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.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Daniel 5:20-21 meaning. Daniel further reminds Belshazzar that Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated by God because of his pride. For seven years, the king lived like a wild animal, until he acknowledged that God is the true ruler of mankind, and grants authority as He chooses.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Genesis 21:31-34 meaning. Abraham names the place where he made an oath with Abimelech, “Beersheba.” After the covenant is made, Abraham plants a tree at Beersheba and prays to God.
- Exodus 38:21-31 meaning. Moses recounted the amount of material that was used to build the tabernacle. The emphasis here is on the amount of precious metals used to make the items for the tabernacle and in the tabernacle.
- Obadiah 1:17-21 meaning. While Edom will be crushed by God’s judgment on the day of the LORD, Israel and Judah will be restored.