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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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