THE DEMISE OF KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR

Text: Daniel 5
24 September 2012

THE DEMISE OF KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR

1. This was not mentioned in the Book of Daniel

2. It was prophesied in the following texts:-

a) God’s judgment on Babylon Isaiah 13:1-16

b) God’s judgment on the king of Babylon Isaiah 14:4-20

c) God’s judgment on the offspring of the king of Babylon Isaiah 14:21-22

d) The Medes would be the nemesis of Babylon Isaiah 13:17-22

BELSHAZZAR, THE NEW KING OF BABYLON
Daniel 5:1-4

1. Belshazzar is the new king

2. He gives an elaborate feast

a) 1000 lords Daniel 5:1

b) Wine festival

c) Gold and silver vessels from the Jerusalem Temple brought out Daniel 5:2

d) These would be the drinking vessels for the lords/ladies/concubines Daniel 5:3-4

WRITING ON THE WALL
Daniel 5:5-6

1. A hand was seen

2. It wrote on the wall of the King’s palace

3. The king was overcome by fear

CALLING OF THE CHALDEANS/WISE MEN
Daniel 5:5-9

1. Belshazzar called for his advisors

2. Same groups

a) The astrologers

b) The Chaldeans

c) The soothsayers

3. The Promise of the King

a) Whoever could read the writing on the hall would receive a great reward

b) He would become the third ruler

c) Rulers of the Babylonian empire

i) Belshazzar

ii) Nabonidus

iii) The third ruler ?

4. Failure of the Council
They could not read the writing on the wall