Daniel 5:7

KJV

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. [And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4430} cried {H7123} aloud {H2429} to bring {H5954} in the astrologers {H826}, the Chaldeans {H3779}, and the soothsayers {H1505}. And the king {H4430} spake {H6032}, and said {H560} to the wise {H2445} men of Babylon {H895}, Whosoever {H606}{H3606} shall read {H7123} this {H1836} writing {H3792}, and shew {H2324} me the interpretation {H6591} thereof, shall be clothed {H3848} with scarlet {H711}, and have a chain {H2002} of gold {H1722} about {H5922} his neck {H6676}, and shall be the third {H8523} ruler {H7981} in the kingdom {H4437}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king cried out to bring in the exorcists, astrologers and diviners. The king said to the sages of Bavel, "Whoever can read this inscription and tell me what it means will be dressed in royal purple, wear a gold chain around his neck and be one of the three men ruling the kingdom."

Berean Standard Bible

The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

American Standard Version

The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spake and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:7 vividly portrays King Belshazzar's desperate and immediate reaction to the mysterious writing on the palace wall. Overwhelmed by terror and a profound sense of the unknown, the king frantically summoned his most esteemed advisors—the astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers—to decipher the enigmatic message. In a display of extreme urgency and the high stakes involved, he offered an unprecedented array of lavish rewards: royal scarlet attire, a golden chain, and the prestigious position of third ruler in the kingdom, to anyone who could successfully read and interpret the divine inscription.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the dramatic narrative of [Daniel chapter 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Writing on the Wall"). The chapter opens with King Belshazzar hosting a magnificent, yet impious, feast where he brazenly desecrated sacred vessels plundered from the Jerusalem temple, using them for pagan revelry ([Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Feast and Desecration")). In the midst of this sacrilege, a disembodied hand mysteriously appeared and inscribed words upon the palace wall, immediately striking terror into the king's heart and causing his knees to knock together ([Daniel 5:5-6](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5-6 - The Hand Writes on the Wall")). Daniel 5:7 marks Belshazzar's frantic, initial response to this terrifying divine intervention, setting the stage for the subsequent failure of Babylon's wise men ([Daniel 5:8](/daniel/5-8 "Daniel 5:8 - The Wise Men Fail")) and the eventual summons of Daniel, who alone possessed the Spirit of God to provide the true interpretation ([Daniel 5:10-12](/daniel/5-10 "Daniel 5:10-12 - Daniel is Summoned")). This scenario notably echoes King Nebuchadnezzar's earlier reliance on and subsequent disappointment with his wise men in [Daniel chapter 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Belshazzar ruled Babylon as co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, who was often away on military campaigns. This explains the "third ruler" position, as Nabonidus would have been first, Belshazzar second, and the interpreter third. Babylonian society placed immense value on divination, astrology, and omens, and the "wise men" (astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers) were a powerful and respected class of priests, scribes, and scholars who advised the king on all matters of state and religion. The term "Chaldeans" here refers not merely to the ethnic group but specifically to this learned, priestly caste renowned for their occult practices and astronomical knowledge. Scarlet clothing was a symbol of royalty and high honor, often worn by kings and nobles, while a gold chain was a mark of distinction and authority, signifying a position of great trust and favor. The desperate nature of Belshazzar's offer underscores the profound cultural reliance on these figures for interpreting divine signs, as well as the unprecedented terror that gripped him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the **desperation for divine insight** in the face of the unknown, particularly when confronted with a direct manifestation of divine power. Belshazzar's immediate cry for his wise men demonstrates humanity's innate need for understanding and control, even when resorting to pagan means. Secondly, it foreshadows the **failure of worldly wisdom** and pagan practices when confronted with the true God's revelation. The inability of Babylon's most esteemed spiritual advisors to interpret the writing, as revealed in [Daniel 5:8](/daniel/5-8 "The Inability of the Babylonian Wise Men"), underscores the limitations of human knowledge and occult arts in discerning divine truth. This sets the stage for the ultimate triumph of God's prophet, Daniel, whose wisdom comes directly from the Almighty. Finally, the lavish rewards offered emphasize the **high stakes of divine judgment** and the king's profound distress, illustrating that even immense worldly power and wealth are futile against the sovereign will of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **soothsayers (Aramaic, _gᵉzar'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to quarry" or "to cut out," refers to those who "determine" or "cut out" the future, hence diviners or soothsayers. In the Babylonian context, these were practitioners of various forms of divination, including interpreting omens, dreams, and signs, often by "cutting" or observing animal entrails or other phenomena. Their inclusion alongside astrologers and Chaldeans indicates Belshazzar's comprehensive appeal to every known source of occult wisdom within his kingdom.
