Daniel 5:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Warmed by wine, Belshazzar orders the sacred temple vessels brought so his court can drink from them.
What Does Daniel 5:2 Mean?
Under the influence of wine, the king calls for the gold and silver vessels his predecessor had carried off from the temple in Jerusalem. These holy objects, set apart for the worship of God, are now to serve a drunken party. The word father here marks royal succession rather than direct parentage.
To seize what is sacred and bend it to revelry is to despise the One to whom it belongs. The vessels were dedicated to God's service, and turning them into wine cups is a deliberate insult dressed as entertainment. Scripture treats the holy with reverence, and what is given to God is not ours to profane. The king's small command sets in motion a confrontation he cannot imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel 5:2
What does Daniel 5:2 mean?
Warmed by wine, Belshazzar orders the sacred temple vessels brought so his court can drink from them.