Daniel 5:7-12 · Bible study
Daniel 5:7-12 Commentary: Why Belshazzar Ignored Daniel First
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Belshazzar call pagan wise men before Daniel? This passage exposes spiritual blindness and God's persistence in sending truth.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Belshazzar's neglect of Daniel reveals spiritual blindness; God sends truth through the faithful witness he previously raised up.
- Key words: “cried aloud” (qera' bechayil, called with power/strength), “spirit of the holy gods” (ruach elahin qaddishin), “excellent spirit” (ruach yattirah, surpassing, extraordinary).
- Main debate: Whether the writing was in a script the wise men could not read (Hebrew script vs. Chaldean) or was supernaturally illegible. The queen’s description of Daniel as one who “shows riddles and dissolves knots” becomes central.
- Theological theme: God’s sovereignty over all human wisdom and his persistence in sending messengers, even when they are ignored.
- Best use: Preaching on spiritual blindness, the limits of human religion, and the faithfulness of God to provide a witness in every generation.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
7The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
8So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him.
9Then King Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face grew even more pale, and his nobles were bewildered.
10Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale.
11There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king,
12did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
7The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
8Then all the king’s wise men came in; but they could not read the writing, and couldn’t make known to the king the interpretation.
9Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.
10The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O king, live forever; don’t let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed.
11There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him. The king, Nebuchadnezzar, your father—yes, the king, your father—made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers,
12because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
KJV King James Version 1769
7The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
8Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
9Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
10Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
11There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
12Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
7The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spake and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
8Then came in all the king’s wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation.
9Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.
10Nowthe queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever; let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed.
11There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
12forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
7Call doth the king mightily, to bring up the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. Answered hath the king, and said to the wise men of Babylon, that, `Any man who doth read this writing, and its interpretation doth shew me, purple he putteth on, and a bracelet of gold is on his neck, and third in the kingdom he doth rule.'
8Then coming up are all the wise men of the king, and they are not able to read the writing, and the interpretation to make known to the king;
9then the king Belshazzar is greatly troubled, and his countenance is changing in him, and his great men are perplexed.
10The queen, on account of the words of the king and his great men, to the banquet-house hath come up. Answered hath the queen, and said, `O king, to the ages live; let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor thy countenance be changed:
11there is a man in thy kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and, in the days of thy father, light, and understanding, and wisdom--as the wisdom of the gods--was found in him; and king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, chief of the scribes, enchanters, Chaldeans, soothsayers, established him--thy father, O king--
12because that an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of enigmas, and loosing of knots was found in him, in Daniel, whose name the king made Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and the interpretation he doth show.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
7The king cried aloud to bring in the magicians, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
8Then came in all the king's wise men, but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation.
9Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his nobles were confounded.
10— The queen, by reason of the words of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet-house. The queen spoke and said, O king, live for ever! let not thy thoughts trouble thee, neither let thy countenance be changed.
11There is a man in thy kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holygods; and in the days of thy father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of thegods was found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, [even] the king thy father, made him master of the scribes, magicians, Chaldeans, [and] astrologers;
12forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and solving of problems, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
7And the king cried out aloud to bring in the wise men, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke, and said to the wise men of Babylon: Whosoever shall read this writing, and shall make known to me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and shall have a golden chain on his neck, and shall be the third man in my kingdom.
8Then came in all the king's wise men, but they could neither read the writing, nor declare the interpretation to the king.
9Wherewith king Baltasar was much troubled, and his countenance was changed: and his nobles also were troubled.
10Then the queen, on occasion of what had happened to the king, and his nobles, came into the banquet-house: and she spoke, and said: O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, neither let thy countenance be changed.
