Scripture to Read: Daniel 5:2–4
As we examine Daniel 5, the nation of Israel had been in captivity for about 67 years, which means Daniel would have been in his early 80’s. As we read Daniel 5:2–4, “When Belshazzar tasted the wine, he gave orders to bring the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone.” What we must remember is that around 67 years earlier, we see in Daniel 1:2, “The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god.” So, it’s incredibly clear from what Belshazzar did that he had a complete disrespect for God and the things of God. Our world is much like Belshazzar, for there is little or no respect for God today. We live in a time that fulfills Romans 3:18, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” We must be bold in our walk with Christ and our witness of Him.
Challenge & Application
• What did Belshazzar do, and why was this a defiant and arrogant act against God?
• What defiant actions against God have you seen in the lost people around you, and how are you sharing Christ with them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!