* **writing (Aramaic, _kᵉthâb'_):** This word simply denotes "something written, i.e., a writing, record or book." In this context, it refers specifically to the mysterious inscription that appeared on the palace wall. The fact that it was "writing" implies a message, a communication intended to be read and understood, yet its divine origin and cryptic nature rendered it unintelligible to the king's most learned men. Its very existence was a direct, undeniable sign of divine intervention.
* **third (Aramaic, _tᵉlîythay'_):** As an ordinal number, "third" here indicates the rank or position in the kingdom. The promise to be the "third ruler" is significant, confirming Belshazzar's status as co-regent with his father Nabonidus. Nabonidus was the primary king, Belshazzar was second in command, and the one who interpreted the writing would hold the highest position attainable outside of the royal family itself, signifying immense power, authority, and prestige. This highlights the unparalleled value Belshazzar placed on solving this terrifying mystery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers.":** This clause immediately conveys the king's profound fear and desperation. His "cried aloud" suggests a frantic, urgent command, not a calm summons. He calls upon the three primary classes of Babylonian wise men, indicating his reliance on traditional, pagan sources of wisdom and his comprehensive attempt to find an answer within his existing system of belief.
* **"[And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon,":** This reiterates the king's direct address to these assembled experts. It emphasizes that this was a personal challenge from the king himself, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the immense pressure on these wise men to deliver.
* **"Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof,":** This sets the specific challenge. It wasn't merely about reading the visible script, which presumably was in Aramaic and thus legible to many, but about providing the "interpretation thereof"—the meaning and significance of the divine message, which remained hidden. This distinction is crucial, as Daniel later demonstrates his unique ability to do both.
* **"shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.":** This outlines the extravagant rewards offered. Each item signifies immense honor, wealth, and power: scarlet for royalty, a gold chain for high distinction, and the "third ruler" position for unparalleled political authority, second only to Belshazzar and his father. These rewards underscore the king's extreme distress and the perceived impossibility of the task.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the urgency and gravity of the situation. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the king's reaction, "cried aloud," and the lavishness of the promised rewards, which are far beyond typical compensation, emphasizing the king's extreme fear and the unprecedented nature of the crisis. The immediate failure of these wise men, implied by the need for such a desperate offer, serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting that true wisdom lies elsewhere and will eventually be revealed by Daniel. Furthermore, the scene establishes a stark **contrast** between the impotent, worldly wisdom of Babylon's pagan advisors and the divine, revelatory wisdom that only God can bestow through His chosen servant. This contrast is central to the book's theological message about God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and false gods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:7 serves as a profound theological statement on the limitations of human wisdom and the futility of relying on pagan systems when confronted with the sovereign God. Belshazzar's frantic call to his astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers highlights humanity's inherent desire for understanding and control, especially in moments of crisis, but also demonstrates the ultimate inadequacy of worldly knowledge and occult practices to discern divine truth. This scene underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom and revelation come solely from God, not from human ingenuity or demonic influence. It sets the stage for the dramatic display of God's power and Daniel's Spirit-empowered insight, contrasting sharply with the impotence of Babylon's spiritual elite. Ultimately, the verse points to God's absolute control over history and His willingness to reveal His will, often through unexpected means, to bring about His purposes and judgment.