11There is a man in thy kingdom that hath the spirit of the holy gods in him: and in the days of thy father knowledge and wisdom were found in him: for king Nabuchodonosor, thy father, appointed him prince of the wise men, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers, thy father, I say, O king:
12Because a greater spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, and interpretation of dreams, and shewing of secrets, and resolving of difficult things, were found in him, that is, in Daniel: whom the king named Baltassar. Now, therefore, let Daniel be called for, and he will tell the interpretation.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Daniel 5:7
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Belshazzar's first response to the handwriting reveals his deeper spiritual condition. Despite Daniel's established reputation under Nebuchadnezzar, the king summons pagan enchanters, Chaldeans and soothsayers. Calvin observes that Belshazzar "neglects God and Daniel, whose fame as an interpreter was then well-established." Jamieson-Fausset-Brown add, "The world wishes to be deceived and shuts its eyes against the light."
The queen, widely understood as the queen-mother (widow of Nebuchadnezzar), intervenes because she remembers Daniel's proven ability. Matthew Henry notes she speaks with authority: she alone has the memory and the access to challenge the king. The wise men cannot read the writing, Barnes suggests it was in an unfamiliar script or a supernatural character. The failure is total, and Belshazzar's terror deepens.
Consensus holds that Belshazzar's neglect of Daniel is not ignorance but willful blindness. He knows the story of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling and Daniel's role, yet chooses false wisdom first. This pattern, human panic that reaches for familiar idols before turning to God, forms the passage's central warning.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Historical gap theory: Belshazzar genuinely did not know Daniel because Daniel had been retired or removed from office after Nebuchadnezzar's death (v.13 'Are you that Daniel?'). The queen remembered, but the new administration had no personal memory.
- Willful neglect theory: Belshazzar deliberately ignored Daniel because he wanted validation from his own pagan system. Calvin emphasizes that Belshazzar 'neglects God and Daniel' despite knowing the history, choosing the comfort of familiar idols.
- Solemn warning: Some traditions read this as a judgment narrative: Belshazzar had no chance to repent because he hardened his heart when the light was available. The queen's testimony becomes a final invitation he rejects.
What is clear: God provided a faithful interpreter in Daniel, whom Belshazzar neglected until all other options failed — a pattern of spiritual blindness that serves as a warning against relying on human wisdom when God has already spoken.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Identity of the queen | She is not one of Belshazzar's wives (those were already present, v.2). Most identify her as the queen-mother, likely the wife of Nebuchadnezzar (Nitocris in Herodotus). | A few commentators (e.g., Porphyry, cited by Gill) suggest she was the king's wife, but the majority see her as the mother because of her authority to enter unannounced and her detailed memory of Nebuchadnezzar's reign. |
| Why Belshazzar did not know Daniel | Belshazzar's question in v.13 ('Are you that Daniel?') shows he was not personally acquainted with him. Daniel may have been old and retired, or sidelined after Nebuchadnezzar's death. | Some argue Daniel was deliberately ignored by the new administration (Calvin), while others suggest natural turnover (Barnes). The queen's testimony implies Daniel was still in the kingdom but not at court. |
| Nature of the writing | The wise men could not read the inscription. The characters were likely of a script unknown to them, perhaps a foreign or supernatural script. | Clarke and some Jewish tradition hold it was in ancient Hebrew script (like Samaritan), while the Chaldeans only knew the square Aramaic script. Others (Barnes) suggest it was a supernatural form of writing that only Daniel could read. |
| Meaning of 'third ruler' | The third position in the kingdom, after the king and the crown prince (or queen-mother). This was the highest non-royal honor. | Some think 'third' refers to a specific rank (chief of the satraps), others that it simply means 'principal minister.' The phrase highlights the king's desperation: he offers the highest reward he can. |
| Belshazzar's eventual fate | He is killed that same night (v.30) because of his impenitence and blasphemy. The passage contrasts his end with the preservation of Daniel. | Traditions differ on whether Belshazzar had any chance of repentance. Historic Christian teaching emphasizes his hardened heart; the passage does not record him seeking God even after the queen's testimony. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Belshazzar was co-regent with his father Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon. The "great feast" (v.1) likely took place during a siege: Persian troops under Cyrus had surrounded the city. This context makes the king's panic at the handwriting even more striking, he knows the city is vulnerable, and the supernatural writing confirms doom.
