Reading for June 4th

Read Daniel 5.1-12 In 5.1-31: Belshazzar's feast. This narrative demonstrates the punishment of arrogant and sacrilegious rulers. In verse 1: Belshazzar was not king of Babylon, but served as regent in place of his father Nebonidus. In verses 2-4: Nebudhadnezzar was not Belshazaar's father (see comment on v. 1). Nebuchadnezzer's son Amel-Marduk (Evil-merodach, 2 Kings 25.27-30; Jer 52.31-34) ruled in 562-560 BCE and was assassinated by his brother-in-law. The use of the Holy Temple vessels (see 2 Kings 24.13; 2 Chr 36.10) for drinking praise to the gods consitutes sacrilege like that of Antiochus IV (1 Macc 1.41-50; 2 Macc 5.15-6.11). In verses 5-12: The fingers of the human hand: A supernatural response to Belshazzar's sacrilege. Both the servants and the king demonstrate their incompetence until the queen reminds them of Daniel. Comments or Questions..