Daniel 5:4

KJV

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

KJV (with Strong's)

They drank {H8355} wine {H2562}, and praised {H7624} the gods {H426} of gold {H1722}, and of silver {H3702}, of brass {H5174}, of iron {H6523}, of wood {H636}, and of stone {H69}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They drank their wine and praised their gods made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone.

Berean Standard Bible

As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.

American Standard Version

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:4 vividly portrays the climax of King Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast, detailing the revelry and, crucially, the idolatrous worship that served as a direct affront to the God of Israel. This verse captures the moment of profound spiritual rebellion where the king and his court, having defiled the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, simultaneously engaged in the praise of their lifeless, man-made deities. It sets the immediate stage for the dramatic divine judgment that swiftly follows, underscoring the severe consequences of pride, blasphemy, and unrepentant idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:4 is an integral part of the narrative detailing Belshazzar's infamous feast, which unfolds in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Handwriting on the Wall"). The preceding verses establish the setting: King Belshazzar, in a display of arrogant defiance, commands that the gold and silver vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar from the temple of God in Jerusalem be brought out. These vessels, consecrated for holy worship, are then used for drinking wine by the king, his nobles, wives, and concubines ([Daniel 5:1-3](/daniel/5-1 "Daniel 5:1-3 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Sacred Vessels")). Verse 4 explicitly states the dual nature of their blasphemy: not only were the holy vessels desecrated, but the participants simultaneously offered praise to their pagan gods, directly contrasting their false worship with the holiness of the God whose vessels they defiled. This immediate juxtaposition heightens the tension and underscores the gravity of their sin, leading directly into the appearance of the mysterious handwriting on the wall in [Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Handwriting on the Wall").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 occur in 539 BC, on the very night Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians. Belshazzar was co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, who was often away from the capital. The feast itself, a grand display of power and security within the seemingly impregnable walls of Babylon, was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs. However, Belshazzar's specific act of bringing out the temple vessels was a deliberate and provocative insult to the God of Israel, whose power had been demonstrated to his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")). The "gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone" represent the typical pantheon of Mesopotamian deities, often depicted as idols made from these very materials. Such idolatry was deeply ingrained in Babylonian culture, where polytheism and the worship of numerous astral and earthly deities were central. The act of praising these gods while desecrating the vessels of the true God was a profound cultural and religious challenge, inviting divine retribution.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty** by demonstrating God's ultimate control over human kingdoms, even those as mighty as Babylon. Belshazzar's defiance directly challenges this sovereignty, leading to swift judgment. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Idolatry vs. True Worship**. The detailed enumeration of the materials of the false gods emphasizes their lifeless, man-made nature, starkly contrasting them with the living, omnipotent God of Israel, who is worthy of all praise. This theme is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, as seen in passages like [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Futility of Idols"). Thirdly, it exemplifies the theme of **Pride and Humiliation**. Belshazzar's arrogant disregard for God's holiness mirrors the pride that led to Nebuchadnezzar's temporary downfall, serving as a warning that God opposes the proud ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, the verse sets the stage for **Divine Judgment**, as the blasphemous act directly precipitates God's immediate and decisive intervention, signaling the end of the Babylonian empire.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drank (Aramaic, _shᵉthâh'_):** This Aramaic verb signifies the act of imbibing, whether literally or figuratively. In Daniel 5:4, it refers to the literal consumption of wine by Belshazzar and his court. However, the significance lies not merely in the act of drinking, but in *what* they drank from—the sacred vessels of the Jerusalem temple—and *while* they drank—in the context of idolatrous revelry. This act of drinking becomes a symbol of their spiritual intoxication and their audacious disregard for divine holiness.
* **praised (Aramaic, _shᵉbach'_):** This Aramaic verb means "to adulate" or "to adore," specifically in the context of offering worship or commendation. Here, it describes the act of devotion directed towards the pagan gods. The verb choice emphasizes the active and intentional nature of their idolatry, indicating not just a passive acknowledgment but an enthusiastic celebration and veneration of their false deities, directly contrasting with the worship due to the one true God.
* **gods (Aramaic, _ʼĕlâhh'_):** This Aramaic noun corresponds to the Hebrew "Eloah" or "Elohim" and can refer to the true God or to pagan deities. In this context, it unequivocally refers to the numerous false gods worshipped by the Babylonians. The subsequent enumeration of materials ("gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone") further clarifies that these are man-made idols, highlighting their inherent powerlessness and the futility of worshipping them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They drank wine,"**: This clause describes the immediate action of Belshazzar and his guests. The act of drinking wine in itself is not inherently sinful, but in this context, it is deeply problematic. The wine was consumed from the sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple, which were consecrated to the worship of the God of Israel. This act transformed a common social custom into a profound act of sacrilege and defiance against divine holiness.
* **"and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone."**: This second clause reveals the true depth of their blasphemy. While drinking from the holy vessels, they simultaneously offered praise and worship to their pagan idols. The detailed enumeration of materials—gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone—serves to emphasize the material, man-made, and therefore powerless nature of these "gods." This act was a direct and deliberate affront to the living God, whose power had been so clearly demonstrated through Nebuchadnezzar's experience and the very existence of the plundered vessels. Their worship of inanimate objects underscored their spiritual blindness and rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:4 employs several potent literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominently featured with the detailed listing of materials ("gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone"). This exhaustive list serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of Babylonian idolatry, highlighting that their worship encompassed every conceivable form of man-made deity. It also subtly underscores the futility and lifelessness of these objects, contrasting them with the singular, living God. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the scene: the Babylonians are celebrating their perceived power and security, praising gods made of inert materials, while the very vessels they defile represent the power of the true God who is about to bring their empire to an end. The act of praising these false gods while simultaneously desecrating the holy objects of the true God creates a stark **Contrast**, powerfully illustrating the spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:4 serves as a stark theological statement on the nature of idolatry and divine judgment. It reveals that true worship is directed only to the living God, and that any deviation towards created things, whether physical idols or abstract concepts like power and pleasure, constitutes a profound spiritual offense. Belshazzar's actions were not merely a social faux pas but a direct challenge to God's holiness and sovereignty, demonstrating that God is not mocked and will hold humanity accountable for its rebellion. The detailed listing of idol materials emphasizes their inherent powerlessness, a theological truth found throughout Scripture, reminding us that only the Creator, not creation, is worthy of praise.

* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - Exchanging the Glory of God for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:4 offers a timeless warning against the dangers of spiritual pride, sacrilege, and idolatry. While we may not physically drink from temple vessels or bow before statues of gold, the principle remains: anything that takes the place of God in our hearts becomes an idol. This verse challenges us to examine what we truly praise, rely on, and derive our security from. Do we treat God's Word, His church, or His name with the reverence they deserve, or do we, like Belshazzar, treat sacred things lightly while pursuing our own pleasures and false securities? The swift judgment upon Babylon reminds us that God is sovereign over all kingdoms and lives, and that defiance against Him ultimately leads to ruin. Our ultimate praise and allegiance must be reserved for Him alone, recognizing that true freedom and security are found not in material possessions or human achievements, but in humble submission to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" of gold, silver, or stone might I be praising in my own life, perhaps subtly, instead of the one true God?**
* **How do I demonstrate reverence (or lack thereof) for God's holiness and sacred things in my daily life?**
* **In what ways might pride or a sense of self-sufficiency be blinding me to God's sovereignty and leading me toward spiritual danger?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific list of materials for the gods so important?**

Answer: The detailed enumeration of materials—gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone—is crucial because it highlights the inherent futility and powerlessness of the Babylonian idols. These are all earthly, man-made substances, emphasizing that the "gods" worshipped by Belshazzar were merely products of human hands and imagination. Unlike the living God of Israel, these idols were inanimate, unable to see, hear, speak, or save. This detailed list serves to mock the idols themselves, underscoring their utter inability to respond or intervene, especially in contrast to the immediate divine judgment that follows this very act ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Handwriting on the Wall")). It underscores a key biblical theme found throughout the Old Testament: the stark difference between the true, living God and the dead, impotent idols of the nations (e.g., [Psalm 135:15-18](/psalm/135-15 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The Idols of the Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:4, with its depiction of blatant idolatry and the desecration of sacred vessels, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Belshazzar's worship of lifeless idols made of earthly materials stands in stark contrast to the worship of the living God, fully revealed in Christ. While the Babylonians praised gods of gold and stone, the New Testament calls believers to worship the one true God through Jesus, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"). The defiled temple vessels foreshadow the ultimate desecration of God's temple—His people—by sin, and Christ's work as the [true and greater Temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), whose body was broken and raised, providing access to God. He is the ultimate sacrifice, cleansing us not with the blood of animals or the washing of vessels, but with His own precious blood, making us holy and fit for God's presence ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Belshazzar's pride and fall prefigure the ultimate judgment on all who reject God and cling to idols, whether material or spiritual. Christ, however, offers deliverance from the power of idolatry, calling us to [put to death what is earthly in us](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things") and to worship Him alone, for He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the only one truly worthy of all praise and adoration.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Habakkuk 2:19

Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it [is] laid over with gold and silver, and [there is] no breath at all in the midst of it.

Psalms 135:15

¶ The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Psalms 135:18

They that make them are like unto them: [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Revelation 9:20

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Revelation 9:21

Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Isaiah 42:8

I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.