DAY 1 Learning From the Past

1. Daniel 5 begins abruptly, with no reference to Nebuchadnezzar’s death or the four Babylonian kings who reigned before Belshazzar.

a. How does Daniel 4 end? (Refer to verses 34-37) b. How does Daniel 5 begin? (Refer to verses 1-4)

It is interesting to note that the events described in Daniel 5 and 7-8 (which we will study next semester) are not recorded in chronological order. Belshazzar’s feast (recorded in Daniel 5) took place at the very end of King Belshazzar’s reign, in the hours before his death. In contrast, the events recorded in Daniel 7 and 8 took place at the beginning of Belshazzar’s reign. This means that instead of telling the story in chronological order, Daniel chose to place his account of Belshazzar’s feast right after the events described in Daniel 4.

2. Compare and contrast the story of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1-4) with the story of King Belshazzar. (Refer back to previous lessons as needed.) What do these stories have in common? What differences do you notice?

King Nebuchadnezzar King Belshazzar

3. What point might Daniel have been trying to make by putting Belshazzar’s story immediately after Nebuchadnezzar’s?

Although Daniel 5 refers to Nebuchadnezzar as Belshazzar’s father, many Bible scholars believe that Belshazzar was actually Nebuchadnezzar’s maternal grandson. The Jewish terms for “father” and “son” can refer to distant ancestors

Day 2

Being Set Apart

or descendants. Regardless of their relationship, Daniel makes it clear that King Nebuchadnezzar’s story was intended to serve as an example to his descendants. In verse 22, Daniel says, “Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this” (italics added).

4. How could understanding the past (his grandfather’s judgment and repentance) have helped Belshazzar understand the present more clearly?

5. Just as King Belshazzar had an opportunity to learn from how God dealt with King Nebuchadnezzar, so we are given examples (both good and bad!) from which to learn humility and repentance, especially in the pages of Scripture.

a. In what ways have you seen spiritual wisdom passed down (or not!) through generations? Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the examples He has provided.

b. How is God calling you to leave a godly legacy for future generations? Ask God to renew your resolve to live for Him, so that your life might be an example to others.

Just two days before Belshazzar’s feast, the army of the Medes and the Persians had conquered Opis (a town about 50 miles north of Babylon), as well as the nearby town of Sippar. While Belshazzar feasted with his nobles, the same army was likely encamped just outside the city of Babylon. Belshazzar, however, was unconcerned. After all, his city was fortified by a complex series of walls; it was protected by bronze gates and numerous defense towers; it had an ample water supply, thanks to the Euphrates River that flowed through the city; and there was sufficient food stored within the city walls.

Day 2

1. Proverbs 18:11-12 states, “A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.” In what ways can having our physical needs met (having plenty to eat and drink, etc.) cause us to turn away from God?

2. The word “desecrate” means to treat a sacred thing with disrespect or irreverence. How did Belshazzar desecrate the items from the temple at his feast? (consider Daniel 1:2 as well)

3. What does Belshazzar’s desecration of the golden vessels reveal about his heart? His attitude toward God? Refer to Daniel 5:22-23.

4. The golden vessels used during Belshazzar’s feast were intended to be set apart for service in Yahweh’s Temple. Although we may not venerate things like the golden vessels, our very lives are intended to be set apart in service to the one true God. Read the following verses and record what you observe about being set apart.

5. Do we have things today that God intended to be used in His spiritual service that people use in secular or unspiritual ways?

6. In 2 Timothy 2:21, Timothy writes, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” You are a living vessel, set apart to bring glory to the Most High God! Ask God to reveal ways in which you can be useful to your Master and prepared for every good work He has planned for you.

Re-read Daniel 5:17-31 a. Isaiah 13:17-22 b. Jeremiah 51:1-4, 11-12 (If you’re interested in further study, read the whole chapter.)

1. How did Daniel respond to King Belshazzar’s offer of gifts? How does this reveal a commitment to please God, not man?

2. What charges are leveled against King Belshazzar?

3. Consider the interpretation of the words written on the wall. What does each word’s meaning highlight about God?

4. How did Belshazzar respond to Daniel’s interpretation of the handwriting on the wall? What did he do? What did he fail to do?

5. What happened “that very night”?

On one hand, Belshazzar’s death was God’s divine judgment upon a king who refused to humble himself before the Lord of heaven. Belshazzar was “weighed on the scales and found deficient” – both in comparison to Nebuchadnezzar and according to what God required from him. On the other hand, a larger story was unfolding as well. The Lord had used the Babylonians to chasten His people, Israel, for their wickedness. Now He was going to use foreign armies to bring about the fall of the Babylonian empire. This event was predicted by prophets in the Old Testament.

6. Read the following passages and record what you learn about the fall of Babylon.

7. James 4:6 states that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” How have you seen these principles at work in the lives of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, and Belshazzar?

On Right Now Media you can access Kay Arthur’s teachings on Daniel: Dare to Be God’s Messenger . Sessions 17, 18 & 19 align with this lesson. If you can only listen to one, Session 18 is recommended.

Belshazzar refused to humble himself before the one true God, choosing instead to revel in worldly things. In contrast, Daniel refused to accept temporal rewards for interpreting the message on the wall, choosing instead to faithfully communicate God’s message of judgment. Daniel’s actions demonstrate a resolve to please God rather than men.

The Faith I Believe

• In Galatians 1:10, Paul writes, “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” We cannot serve both God and man! Like Daniel, we must be resolved to please God, even when it requires us to stand up to others or to stand alone.

When have you faced a situation that required you to choose to please God rather than men? How did that situation resolve? How did God strengthen you for the task?

• Do you struggle with a desire to seek the favor of men? Consider what might be at the root of this – i.e. a desire for other’s approval, fear of conflict, etc. Confess these things to the Lord, asking Him to renew your resolve to please Him.

Most High God, I sit in awe of Your grand plan and how you purpose every rise and fall in my life to direct me to You. I reflect with deep gratitude Your many blessings and gifts of daily provisions, including the very breath in my lungs today. You have given me another day of life, one where I am given the opportunity to choose Your path or the world’s. Forgive me Lord for times in my life I have chosen the things of this world and trusted they would bring me comfort, advice and protection. I see now that they only bring death. I pray today You make me so aware of the Holy Spirit within me that I immediately turn to You in times of need and give You praise where praise is due. Give me an undivided heart so that I am able to bring honor and glory to Your name in the things that I say, the ways that I act, and how I treat the things that are in my care. Help me to release my grasp of temporary idols that get in the way of serving You, my one true God. You know what is best for me, You look into my heart and I trust You will lead me in the Way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalms 86:11 NIV

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalms 51:10-11 NIV