10 Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale. 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods.

Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king, 12 did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”

13 So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

15 Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation. 16 But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

17 In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Vincent Chan

Two things really stand out in today’s passage.

Firstly, I was struck by Daniel’s situation. In the previous chapter, under King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel was one of the most trusted advisors in the kingdom. But now, many years later, he’s older—and forgotten. It takes the Queen (likely the Queen Mother) to remind Belshazzar of who Daniel is. What a powerful reminder of how quickly human achievements and status can fade! Yet even when people forget, God does not change. God is still at work, and He will provide the answer Daniel needs. Our position in this life may rise and fall like shifting sand, but the wonderful promise of Scripture is this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

The second thing that stands out is Belshazzar’s offer of rewards. He promises Daniel royal clothing, a gold chain, and a position as the third highest ruler in the kingdom if he can interpret the writing on the wall. These were powerful symbols of status and authority. But Daniel’s response is striking: “You may keep your gifts… but I will read the inscription anyway.” I’d like to think I would have the same resolve as Daniel—to say no to the rewards and riches of this world. But the truth is, worldly treasures are often deeply enticing. Even though we know the treasures of this world will rust, I often find it very hard not to store and invest in it.

And in light of that struggle, isn’t it good news that Jesus is the true and better Daniel? When Satan tempted Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:9), He didn’t give in. He rejected the offer and submitted to His Father alone. Jesus chose faithfulness over fortune. He gave up the glory of this world so that we could be part of His eternal kingdom. That’s how I can keep living for the kingdom of heaven—not by trying to be strong on my own, but by remembering my King. King Jesus gave up everything, so I could have everything in Him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vinno is one of our Assistant Ministers.