The Arrogance and Pride of Belshazzar that caused him all

The Arrogance and Pride of Belshazzar that caused him all.

In Daniel 5, we read of King Belshazzar giving a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles. He gave orders to use the cups from the temple in Jerusalem to drink the wine from. As all of them drank from the cups, they also worshipped the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. It was utter disrespect towards the true and living God. Firstly, he did not deem the cups from the temple as sacred. Secondly, while drinking and indulging in his revelry, he worshipped idols.

Because of this, God's judgement came heavily upon him. The fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall. This caused great fear in the King, who then asked all his wise men to interpret the writing and whoever could do so would be made third highest ruler. However, none could interpret. As the days go by, the King became more and more frightened.

The Queen remembered that none could be compared to Daniel and how he interpreted the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar, his father. Hence, Belshazzar called him in to interpret the writing promising honors for him if he manages to do so.

Daniel was thus called in. He obey the King's command to interpret the writings but not before first proclaiming that he had no interests at all in the riches and honor promised to him. He knew that the ability to interpret the writing came from God and not himself. He also did not want to defile himself with the money. He had overcome greed.

When Daniel saw the writing, he knew what it mean. He begins a harsh rebuke to Belshazzar. Telling him about his father's previous majesty and power, but when he became arrogant and hardened with pride, God stripped him of his glory and turned him into a mad animal like man till he acknowledged that God is the true sovereign one.

But Belshazzar though having knew all these, have not humbled himself but instead worshipped idols and disrespected God. To words to Belshazzar are thus the words of judgement, that God has number the days of his reign and will bring it to an end. He is judged to be sinful and his kingdom will be given to the Medes and Persians.

That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

Learning Lessons:

- Remember the lessons of our fathers.
- Do not be arrogant and prideful but acknowledge that God is sovereign over all.

The Resolve of Daniel not to Defile himself

Daniel 1


The Resolve of Daniel not to Defile himself


Let's study the character of Daniel and let it be an encouragement in our lives. Firstly, let's understand more about him. Daniel was physically well built, handsome, had aptitude, intelligence in all areas. He was scholarly gifted.

 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.

Though he was gifted in all areas, attractive, he did not let this pride get to this head. He knew that he was still a jew though having been trained in the ways of the Babylonian culture for three years. He knew that according to his customs, some food and drink were not to be eaten to represent his devotion to God.

 8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

And for those who honor God, God will honor them. Because Daniel honored God with his resolve not to defile himself, God caused favor to be shown on him by his surrounding people including even the King. This King who was powerful enough to gain victory over the well guarded Jerusalem trusted and had favor in Daniel.

9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

Today, let the character of Daniel encourage us. Not to defile ourselves with things that God is not happy with. Daniel was successful because he held God as the highest standard in his life. He did not defile himself continually. Let us remember that the desire to keep ourselves holy and not defile ourselves is not a one time thing but a continual process, improving day by day till we meet our Lord.

In return, God will favor us. We will find success in the things of our lives. Sure, there will be downfalls, like how Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, and things seem so opposing to you. But trust in the Lord. Downfalls, rises, are all in God's good purposes to mould us into a person more pleasing to Him.