Daniel 5:2 (KJV)

What does Daniel 5:2 mean?

Daniel 5:2 describes King Belshazzar, during a feast, ordering that the gold and silver cups taken by his father Nebuchadnezzar from the Jerusalem temple be brought in so that he, his nobles, wives, and concubines could drink from them. The verse highlights Belshazzar’s use of sacred items from the Jewish temple for a royal party.

Belshazzar is the king of Babylon, and the scene takes place during a lavish banquet. The vessels mentioned were originally used in the temple in Jerusalem, making them holy objects. By commanding their use for drinking wine at his feast, Belshazzar is showing disregard for their sacred purpose, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 5:2

• "Vessels" (מָאן, mān): This word refers to the temple cups and bowls. The use of these specific items, taken from Jerusalem’s temple, underlines the disrespect shown to the God of Israel.
• "Father" (אָב, ʾav): In Aramaic, this can mean ancestor or predecessor, not just immediate father. Nebuchadnezzar was actually Belshazzar’s forebear, not his direct father, which clarifies the family relationship.
• "Temple" (הֵיכָל, hēkhal): This word means a palace or temple, specifically the holy place in Jerusalem. Its mention reminds readers these items were not ordinary but set apart for worship.

Why Daniel 5:2 matters

• Daniel 5:2 shows the deliberate misuse of sacred objects, which is key to understanding why Belshazzar’s actions are seen as especially offensive in the story.
• The verse connects Belshazzar’s feast to earlier events in Babylon’s history, reminding readers of Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem and the ongoing tension between Babylon and the Jewish people.
• This act of disrespect sets up the dramatic turning point in the chapter, where a mysterious message appears on the wall, signaling judgment on Belshazzar and his kingdom.