Daniel 5:3-4 Daniel 5:3-Belshazzar, His Nobles, Wives And Concubines Drink From The Gold And Silver Vessels Confiscated From The Temple In Jerusalem Review of Daniel 5:1-2 Daniel 5:1 King Belshazzar threw an enormous banquet for a thousand of his nobles. He even drank wine excessively directly in front of the thousand. (Author s translation) Daniel 5:1 presents to the reader the circumstances preceding God giving Belshazzar over to the Persians. Belshazzar s father was Nabonidus who was residing at the time in Tema. Belshazzar was the co-regent with his father. He was the great-grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel chapter five presents the account of what happened the night that Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians in 539 B.C. Daniel 5:1 says that Belshazzar was throwing a huge banquet for a thousand of his nobles. According to ancient Near Eastern custom, Belshazzar would have sat on a raised platform at a separate table where he could be seen by his guests. It was not unusual for kings of the ancient world to hold such enormous banquets. In fact, it was typical of the later Persian kings (see Esther 1:3-8). Oriental kings were notorious for their extravagant feasts since archaeological discoveries reveal that some Persian monarchs were known to dine daily with 15,000 guests at a meal. At Alexander the Great s marriage 10,000 guests attended his wedding dinner. Ashurnasirpal II had a banquet for 69,754 guests at a banquet dedicating his new capital city Calah in 1879BC. Athanasius describes the food at these banquets writing that 1,000 animals are slaughtered daily for the king. These comprise horses, camels, oxen, asses, deer, and most of the smaller animals. Many birds are consumed, including Arabian ostriches, geese, and chickens. What is unusual is that Belshazzar threw this banquet at a time of great crisis since a huge Medo-Persian invasion force had surrounded the city of Babylon. He may have held the banquet in order to boost the morale of his people. Or he might simply have not been very concerned about the invaders outside the walls of the city since it had not fallen to an invading army for 1,000 years because of its extremely strong fortifications. Furthermore, there were huge stockpiles of food that could sustain the capital for several years. This is something which an invading army would not be able to boast of since they would have forage for food. So probably to show contempt for the Medes and Persians and his great confidence in the city s fortifications and that the city had not fallen to an invader for a thousand years, Belshazzar threw an enormous banquet for a thousand of his 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1
nobles. During this party, the wine flowed freely and the king became intoxicated along with his guests. History confirms that a drunken party was taking place preceding the destruction of the city of Babylon. Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar issued an order while under the influence of the wine causing the gold and silver articles to be brought in which Nebuchadnezzar, his great-grandfather caused to be confiscated from the temple, which was in Jerusalem, in order that the king, his nobles as well as his wives and in addition his concubines could drink with them. (Author s translation) When Belshazzar became intoxicated by the wine he was drinking he became very bold and did something that would be even shocking to any heathen individual, namely, he drank from the vessels that belong to a temple of a god, which happened to be the God of Israel, Yahweh. The heathen of antiquity were noted for destroying and ransacking the temples of their victims but they always erected new temples for the deities of the conquered nations or placed their sacred things in their own pantheons as Nebuchadnezzar did with the articles of gold and silver from Solomon s temple. The gods of peoples were venerated. In fact, a man respected not only his own god but also the gods of others. Therefore, the actions of Belshazzar described here in Daniel 5:2 would be shocking to any pagan in that day. There has been great debate among Bible scholars and expositors of Daniel 5:2 as to the meaning of the masculine singular construct form of the noun ʾǎḇ. Does it refer to the fact that Nebuchadnezzar was Belshazzar s predecessor or his grandfather? A comparison of Jeremiah 27:7, Daniel 5:11 and what we know from history indicates that Nebuchadnezzar was Belshazzar s great-grandfather and Nabonidus grandfather. In Jeremiah 27:7, the word son and grandson are translating the Hebrew noun bēn (בּ ן) (bane), which appears three times in this passage describing someone who is biologically related to Nebuchadnezzar. The text of Jeremiah 27:7 is as follows: wkāl hǎ gô yim ʿāḇ ḏû ʾōṯōw w ʾěṯōw bn w ʾěṯōw běn bnʿǎḏ ʿēṯ ōw ʾǎrṣ ו ע ב ד וּ א תוֹ כּ ל ה גּוֹי ם ( ʿāḇ ḏû bō(ʾ)gǎmhû(ʾ); w rǎb bîm gô yim û g e ḏō lîm m e lā ḵîm bōw It literally.(ו א ת בּ נ ו ו א ת בּ ן בּ נ ו ע ד בּ א ע ת אַר צוֹ גּ ם ה וּא ו ע ב דוּ בוֹ גּוֹי ם ר בּ ים וּמ ל כ ים גּ ד ל ים reads: All the nations shall serve him and his son (bēn), and his son s (bēn) son (bēn), i.e. grandson until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will make him their servant. This passage would indicate that Evil-Merodach was the father of Nabonidus and that Nabonidus was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar since it says that Nebuchadnezzar s son and grandson would follow after him before the Neo- Babylonian empire would come to an end. Evil-Merodach must have been Nabonidus father since Jeremiah 27:7 is saying that Nebuchadnezzar s son and 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2