The three classes of wise men, enchanters (āššāpîm, conjurers), Chaldeans (kaśdā'ê, a priestly caste), and soothsayers (gāzērîn, astrologer-diviners), represent the full range of Babylonian religious expertise. These were the same groups that failed Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2 and 4. By calling them first, Belshazzar repeats his "father's" error, but without the eventual humility Nebuchadnezzar showed.
The queen who enters is almost certainly the queen-mother, not a wife. Keil and Delitzsch note that the king's wives were already present (v.2), and this woman speaks of events in Nebuchadnezzar's reign with first-hand knowledge. She is likely Nitocris, a figure Herodotus describes as a wise and powerful queen. Unlike the king, she remembers Daniel, a reminder that godly witnesses often outlast royal favor.
The promised reward, purple, gold chain, and "third ruler", reflects the Babylonian hierarchy: the king first, the crown prince second, and a chief minister third. Belshazzar offers Daniel (or anyone) the highest honor a non-royal could receive. But his offer comes after he has exhausted all other options, not as a first resort.
Textual Notes
No significant textual variants are noted in the consulted commentaries. The passage is preserved consistently across manuscripts, with minor differences in spelling of Belshazzar's name (Belteshazzar vs. Belshazzar) and occasional variation in the word for “soothsayers” (gāzērîn vs. gōsĕrîn). None affect the meaning.
Reception History
Since the early church, Daniel 5:7-12 has been read as a contrast between pagan wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God. The failure of the Babylonian wise men is often cited to show the limits of human reason in matters of divine judgment. The queen's role as a voice of memory and truth has been noted by commentators like Jerome and Calvin, who see her intervention as providential. In the Reformation tradition, Belshazzar's neglect of Daniel is used as a warning against ignoring God's messengers in favor of worldly advisors. Modern application often focuses on the unrecognized faithful in our midst, like Daniel, overlooked but still indispensable, waiting to be called upon when human resources fail.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Panic without repentance, Belshazzar is terrified by the handwriting but does not turn to God; he reaches for the familiar tools of his pagan religion. Terror alone does not produce faith.
- The failure of human wisdom, Every Babylonian expert fails. Their inability to read or interpret the writing exposes human wisdom as powerless before divine revelation.
- God's faithful witness remains, The queen remembers Daniel, who is still in the kingdom, though neglected. God always preserves a witness, even when the establishment ignores him.
Five-point outline
- The king's desperate cry (v.7), fear drives him to make extravagant promises, but he does not seek the one true God.
- The collective silence (v.8), all the wise men come, but none can read the writing. Human religion has no answer for divine judgment.
- Heightened terror (v.9), the failure sends the court into chaos. Belshazzar's face changes again; his nobles are dumbfounded.
- The queen's intervention (vv.10, 12), she enters with calm authority, recalling Daniel's gifts: "a spirit of the holy gods," light, understanding, wisdom, interpretation of dreams, solving of riddles and knots.
- The summons and the hope (v.12), "Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation." God's deliverance arrives through the one they had forgotten.
Illustration hooks
- Ignored expert. A company facing a crisis calls consultants before asking the senior employee who solved a similar problem years ago. The overlooked person holds the key all along.
- Emergency hotline. Someone in trouble frantically dials every number they know except the one person who has actually helped them before. Why? Sometimes we avoid the helper who will ask for real change.
- Familiar superstition. A person who has never prayed suddenly reaches for a lucky charm or a superstitious ritual in a crisis, rather than turning to the God they have been avoiding.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does God sometimes use people who are not in official positions of power?
- How can I recognize when I am reaching for false sources of security instead of God?
- If Daniel was so gifted, why was he ignored by the new king? How does this encourage believers who feel sidelined?