* [Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel Declares God as the Source of Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 47:13-14](/isaiah/47-13 "Isaiah 47:13-14 - The Futility of Babylonian Astrologers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Belshazzar's desperate plea in Daniel 5:7 offers a timeless reflection on where we seek wisdom and guidance in our own lives, particularly when faced with overwhelming challenges or moments of divine warning. Like Belshazzar, we often instinctively turn to what is familiar, convenient, or seemingly powerful in the world—experts, popular opinions, or even self-reliance—rather than seeking the true source of wisdom. This passage serves as a stark reminder that worldly counsel, no matter how esteemed or seemingly profound, is ultimately incapable of providing genuine insight into spiritual matters or divine judgment. When life's "writing on the wall" appears, whether in personal crises, societal upheaval, or spiritual conviction, our first and most crucial step should be to humbly turn to God and His revealed Word. Relying on anything less is to repeat Belshazzar's error, which led to his ultimate downfall. True peace and understanding come not from deciphering cryptic messages through human means, but from surrendering to the One who speaks clearly and sovereignly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to seek worldly wisdom or human solutions before turning to God?**
* **How does Belshazzar's frantic fear contrast with the peace that comes from trusting God in times of crisis?**
* **What "writing on the wall" might God be showing you today, and how are you responding to it?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater reliance on God's wisdom, as revealed in Scripture, in your daily decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers" mentioned in Daniel 5:7?**

Answer: These terms refer to various classes of highly respected and influential wise men in ancient Babylon. The "astrologers" (Aramaic: _ʼashshâph_) were practitioners of celestial divination, interpreting the movements of stars and planets to predict events. The "Chaldeans" (Aramaic: _Kasday_) here refers not to the general ethnic group but specifically to a priestly caste renowned for their deep knowledge of occult arts, magic, and astronomy, often synonymous with the most learned of the wise men. The "soothsayers" (Aramaic: _gᵉzar_) were diviners who interpreted omens, dreams, and signs, often through various forms of augury. Belshazzar summoned this comprehensive group because they were considered the kingdom's foremost experts in discerning hidden knowledge and interpreting divine or supernatural phenomena, a role they had previously played for King Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel chapter 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream").

**What was the significance of the "third ruler" position offered by Belshazzar?**

Answer: The offer to make someone the "third ruler in the kingdom" is highly significant and clarifies Belshazzar's own position. At this time, Belshazzar was not the sole king of Babylon. His father, Nabonidus, was the primary king, often absent from Babylon on military or religious expeditions. Belshazzar served as co-regent, effectively the second in command. Therefore, to be "third ruler" meant to hold the highest possible position of power and authority beneath the two reigning monarchs, a truly immense reward that underscored the king's desperation and the perceived impossibility of the task. This detail is historically accurate and aligns with extrabiblical records of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

**Why did King Belshazzar offer such lavish rewards for the interpretation of the writing?**

Answer: Belshazzar offered extravagant rewards—scarlet clothing (a symbol of royalty), a gold chain (a mark of high honor and distinction), and the position of third ruler—due to the intense fear and profound crisis he faced. The mysterious writing on the wall was a direct, terrifying manifestation of divine power, an omen of unknown but clearly ominous significance. The king was desperate for an immediate interpretation to understand the threat and, he hoped, to avert it. The lavishness of the rewards highlights the extreme value he placed on solving this mystery, demonstrating his profound distress and the perceived inability of his current advisors to provide the answer. It also underscores the high stakes involved, as the very fate of his kingdom seemed to hang in the balance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic scene in Daniel 5:7, where King Belshazzar desperately seeks an interpreter for the mysterious writing, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Belshazzar's frantic search for someone to reveal hidden truth mirrors humanity's universal need for divine revelation, a need that no human wisdom or pagan practice can truly satisfy. Just as Daniel, empowered by the Spirit of God, was the only one capable of interpreting the divine message and declaring God's judgment and sovereign plan ([Daniel 5:17-28](/daniel/5-17 "Daniel 5:17-28 - Daniel Interprets the Writing")), so too is Jesus Christ the ultimate revealer of God's will and the one through whom all divine mysteries are made known. He is the very **Logos** of God, the Word made flesh ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")), who perfectly interprets the Father's heart and mind.

Belshazzar's judgment, announced by Daniel, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will be executed by Christ, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Furthermore, the inability of Babylon's wise men to interpret the writing highlights the futility of human wisdom apart from God, a theme echoed in the New Testament where Christ is proclaimed as the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) and the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom")). Ultimately, Jesus is the one who "reads" the divine will, "interprets" its meaning for humanity, and brings about its fulfillment, offering not temporary rewards but eternal life and a place in His everlasting kingdom to those who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 5:16

And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Daniel 5:29

Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

Daniel 2:48

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon.

Daniel 6:2

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel [was] first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Daniel 2:6

But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

Genesis 41:42

And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;