then grandson would reign and during the reign of his grandson, the kingdom would come to an end. Now, Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 B.C. after ruling 43 years. When he died, he was succeeded by his son Evil-Merodach who ruled for only two years (562-560 B.C.; see 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34). The latter was murdered in August 560 by Neriglissar who was Nebuchadnezzar s son-in-law and Evil- Merodach s own brother-in-law. Neriglissar ruled for a short time with his reign being only four years (560-556 B.C.). This same individual is mentioned in Jeremiah 39:3, 13. When he died, he was succeeded by his young son Labashi- Marduk who ruled only two months, May and June of 556 B.C. He was assassinated and succeeded by Nabonidus who reigned 17 years (556-539 B.C.) and made his son Belshazzar co-regent with him. History tells us as well as Daniel chapter 5 that the Babylonian kingdom ended during the reign of Belshazzar and his father Nabonidus. It would end when Nebuchadnezzar s grandson was on the throne who was Nabonidus as we noted. Therefore, if Nabonidus is the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar and Nebuchadnezzar s empire would come to an end during the reign of his grandson as Jeremiah 27:7 makes clear then Nebuchadnezzar must have been the great-grandfather of Belshazzar since Nebuchadnezzar was the grandfather of Nabonidus, Belshazzar s father. This would thus indicate that the noun ʾǎḇ in Daniel 5:2 is describing Nebuchadnezzar as Belshazzar s greatgrandfather. Gold Vessels Confiscated from Temple are Brought to Banquet Daniel 5:3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. (NASB95) Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, (בּ ( bĕ the house of God which was in Jerusalem is composed of the preposition (beh), and is followed by the temporal adverb ʾěḏǎ yin (א ד י ן) (ed-ah -yin), which together are translated then and then we have the third person masculine plural hafʿel (Hebrew: hiphil) active perfect form of the verb ʾǎṯā(h) (aw-thaw ), (א ת ה) they brought which is followed by the masculine plural construct form of the noun mā(ʾ)n (מ אן) (mawn), the vessels which is modified by the masculine singular noun d e hǎḇ (דּ ה ב) (deh-hab ), gold and then we have the relative particle dî (דּ י) (dee), that which is followed by the third person masculine plural hafʿel (Hebrew: hiphil) active perfect form of the verb n e p ǎq (נ פ ק) (nef-ak ), had been taken and then we have the preposition min (מ ן) (min), out of and its object masculine singular form of the noun hê ḵǎl (ה יכ ל) (hay-kal ), the temple which is followed by the particle dî (דּ י) (dee), which is not translated and then we have the 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 3
masculine singular construct form of the noun bǎ yiṯ (בּ י ת) (bah-yith), the house which is followed by the masculine singular form of the noun ʾělāh (el-aw ), (א ל הּ) God which is followed by the relative particle dî (דּ י) (dee), which and then we have the preposition bĕ ( (בּ (beh), in and its object is the feminine singular proper noun y e rû š e lěm (י רוּשׁ ל ם) (yer-oo-shaw-lame ), Jerusalem. bē ʾḏǎ yin The preposition b- is prefixed to the temporal adverb ʾěḏǎ yin in order to function as a marker of result meaning that they introduce a statement which presents the result of Belshazzar issuing an order to bring to his banquet for his nobles the gold and silver articles, which were from the temple in Jerusalem. The purpose of this order was so that the king, his nobles as well as his wives and in addition his concubines could drink with them. These two words introduce a statement that tells the reader that Belshazzar s order was executed and he and his nobles, together with the king s wives and concubines drank wine with these articles from Solomon s temple. Thus, these two words denote that the articles from Solomon s temple were brought to the banquet as a result of Belshazzar s order to bring them to the banquet being obeyed. ʾǎṯā(h) The verb ʾǎṯā(h) means to be brought in referring to the act of the gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem being brought to the banquet in order that Belshazzar, his nobles, his wives and concubines could drink from them. The third person masculine plural form of the verb is referring to the gold and silver articles which were confiscated from Solomon s temple by Nebuchadnezzar. The hafʿel stem (Hebrew: hiphil stem) is intransitive since it does not take a direct object and describes the subject as exhibiting a particular state. Here it denotes the gold and silver articles as the subject of the verb exhibited the state of being brought to the banquet. The perfect conjugation of the verb is stative expressing a state or a condition indicating that the gold and silver articles from the temple existed in a state of being brought in as a result of Belshazzar s order to bring them to the banquet being obeyed. ḏǎ h ǎ ḇā(ʾ) mā(ʾ) nê The noun mā(ʾ)n means vessels or articles and is used in the plural and refers to the various articles pertaining to the worship of the Lord in Solomon s temple. Thus, Nebuchadnezzar took the equipment in the temple which was 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4
