Daniel 5:9

KJV

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} was king {H4430} Belshazzar {H1113} greatly {H7690} troubled {H927}, and his countenance {H2122} was changed {H8133} in him {H5922}, and his lords {H7261} were astonied {H7672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then King Belshatzar became terrified; his face turned pale, and his lords were thrown into confusion.

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.

American Standard Version

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:9 powerfully depicts the escalating terror and profound discomposure that gripped King Belshazzar and his high-ranking officials immediately following the supernatural appearance of the handwriting on the palace wall. Beyond his initial shock, the king's distress intensified into a visible, physical alteration of his countenance, signifying his utter loss of control and dignity, while his lords were simultaneously struck with a collective sense of overwhelming bewilderment and paralysis. This verse dramatically underscores the immediate and pervasive impact of divine judgment and revelation upon those who have defiantly challenged God's authority, highlighting the absolute futility of human power and wisdom when confronted by the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic narrative of [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Handwriting on the Wall"), serving as a pivotal moment of escalating crisis. It follows the blasphemous feast where King Belshazzar, in an act of profound defiance, desecrated the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple ([Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1-4 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Feast and Profanation of Vessels")). The appearance of the disembodied hand writing an ominous message on the wall ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand Writes on the Wall")) immediately precedes this verse, causing Belshazzar's initial, visceral reaction of terror and physical weakening ([Daniel 5:6](/daniel/5-6 "Daniel 5:6 - Belshazzar's Initial Terror")). [Daniel 5:7-8](/daniel/5-7-8 "Daniel 5:7-8 - The King's Failed Attempts to Interpret") then detail the king's desperate but futile attempts to find an interpretation from his Chaldean wise men, astrologers, and soothsayers, who utterly fail to decipher the divine message. Thus, [Daniel 5:9](/daniel/5-9 "Daniel 5:9 - Belshazzar and His Lords Terrified") encapsulates the deepening crisis and the widespread panic that grips the court as the king's terror becomes contagious, magnified by the inability of his trusted advisors to provide any relief or understanding. This collective helplessness sets the stage for the queen mother's intervention and the eventual summoning of Daniel, the only one capable of interpreting God's word ([Daniel 5:10-12](/daniel/5-10-12 "Daniel 5:10-12 - The Queen's Counsel and Daniel's Summoning")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast") are set in Babylon during the final days of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically during the co-regency of Belshazzar with his father, Nabonidus. The feast itself, a grand display of power and revelry, was likely held amidst the looming threat of the Persian army under Cyrus, which was reportedly at the gates of Babylon. Belshazzar's act of using the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, plundered by Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 1:2](/daniel/1-2 "Daniel 1:2 - Nebuchadnezzar Carries Vessels to Babylon")), was not merely a sign of extravagance but a profound act of sacrilege and a direct affront to the God of Israel. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, omens, portents, and divine signs were taken with extreme seriousness, believed to directly influence human affairs and royal destiny. The inability of the king's most learned advisors to interpret such a sign would have been a source of immense fear, shame, and a clear signal of divine displeasure and impending doom for the kingdom. The descriptions of Belshazzar's "countenance changed" and his lords being "astonied" are culturally accurate and understandable responses to a perceived supernatural threat in a worldview where divine intervention was a tangible reality.

* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 5:9](/daniel/5-9 "Daniel 5:9 - Belshazzar and His Lords Terrified") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it starkly highlights the **sovereignty of God** over all earthly rulers and empires. Belshazzar's profound terror demonstrates that even the most powerful human king is utterly helpless and exposed before the divine will, a direct contrast to God's unshakeable dominion ([Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise to God's Eternal Dominion")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment against human pride and blasphemy**. Belshazzar's audacious profanation of sacred objects and his arrogant disregard for God's holiness directly precipitates this terrifying encounter with judgment, echoing the warnings against pride found elsewhere in scripture ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the **inadequacy of human wisdom and worldly power** when confronted with divine revelation. The utter failure of Babylon's most learned men to interpret the writing emphasizes that true understanding and deliverance come only from God, a theme consistently demonstrated through Daniel's prophetic ministry and his ability to interpret dreams and visions ([Daniel 2:27-28](/daniel/2-27-28 "Daniel 2:27-28 - Daniel's Wisdom Comes from God")). Finally, the widespread panic among the king and his court illustrates the **contagious nature of fear** in the face of an unexplainable, supernatural threat, setting the stage for God's ultimate revelation and the subsequent fall of Babylon.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Aramaic, _bᵉhal'_):** This Aramaic term (H927) signifies being "terrified," "hastened," or "thrown into confusion." It denotes a state of extreme agitation and panic, far beyond mere discomfort or anxiety. In Belshazzar's case, it indicates a profound internal turmoil and fear that has taken hold of him, causing him to be utterly disoriented and distressed by the inexplicable divine manifestation, stripping him of his kingly composure.
* **countenance (Aramaic, _zîyv'_):** The word (H2122) literally means "brightness" or "splendor," and figuratively refers to one's "cheerfulness" or "countenance" (facial expression). When his "countenance was changed," it implies a dramatic alteration in his facial expression, reflecting the loss of his kingly composure and inner peace. His face, usually a symbol of royal authority and confidence, now visibly betrayed his abject terror, perhaps turning pale, contorted with dread, or even appearing lifeless.
* **astonied (Aramaic, _shᵉbash'_):** This term (H7672) means "to entangle, i.e. perplex," or "to be astonished." It conveys a state of profound shock and bewilderment, where one is so overwhelmed by an unexpected and terrifying event that they are rendered speechless and immobile. For the lords, it signifies their shared paralysis and inability to comprehend or respond to the unprecedented and terrifying event, mirroring the king's own helplessness and the futility of their worldly wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled":** This clause emphasizes the immediate and intense emotional impact on the king. The adverb "greatly" (Aramaic, _saggîyʼ_ H7690, meaning "large, much, very") intensifies the degree of his terror, indicating that his fear was not a fleeting emotion but a profound, overwhelming dread that consumed his entire being. It highlights the divine power that could so utterly unnerve even a mighty monarch, reducing him to a state of abject fear.
* **"and his countenance was changed in him":** This phrase describes the visible, physical manifestation of Belshazzar's internal terror. His face, the outward expression of his inner state, underwent a dramatic transformation, likely turning pale, contorted, or perhaps even appearing lifeless. This visible alteration served as a public display of his profound distress and loss of composure, signifying the complete shattering of his royal dignity, confidence, and control in the face of the supernatural.
* **"and his lords were astonied":** This final clause reveals the contagion of fear throughout the royal court. The king's profound terror was not isolated; it spread to his highest officials, the "lords" or "magnates" (Aramaic, _rabrᵉbân'_ H7261). Their state of being "astonied" indicates that they, too, were struck with overwhelming shock, confusion, and paralysis. They were as helpless and bewildered as their king, recognizing the supernatural and uncontrollable nature of the threat that had suddenly manifested, and the utter failure of their own wisdom to comprehend or mitigate it.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the king's and his court's terror. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of Belshazzar being "greatly troubled," emphasizing the extreme and overwhelming nature of his fear, far beyond ordinary distress. The phrase "his countenance was changed" utilizes potent **Imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the king's pale, perhaps trembling, face, reflecting his inner turmoil and the shattering of his regal composure. This also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the change in his facial appearance stands in for the complete collapse of his inner state and kingly authority. The parallel experience of "his lords were astonied" creates **Parallelism**, reinforcing the pervasive and overwhelming nature of the fear, demonstrating that the divine judgment affected not just the king but his entire ruling elite. The entire scene is steeped in **Pathos**, evoking a profound sense of dread, helplessness, and even pity for the king and his court, who are utterly powerless before an unseen, divine power. This dramatic portrayal heightens the sense of impending doom and divine judgment that is about to fall upon Babylon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:9 serves as a stark theological commentary on the immediate and overwhelming consequences of human pride and defiance against God. Belshazzar's profound terror is a visceral response to the manifestation of divine judgment, a dreadful fear born of unrepentant sin confronting holy power, distinct from the reverent "fear of the Lord" that is the beginning of wisdom. This scene demonstrates unequivocally that no earthly authority, no matter how grand or seemingly secure, can withstand God's righteous wrath or thwart His sovereign decrees. It highlights the ultimate futility of human arrogance and self-sufficiency when confronted with the absolute, unchallengeable sovereignty of the Almighty.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Psalm 14:5](/psalm/14-5 "Psalm 14:5 - There They Are in Great Terror")
* [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against Pride")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Daniel 5:9 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary life. Belshazzar's terror, a direct consequence of his blasphemous defiance and arrogant disregard for God's holiness, serves as a powerful reminder that there are ultimate, inescapable consequences for ignoring or actively opposing the divine. In a world often characterized by self-sufficiency, a relentless pursuit of power, and a casual disregard for spiritual authority, this passage calls us to sober reflection on the nature of true power and the source of genuine wisdom. We are prone to trust in our own intellect, our accumulated resources, or the stability of our societal structures, much like Belshazzar trusted his Chaldean wise men, only to find them utterly inadequate when confronted with life's most profound challenges or the undeniable reality of divine accountability. The "changed countenance" and "astonied" lords remind us that outward appearances, worldly status, or even collective human wisdom offer no shield against the consequences of unrepentant sin or the direct intervention of God. Instead of a terror that paralyzes and leads to destruction, we are called to cultivate a reverent "fear of the Lord" that leads to life, wisdom, and humility, recognizing God's supreme authority and seeking His guidance in all things, thereby finding true peace and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Belshazzar's reaction to the handwriting on the wall contrast with a healthy, reverent "fear of the Lord" that leads to wisdom and life?**
* **In what ways might we, in our modern context, be prone to the same kind of pride, self-sufficiency, and disregard for God's holiness that Belshazzar displayed?**
* **What "handwriting on the wall"—whether personal convictions, societal crises, or biblical truths—might God be revealing in our lives or in the world today that we are failing to interpret or respond to?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper reliance on God's wisdom and revelation rather than solely on human intellect, worldly solutions, or the counsel of those who do not acknowledge God's sovereignty when faced with perplexing challenges?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Belshazzar's 'countenance being changed'?**

