Who Was King Belshazzar?

Introduction

I recently came across an intriguing article in the latest issue of Let the Stones Speak, a biblical archaeology magazine, which highlighted the story of King Belshazzar. For years, skeptics doubted the accuracy of Daniel’s account of Belshazzar in the Bible due to a lack of archaeological evidence. Scholars only recognized Nabonidus as the last king of Babylon, dismissing the biblical narrative. However, everything changed in 1854 when British Consul John Taylor discovered four small cylinders in a ziggurat, each inscribed with a prayer by Nabonidus for his eldest son, Belshazzar. This groundbreaking find not only confirmed Belshazzar’s existence but also affirmed the historical reliability of the biblical account. This brings us to the question: Who was King Belshazzar?

Narrative Context

Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus, the last king of Babylon, and he played a crucial role during the final days of the Babylonian Empire. While Nabonidus was often away from Babylon, focusing on religious reforms and building projects, Belshazzar was left in charge as co-regent, ruling over the city in his father’s absence. His position as co-regent explains why Daniel refers to him as “king” in the biblical narrative, despite not being the sole ruler.

The biblical account, found in Daniel 5, describes Belshazzar’s infamous banquet, where he used sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple to drink wine and praise false gods. This act of sacrilege was met with divine judgment when a mysterious hand wrote a message on the wall, proclaiming the fall of Babylon. That very night, the city was conquered by the Medes and Persians, fulfilling the prophecy of Babylon’s demise.

Scriptural Foundations

Daniel 5:1-2 (WEB):
“Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded that the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink from them.”

Explanation:
This passage sets the scene for Belshazzar’s downfall. His reckless use of the sacred vessels was a direct affront to God, showcasing his arrogance and disregard for the divine.

Daniel 5:25-28 (WEB):
“This is the writing that was inscribed: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’ This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE: God has counted your kingdom, and brought it to an end; TEKEL: you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting; PERES: your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Explanation:
The mysterious writing on the wall foretold the imminent fall of Belshazzar’s kingdom. This divine message, interpreted by Daniel, was a testament to God’s sovereignty over earthly rulers and kingdoms.

Isaiah 47:10-11 (WEB):
“For you have trusted in your wickedness; you have said, ‘No one sees me;’ your wisdom and your knowledge have perverted you, and you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’ Therefore evil will come on you; you won’t know when it dawns; and mischief will fall on you; you won’t be able to put it away; and desolation will come on you suddenly, which you don’t know.”

Explanation:
This prophecy in Isaiah foreshadows the pride and sudden downfall of Babylon, personified in Belshazzar’s arrogance and the swift judgment that befell him.

Perspectives from Others

1. Historical Skepticism:
   For many years, historians doubted Belshazzar’s existence due to the lack of historical records. The discovery of the Nabonidus Cylinders not only confirmed his existence but also provided insight into his role as co-regent, aligning with the biblical account.
2. Biblical Perspective:
   The Bible portrays Belshazzar as a ruler whose pride and sacrilege led to his downfall. His story serves as a warning against arrogance and defiance of God’s holiness.
3. Modern Scholarly View:
   Today, scholars recognize Belshazzar as a historical figure whose role as co-regent explains the biblical narrative’s portrayal of him as “king.” The archaeological evidence supports the reliability of Daniel’s account, bridging the gap between biblical and historical records.

Identifying Misunderstandings

Misunderstanding: Belshazzar was the sole king of Babylon.
Correction: Belshazzar was not the final sole king of Babylon but ruled as co-regent while his father, Nabonidus, was away. This explains why the Bible refers to him as “king” despite not being the official ruler of the empire.

Misunderstanding: The Bible’s account of Belshazzar was fictional due to the lack of evidence.
Correction: The discovery of the Nabonidus Cylinders confirmed Belshazzar’s existence and role, validating the biblical narrative and dispelling the notion that Daniel’s account was merely fictional.

Relevance and Application for You

Belshazzar’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of pride and defiance against God. It teaches us the importance of humility and reverence for what is sacred. In our modern context, it’s easy to dismiss or disregard divine principles, but Belshazzar’s downfall serves as a stark warning that God’s justice is inevitable.

In your own life, consider how you approach God and His commands. Are there areas where pride or disregard for His will have crept in? Belshazzar’s fate challenges us to examine our hearts and align ourselves with God’s truth, recognizing that true wisdom and security are found in honoring Him above all else.

Encouragement and Conclusion

The story of Belshazzar, once dismissed by skeptics, now stands as a testament to the Bible’s historical accuracy and the faithfulness of God’s Word. As we reflect on his tragic end, let us be encouraged to live in humility and faithfulness, knowing that God’s sovereignty extends over all nations and rulers. May we seek to honor Him in all we do, trusting in His justice and grace as we navigate the complexities of life. In doing so, we affirm the timeless truth of Scripture and the hope we have in the Messiah, who reigns as the true King over all.