or בֵּלְאשַׁצַּרlemma בֵּלְאשַׁצּר missing vowel, corrected to בֵּלְאשַׁצַּר; of foreign origin (compare בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר); Belshatstsar, a Babylonian king; Belshazzar.
Transliteration:Bêlshaʼtstsar
Pronunciation:bale-shats-tsar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר (Bêlshaʼtstsar), Strong's number `{{H1112}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific historical individual, Belshazzar, a king of Babylon. As indicated by its definition, it is of foreign, specifically Babylonian, origin. The name is widely understood to be a transliteration of the Akkadian *Bēl-šar-uṣur*, which means "Bel protect the king" or "Bel protect his life." Bel (or Marduk) was the chief deity of the Babylonian pantheon, making the name a theological statement within the Babylonian context, invoking divine protection for the monarch. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this specific person and his royal identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Belshazzar is prominently featured in the Book of Daniel, appearing specifically in [[Daniel 5:1]], [[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:9]], [[Daniel 5:13]], [[Daniel 5:22]], [[Daniel 5:29]], [[Daniel 5:30]], [[Daniel 7:1]], and [[Daniel 8:1]]. His most significant appearance is in Daniel chapter 5, which recounts the infamous feast during which he desecrated the sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 5:1-4]]). This act of sacrilege, a direct affront to Yahweh, immediately precedes the miraculous appearance of the handwriting on the wall ([[Daniel 5:5-6]]). Unable to interpret the divine message, Belshazzar summons Daniel, who boldly interprets the cryptic words "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" as a pronouncement of God's judgment: Belshazzar's kingdom has been weighed and found wanting, and will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians ([[Daniel 5:25-28]]). The prophecy is fulfilled that very night, as Belshazzar is slain and Darius the Mede takes the kingdom ([[Daniel 5:30-31]]).
Historically, Belshazzar was not the sole king but rather the son and co-regent of Nabonidus, the last Neo-Babylonian king, who was often absent from Babylon. This historical detail reconciles the biblical account with extra-biblical sources, explaining why Belshazzar is referred to as "king" and why he could offer Daniel the "third ruler in the kingdom" position ([[Daniel 5:16]], [[Daniel 5:29]]), as the first two positions would have been held by Nabonidus and Belshazzar himself. His mention in Daniel's visions ([[Daniel 7:1]], [[Daniel 8:1]]) further anchors these prophecies within a specific historical timeframe.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Belshazzar shares a common linguistic root with Daniel's Babylonian name, Belteshazzar (בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר, `{{H1095}}`), both beginning with "Bel," referring to the chief Babylonian deity. This highlights the pervasive influence of Babylonian polytheism within the royal and administrative spheres. Concepts closely related to Belshazzar's narrative include:
* **Idolatry and Desecration:** His use of the sacred temple vessels for a pagan feast exemplifies the height of idolatrous defiance against the one true God.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** Belshazzar's story is a powerful testament to God's ultimate control over human history and the fate of nations, demonstrating that no earthly ruler, however powerful, can withstand divine judgment.
* **Pride and Hubris:** Belshazzar's actions are presented as the culmination of Babylonian arrogance, particularly in his refusal to humble himself despite knowing of God's judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 5:22-23]]).
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** His demise and the fall of Babylon align with earlier prophecies concerning the empire's destruction.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Belshazzar carries profound theological significance. He serves as a stark archetype of human pride, rebellion, and impiety in the face of divine power. His desecration of the temple vessels was not merely a social faux pas but a direct, audacious insult to Yahweh, the God of Israel. This act of sacrilege immediately provoked a visible, supernatural response, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs and His swift judgment upon those who defy Him.
Belshazzar's story underscores the theme of God's absolute sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. Despite the apparent might of the Babylonian Empire, its fate rested entirely in God's hands. His downfall illustrates the principle that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes" ([[Daniel 4:17]]). Furthermore, Belshazzar's refusal to humble himself, even with the knowledge of Nebuchadnezzar's experience, highlights the danger of spiritual blindness and hardened hearts. His story stands as a warning against spiritual arrogance and a powerful affirmation of God's justice and faithfulness to His word.
### Summary
Belshazzar, transliterated from the Hebrew בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר (`{{H1112}}`), was a Babylonian king, specifically the co-regent son of Nabonidus, who reigned at the time of Babylon's fall to the Medo-Persian Empire. His biblical narrative, primarily in Daniel chapter 5, describes his impious feast during which he desecrated sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, leading to the miraculous handwriting on the wall and Daniel's interpretation of divine judgment. Belshazzar's subsequent death and the swift fall of Babylon serve as a powerful biblical illustration of God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms, His swift judgment against pride and sacrilege, and the ultimate fulfillment of His prophetic word. His story remains a potent theological lesson on the consequences of defying the Most High.
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