Daniel 5:29

Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chaine of gold about his necke, and made a Proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdome. Daniel 5:29 (KJV)

Daniel 5:29 is part of the larger narrative found in Daniel chapter 5, which records the fall of Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon (sometimes described as a co‑regent or crown prince under King Nabonidus). The chapter tells of a great feast that Belshazzar hosted, during which he profaned the holy vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. In response, God sent a mysterious hand to write on the wall, a writing that no one could interpret except Daniel.

When Daniel was summoned, he delivered a stern rebuke to Belshazzar. He reminded the king of the arrogance and pride displayed in using the sacred vessels for personal pleasure and in worshiping false gods. Daniel then interpreted the inscription, declaring that Belshazzar’s kingdom had been weighed and found wanting, and that his reign would come to an end.

The very night described in verse 29 fulfills Daniel’s interpretation: Belshazzar, the king of the Chaldeans, was slain. The Medes and Persians, under the leadership of Cyrus, invaded Babylon, conquered the city, and killed Belshazzar. According to one account, Darius the Median king took the kingdom, marking the end of the Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Persian Empire.

Key themes emerge from this passage. First, accountability before God is evident; Belshazzar’s misuse of the holy vessels demonstrated his disrespect for the Divine, and the writing on the wall serves as a reminder that no one can disregard God’s commands without facing judgment. Second, pride and arrogance are highlighted; Belshazzar’s boastful display of power and wealth, coupled with his failure to give glory to God, warns against the dangers of hubris. Third, God’s sovereignty is shown in the swift judgment upon Belshazzar, illustrating that even the most powerful ruler is subject to divine authority. Finally, the fulfillment of prophecy is demonstrated as the downfall of Belshazzar and the Babylonian Empire confirms the reliability of God’s word and His faithfulness in bringing about what He has foretold.