaps decades, of serving in the background or being overlooked, Daniel is suddenly elevated to a position of immense power and visibility. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His servants, raising them up at His appointed time, even in unexpected circumstances.
• The Irony of Worldly Power: The most striking aspect of this verse is the profound irony. Daniel is elevated to the third highest position in the kingdom just hours before that kingdom is utterly overthrown (Daniel 5:30-31). This highlights the fleeting nature of human power and the certainty of God's sovereign plan. The honors Belshazzar bestowed were ultimately meaningless in the face of divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "third ruler in the kingdom" is significant. In the Babylonian hierarchy, the king was the first ruler, and typically the crown prince or regent was the second. Thus, being the third ruler meant Daniel was elevated to the highest possible position for someone not of the royal family, signifying immense power and influence within the administration. This was a specific, tangible reward for a unique contribution.

Practical Application

Daniel 5:29 offers several contemporary lessons:

• God Honors Faithfulness: Just as Daniel was honored for his unwavering faithfulness and reliance on God's wisdom, so too does God ultimately honor those who serve Him diligently (1 Samuel 2:30).
• Worldly Recognition is Fleeting: The honors bestowed upon Daniel by Belshazzar were short-lived, emphasizing that true and lasting honor comes from God, not from human accolades or positions. Our ultimate reward is in God's eternal kingdom.
• God's Timing is Perfect: The dramatic timing of Daniel's elevation, immediately preceding Babylon's fall, underscores God's perfect control over human history. He can bring about recognition or judgment precisely when He wills.