Leading a Discussion
This passage forces us to examine our first instincts in a crisis. Belshazzar's panic drove him to the familiar gods of Babylon, not the God who had already proven himself through Daniel. Small groups can explore how we often do the same, turning to old patterns before trusting God.
Discussion questions
- Read Daniel 5:7-12 aloud. What strikes you about the king's response to the handwriting?
- Why do you think Belshazzar called for the enchanters and astrologers first, even though Daniel's reputation was known? (Consider v.11, "in the days of your father")
- The queen refers to Daniel as having "the spirit of the holy gods" and "light, understanding, and wisdom." How does she describe his abilities differently from the wise men?
- Compare Belshazzar's offer of reward (v.7) with the queen's simple statement, "Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation" (v.12). What does this contrast reveal about each person's understanding of God's power?
- In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on human wisdom or familiar solutions before turning to God?
- Daniel had been sidelined after Nebuchadnezzar's death. How does this passage encourage those who feel their gifts have been forgotten or unused?
- The queen steps in with calm authority. What does her example teach about speaking truth in a crisis, especially when others are panicking?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 41:8 | In the morning, his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt’s magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh. |
| Genesis 41:42 | Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. |
| Genesis 41:44 | Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.” |
| Numbers 22:7 | The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand. They came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak. |
| Numbers 22:17 | for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.’” |
| Numbers 24:11 | Therefore, flee to your place, now! I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, Yahweh has kept you back from honor.” |
| I Samuel 17:25 | The men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? He has surely come up to defy Israel. The king will give great riches to the man who kills him, and will give him his daughter, and will make his father’s house tax-free in Israel.” |
| Esther 3:1 | After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke identifies the queen as most likely Nebuchadnezzar's widow, Amiyt, or possibly Nitocris, noting her key role. He also explains the court could not read the writing because it was in pure Hebrew script, not the familiar Chaldean characters.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes highlights that the writing on the wall was doubly mysterious: the characters themselves were unfamiliar to the Babylonian wise men, likely an ancient Hebrew script, not just the meaning. This explains why they could not read it and sets apart Daniel's divine insight. The queen-mother's timely recollection of Daniel's past service provides the solution.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin stresses Belshazzar's inexcusable ingratitude for ignoring Daniel, whose proven prophecies to Nebuchadnezzar should have made him the first consulted. God blinded the magi to the writing, showing He will not be mocked when His servants are overlooked. Daniel wisely kept himself separate from those impostors.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes highlight that the queen turns not to the king’s own astrologers, who have already failed, but to Daniel, whom she remembers as having “the spirit of the holy gods.” She insists Daniel’s proven wisdom, first recognized by Nebuchadnezzar, can succeed where all the Chaldean wise men have utterly failed.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights the king's undignified panic as he screamed for his astrologers, a superstitious habit that persisted despite repeated failures. The queen, likely Nebuchadnezzar's widow, steps in with seasoned counsel, pointing to Daniel's proven ability to interpret what was insoluble because God had reserved the task for him alone.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes Belshazzar's stubborn blindness: he summons magicians already exposed as frauds instead of turning to God and Daniel, whose reputation was well known. The queen mother later reminds him that Nebuchadnezzar, his father, had sought Daniel's counsel in similar straits, underscoring how Belshazzar deliberately shuts his eyes against the light.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange draws a distinction between two separate judgments in this passage. Belshazzar himself was slain that night, but the kingdom of Babylon was not given to the Medes and Persians until some twenty years later. The oracle thus combines a near event with a distant one, as other prophecies do.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry focuses on the sudden reversal: Belshazzar was wildly festive one moment and utterly terrified the next. He sees this as a direct contest between a man who affronts God and a God who affrights him, showing that no one who hardens his heart against God ultimately prospers.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that the queen-mother, though aged and normally keeping to her own apartment apart from the king's wives, broke established court protocol by entering. She did this because the occasion was so solemn and urgent that the usual separation gave way.