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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0; maximum-scale=1.0; user-scalable=0;"/><title>Daniel 5 ISV</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/chapnew2.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="../spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="../cmenus/daniel/5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="../topmenuchap/daniel/5-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="../">ISV</a> > Daniel 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="../daniel/4.htm" title="Daniel 4">◄</a> Daniel 5 <a href="../daniel/6.htm" title="Daniel 6">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top">International Standard Version</td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/p/isv/esv/daniel/5.shtml" style="color:#001320" title="Parallel Chapters"> Par ▾ </a></tr></table></div><div class="chap"><p class="heading">Belshazzar’s Festival</p><p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-1.htm"><b>1</b></a></span>King Belshazzar put on a great festival for a thousand of his officials. He joined all<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:1 The Aram. lacks all">a</a></span> one thousand of them in getting drunk. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-2.htm"><b>2</b></a></span>Under the influence of wine, Belshazzar ordered that the gold and silver vessels his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem be brought in so the king, his officials, his wives, and his mistresses<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:2 Or concubines; i.e. secondary wives">b</a></span> could drink from them. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>As ordered, they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the sanctuary of God’s Temple in Jerusalem, and the king, his officials, his wives, and mistresses<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:3 Or concubines; i.e. secondary wives">c</a></span> drank from them. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>As they drank the wine, they praised gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.</p> <p class="heading">The Handwriting on the Wall</p><p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>At that moment, humanlike fingers of a hand appeared near the lamp stand of the royal palace and wrote on the plaster of the wall. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>While the king watched the back of the hand as it was writing, his facial expression changed. Utterly frightened, he lost control of his own bowels<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:6 Lit. frightened, the joints of his loins were loosened; i.e. an involuntary physiological response from terror">d</a></span> and his knees knocked together.</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>The king cried out to bring in enchanters,<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:7 Or occult practitioners">e</a></span> Chaldeans, and astrologers. He announced to the advisors<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:7 Or the wise men">f</a></span> of Babylon, “Whoever can read this writing and tell me its meaning will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around his neck, and will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>Then all the king’s advisors came in, but they were unable to read the writing or tell the king what it meant. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>So King Belshazzar became even more frightened, and his facial expression showed it. His officials also were thrown into confusion.</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>Hearing<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:10 The Aram. lacks Hearing">g</a></span> the voices of the king and his officials, the queen entered the banquet hall. “Your majesty, live forever,” the queen said. “Don’t be frightened by your thoughts or allow your facial expression to show it. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>There’s a man in your kingdom in whom dwells<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:11 The Aram. lacks dwells">h</a></span> the spirit of the holy gods. During your grandfather’s reign, he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom, like that<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:11 Lit. like the wisdom">i</a></span> of the gods. Your grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar—your kingly predecessor—appointed him to be chief administrator over the magicians, enchanters,<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:11 Or occult practitioners">j</a></span> Chaldeans, and astrologers, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-12.htm"><b>12</b></a></span>because he was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and understanding, along with an ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. His name is Daniel, whom the king renamed Belteshazzar. Call for Daniel, and he will reveal the meaning of the writing.”<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:12 The Aram. lacks of the writing">k</a></span> </p> <p class="heading">Daniel Interprets the Handwriting</p><p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-13.htm"><b>13</b></a></span>Then Daniel was brought before the king. The king spoke up and told Daniel, “So you are Daniel, one of the Judean exiles whom my grandfather the king brought from Judah! <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span>I’ve heard about you, that a spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, discernment, and extraordinary wisdom. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-15.htm"><b>15</b></a></span>Take note that the advisors<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:15 Lit. the wise men">l</a></span> and enchanters<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:15 Or occult practitioners">m</a></span> were brought before me to read the writing and explain its meaning, but they were unable to do so.<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:15 Lit. to tell the matter">n</a></span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-16.htm"><b>16</b></a></span>However, I’ve heard that you can provide meaning and interpretation, and that you can solve difficult problems. If you are able to read the writing and report its meaning, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-17.htm"><b>17</b></a></span>At this, Daniel answered, speaking directly to<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:17 Lit. speaking before">o</a></span> the king, “Let your gifts and rewards be given to someone else. However, I’ll read the writing for the king and tell him its meaning. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-18.htm"><b>18</b></a></span>Your majesty, the Most High God gave your grandfather Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, as well as greatness, glory, and splendor. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-19.htm"><b>19</b></a></span>And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages revered and feared him. He executed those whom he desired to execute, he spared those whom he wished to spare, he promoted those whom he desired to promote, and he humbled those whom he wished to humble. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-20.htm"><b>20</b></a></span>But when he<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:20 Lit. his heart">p</a></span> became arrogant and his spirit hardened, he was removed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-21.htm"><b>21</b></a></span>He was driven away from human society<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:21 Lit. sons of the people">q</a></span> and given the mind of an animal. He lived with wild donkeys, ate grass like cattle, and his body was soaked with dew from the sky until he realized that the Most High God is sovereign over human kingdoms and places over them whomever he desires.</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-22.htm"><b>22</b></a></span>“But you, Belshazzar, his grandson, haven’t humbled yourself, even though you knew all of this.</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-23.htm"><b>23</b></a></span>“You’ve exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven.</p> <p class="reg">“You’ve had the vessels from his Temple brought into your presence.</p> <p class="reg">“And you, your officials, and your wives and mistresses drank wine from them.</p> <p class="reg">“You praised gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which can’t see, hear, or demonstrate knowledge.</p> <p class="reg">“But you didn’t honor God, who holds in his power your very life and all your ways.</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-24.htm"><b>24</b></a></span>“Therefore, the hand<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:24 Lit. the palm of the hand">r</a></span> that wrote this inscription was sent from his presence. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-25.htm"><b>25</b></a></span>This is the written inscription:</p> <p class="margintop marginbot centr">MENE, MENE, TEKEL AND PARSIN</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-26.htm"><b>26</b></a></span>These are the meanings of the words:</p> <p class="doubleindent margintop">MENE: God has audited<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:26 Lit. numbered">s</a></span> your kingdom—and has ended it.</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-27.htm"><b>27</b></a></span>TEKEL: You’ve been weighed on the scales—and you don’t measure up.<span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:27 Lit. and found lacking">t</a></span> </p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-28.htm"><b>28</b></a></span>PERES: Your kingdom has been divided—and will be given to the Medes and Persians.”</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-29.htm"><b>29</b></a></span>Then Belshazzar gave orders to clothe Daniel in purple, to place a chain of gold around his neck, and to proclaim him the third highest ruler of the kingdom.</p> <p class="reg"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-30.htm"><b>30</b></a></span>That night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was killed, <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/daniel/5-31.htm"><b>31</b></a></span><span class="fn"><a href="#ftn" title="5:31 This v. is 6:1 in MT">u</a></span> and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of 62.</p><hr size="1" color="DDEEFF"><span class="mainfootnotes"><A name="ftn"></a><span class="mainfootnoteshdg">Footnotes:</span><br><span class="fn1"><span class="fnb">a</span> 5:1 The Aram. lacks <i>all</i><br /><span class="fnb">b</span> 5:2 Or <i>concubines</i>; i.e. secondary wives<br /><span class="fnb">c</span> 5:3 Or <i>concubines</i>; i.e. secondary wives<br /><span class="fnb">d</span> 5:6 Lit. <i>frightened, the joints of his loins were loosened</i>; i.e. an involuntary physiological response from terror<br /><span class="fnb">e</span> 5:7 Or <i>occult practitioners</i><br /><span class="fnb">f</span> 5:7 Or <i>the wise men</i><br /><span class="fnb">g</span> 5:10 The Aram. lacks <i>Hearing</i><br /><span class="fnb">h</span> 5:11 The Aram. lacks <i>dwells</i><br /><span class="fnb">i</span> 5:11 Lit. <i>like the wisdom</i><br /><span class="fnb">j</span> 5:11 Or <i>occult practitioners</i><br /><span class="fnb">k</span> 5:12 The Aram. lacks <i>of the writing</i><br /><span class="fnb">l</span> 5:15 Lit. the <i>wise men</i><br /><span class="fnb">m</span> 5:15 Or <i>occult practitioners</i><br /><span class="fnb">n</span> 5:15 Lit. <i>to tell the matter</i><br /><span class="fnb">o</span> 5:17 Lit. <i>speaking before</i><br /><span class="fnb">p</span> 5:20 Lit. <i>his heart</i><br /><span class="fnb">q</span> 5:21 Lit. <i>sons of the people</i><br /><span class="fnb">r</span> 5:24 Lit. <i>the palm of the hand</i><br /><span class="fnb">s</span> 5:26 Lit. <i>numbered</i><br /><span class="fnb">t</span> 5:27 Lit. <i>and found lacking</i><br /><span class="fnb">u</span> 5:31 This v. is 6:1 in MT<br /></span><br><br><hr size="1" color="DDEEFF"><div align="center"><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center">The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1<br />Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation<br />ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/">Bible Hub</a></div></div></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="../daniel/4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="../daniel/6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="rightbox"><div class="padright"><div id="pic"><iframe width="100%" height="860" scrolling="no" src="//biblescan.com/mpc/daniel/5-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div></div><div id="rightbox4"><div class="padright2"><div id="spons1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td class="sp1"><iframe width="122" height="860" scrolling="no" src="../sidemenu.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="bot"><div align="center" style="background-color:#F2FAFF"><br /><br /><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="6710025936" data-ad-format="auto"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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