Answer: The changing of Belshazzar's countenance (his facial expression) was a highly significant physical manifestation of his extreme terror and profound inner turmoil. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's composure, dignified bearing, and confident appearance were crucial symbols of his authority, stability, and divine favor. For his face to visibly alter, perhaps turning pale, trembling, or contorted with fear, indicated a complete and public loss of his regal composure and an overwhelming sense of dread. It publicly revealed his profound helplessness and the shattering of his pride in the face of an undeniable, supernatural threat, signaling to everyone present that something truly terrifying and beyond human control was at play. This visible sign confirmed the depth of his fear, as described in [Daniel 5:6](/daniel/5-6 "Daniel 5:6 - Belshazzar's Initial Terror"), and underscored the immediate, unescapable impact of divine judgment upon his very being.

**Why were the lords 'astonied'?**

Answer: The lords were "astonied" (meaning utterly stunned, perplexed, or bewildered) because they, like Belshazzar, were confronted with an inexplicable and terrifying divine manifestation. Their shock stemmed from several factors: the sudden, supernatural appearance of the handwriting; the ominous nature of the message itself, even if unreadable to them; and critically, the complete and humiliating failure of their own wise men, astrologers, and soothsayers—the very people they relied upon for such interpretations—to provide any understanding or solution. Their astonishment reflected their shared helplessness and the chilling realization that they were facing a power far beyond their control or comprehension, a power that threatened their king, their kingdom, and their very lives. This collective bewilderment underscored the pervasive nature of the divine judgment and the utter inadequacy of all human wisdom and worldly power in the face of God's revelation, a theme prevalent throughout [the book of Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The terror of Belshazzar and his lords in [Daniel 5:9](/daniel/5-9 "Daniel 5:9 - Belshazzar and His Lords Terrified"), born of unrepentant sin confronting divine judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Belshazzar's fear was a dreadful, paralyzing dread of a holy God whom he had defied, leading to his kingdom's downfall. In stark contrast, Christ, the true King, voluntarily faced the full wrath of God on the cross, not for His own sin, but for ours ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He endured the ultimate "changing of countenance" in Gethsemane and on Golgotha, bearing the unimaginable weight of human sin and the Father's righteous judgment, so that those who believe in Him might never experience the terrifying judgment that fell upon Belshazzar. While Belshazzar's earthly kingdom was taken from him in a single night, Christ's kingdom is eternal, unshakable, and ever-expanding ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). The inability of Babylon's wise men to interpret the divine message points directly to Christ as the very wisdom of God, 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 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). Through Him, we are offered not a terrifying judgment, but a gracious invitation to peace with God and reconciliation ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith, We Have Peace with God")). The fear that grips the unrepentant in the face of God's holiness is transformed into a reverent awe and love for those who are reconciled to God through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not terror, but eternal life and joy.

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 5:6

Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

Daniel 2:1

¶ And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

Isaiah 21:2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Isaiah 21:4

My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

Isaiah 13:6

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Isaiah 13:8

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.