The Kingdom of God Versus the Kingdoms of Man (18): Daniel Is Brought Before King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:10-16)
I. The Introduction of the Prophet Daniel
II. The Pattern in the Book of Daniel
Scripture Reading: Daniel 5:1-16
This video includes the congregational prayer, etc., before the sermon
James R. Hamilton, Jr.: “Daniel linked ... chapters 4 and 5:
Both are concerned with a revelation made to the king (Dan. 4:5; 5:5).
Unlike Daniel 2, in neither Daniel 4 nor 5 does the king hide what has been revealed from those he hopes will interpret the revelation (2:5-11; 4:7-8; 5:8).
In both Daniel 4 and 5 the king calls for the wise men, enchanters, Chaldeans and astrologers, in the hope that they will be able to interpret the revelation (4:6-7; 5:7-8).
In both cases, after the charlatans have failed, Daniel is brought in to interpret the revelation (4:8; 5:10-13).
In both accounts Daniel is described as a man ‘in whom is the spirit of the holy gods’ (4:8-9, 18; 5:11, 14).
Both accounts deal with kings coming to know that ‘the Most High God rules in the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will’ (4:17, 25-26, 32; 5:21).
Both accounts deal with the humbling of proud kings (4:30; 5:22).
Both accounts show Daniel’s interpretation coming to pass (4:28; 5:30)” (With the Clouds of Heaven, pp. 75-76).