### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Bêlshaʼtstsar**, represented by `{{H1113}}`, is the name of a Babylonian **king**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The name identifies the monarch whose reign is noted for Daniel's visions and for a profane feast that resulted in his own sudden demise and the fall of his kingdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1113}}` is introduced as the **king** of Babylon, during whose first year Daniel received a dream and visions [[Daniel 7:1]]. His most prominent story involves a great feast he held for a thousand of his **lords** `{{H7261}}` where they **drank** `{{H8355}}` **wine** `{{H2562}}` [[Daniel 5:1]]. During this event, **Belshazzar** commanded that the holy vessels from the Jerusalem temple be brought for him and his court to use, an act of significant pride [[Daniel 5:2]]. Consequently, he was greatly **troubled** `{{H927}}` by divine writing on the wall, and his countenance was **changed** `{{H8133}}` in him [[Daniel 5:9]]. Though warned for not humbling his heart [[Daniel 5:22]], he honored Daniel as the third **ruler** `{{H7990}}` in the **kingdom** `{{H4437}}` for interpreting the message [[Daniel 5:29]]. The account concludes that very night, when **Belshazzar** the **king** `{{H4430}}` of the **Chaldeans** `{{H3779}}` was **slain** `{{H6992}}` [[Daniel 5:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Belshazzar's story:
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (a king): This title is inseparable from Belshazzar's identity, defining his role and authority throughout the narrative [[Daniel 5:1]].
* `{{H7261}}` **rabrᵉbân** (a magnate; lord, prince): These are the high-ranking officials who were present at Belshazzar's feast, sharing in his sacrilegious act and witnessing his terror [[Daniel 5:9]].
* `{{H6992}}` **qᵉṭal** (to kill; slay): This word describes the final, decisive action against Belshazzar, marking the fulfillment of the divine judgment against him [[Daniel 5:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1113}}` is demonstrated in several ways:
* **Consequence of Pride:** Belshazzar is explicitly condemned because he knew of God's power yet did not humble his heart, instead lifting himself up against the Lord of heaven ([[Daniel 5:22]], [[Daniel 5:23]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The story is a stark illustration that the most High **ruleth** `{{H7990}}` in the **kingdom** `{{H4437}}` of men [[Daniel 5:21]]. Belshazzar's immediate death shows that God can remove **kings** `{{H4430}}` at His will [[Daniel 2:21]].
* **Judgment on Sacrilege:** The act of drinking **wine** `{{H2562}}` from consecrated vessels while praising gods of silver and gold was a direct cause for judgment ([[Daniel 5:4]], [[Daniel 5:23]]). It shows that profaning what is holy to God invites severe consequences.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1113}}` **Bêlshaʼtstsar** represents more than just a historical figure; he is a symbol of hubris meeting divine justice. His narrative, contained within the book of Daniel, serves as a powerful example of a **king** whose failure to acknowledge God's authority led to his swift and final downfall. From the pride of his feast to being **slain** in a single night, Belshazzar's story is a definitive lesson on the sovereignty of God over all earthly rulers.
TRV