Daniel 5:29 Meaning and Explanation
“Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Belshazzar honors Daniel as promised, clothing him in purple and proclaiming him third ruler.
What Does Daniel 5:29 Mean?
Despite the dire message, Belshazzar keeps his word: Daniel is clothed in royal purple, given a gold chain, and proclaimed third ruler in the kingdom. The king honors the messenger even as the message condemns him, perhaps hoping to soften what is coming.
There is irony in elevating a man over a kingdom that will not survive the night. Daniel, who refused these rewards, receives them anyway, untroubled either way because his trust is in God, not in titles. Honor and security are not the same thing, and human promotion cannot stay God's judgment. The faithful servant is exalted briefly in a doomed court, a quiet sign that God's people may be honored even where the world is passing away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel 5:29
What does Daniel 5:29 mean?
Belshazzar honors Daniel as promised, clothing him in purple and proclaiming him third ruler.