Daniel 5:21 meaning

In the narrative of Daniel, a potent moral and theological lesson unfolds about pride, divine sovereignty, and judgment. Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, represents a severe case of hubris as he openly disregards the warnings of history encapsulated in the story of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. The verse in question reflects a critical juncture in which God's favor shifts due to Belshazzar's arrogance and sacrilegious actions, ultimately leading to divine retribution.

As the account reveals, Belshazzar's unwillingness to humble himself and acknowledge the sovereignty of God serves as a crucial warning about the perils of pride and disobedience. The events of that fateful night illustrate the principle that God is in control—He removes kings and sets up others, an assertion that echoes throughout scripture and emphasizes divine authority over human affairs. This urgent lesson resonates deeply in the broader context of the biblical narrative where human pride often invites catastrophic judgment. Thus, the verse serves as a sobering reminder of the fleeting nature of power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and rulers.