symbolic of its owner and brought them to the temple of his god in Babylon. These vessels obviously were cups or bowls because Belshazzar orders them to be brought to the banquet in order that he and his nobles, and his wives and concubines could drink from them. 2 Kings 24:1 records that Jehoiakim was forced to pay tribute to Nebuchadnezzar and as part of this tribute the latter took the gold articles of the temple and brought them to Babylon. He placed them in the treasury of the temple of the god he worshipped, which cuneiform inscriptions reveal was Marduk. These articles were made of gold, silver and bronze according to Daniel 5:2-3. This tribute is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 36:7, 10, 18. These articles were restored seventy years later by Cyrus (Ezra 1:7). Taking these gold, silver and bronze articles would have religious significance in Daniel s day since removing them from Solomon s temple would be a sign of victory of Nebuchadnezzar s god over Yahweh, who was Jehoiakim s God. Wars were fought in a god s name in the ancient world and thus the plunder from a victory belonged to the victorious god. The temple articles are his booty. In Daniel 5:3, the noun mā(ʾ)n is in the construct form meaning that it is governing the nouns d e hǎḇ, gold and k e sǎp, which follow it. This construction expresses a genitive relation. Specifically, it is a material genitive which denotes the substance out of which the construct term is constructed. This indicates the articles brought to Belshazzar s banquet were composed of gold and silver. The noun d e hǎḇ means gold and it is followed by the conjunction wa and the noun k e sǎp, which means silver. The conjunction wa is used in an adjunctive sense indicating that these articles from the temple in Jerusalem were composed of gold as well as silver. Now, the NASB, ESV, NIV, and LEB omit the conjunction wa and the noun k e sǎp after the noun d e hǎḇ whereas the NRSV, NET Bibles as well as Theodotion and the Latin Vulgate do not. The latter are correct in inserting these two words after the word d e hǎḇ since they were probably accidentally dropped from the Aramaic text by homoioteleuton, which means same ending. This word describes probably the most common of all forms of scribal errors since almost all Hebrew and Greek manuscripts of the Bible contain at least a few instances of it. Homoioteleuton occurs when two words, phrases or lines end with the same sequence of letters. The scribe, having finished copying the first, skips to the second, omitting all intervening words. Homoioteleuton errors can occur almost anywhere, and are often easily detected as they produce nonsense. There are, however, exceptions, as such as in 1 John 2:23, where the Majority text has skipped ton patera ecei...ton patera ecei, leaving a text which is incomplete but perfectly sensible. 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5
dî The particle dî means which since it functions as a relative pronoun referring to the gold and silver articles Belshazzar ordered to be brought to the banquet in order that he and his nobles, his wives and concubines could drink from them. n e p ǎq The verb n e p ǎq means to confiscate which means to seize as forfeited to the public treasury. Here it refers to Nebuchadnezzar confiscating the gold and silver articles of Solomon s temple in Jerusalem when he captured Jerusalem in September of 605 B.C. These gold and silver vessels were forfeited by the kingdom of Judah when Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem. The king brought them to the treasury of his god, Marduk, which resided in Babylon. The hafʿel stem (Hebrew: hiphil stem) of the verb n e p ǎq is also intransitive since it does not take a direct object and describes the subject as exhibiting a particular state. Here again it denotes the gold and silver articles as the subject of the verb exhibited the state of being confiscated by Nebuchadnezzar. The perfect conjugation of the verb is stative expressing a state indicating that the gold and silver articles from the temple existed in a state of being confiscated from the temple as a result of Nebuchadnezzar s soldiers obeying his orders to do so. min hê ḵ e lā(ʾ) The noun hê ḵǎl means temple and refers to Solomon s temple, which was of course located in Jerusalem and was still standing during the reign of Jehoiakim when Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem in 605 B.C. This noun is the object of the preposition min, which is a marker of separation meaning that Nebuchadnezzar confiscated the gold and silver articles from the temple. dî The particle dî means which since it functions as a relative pronoun referring to the gold and silver articles Belshazzar ordered to be brought to the banquet in order that he and his nobles, his wives and concubines could drink from them. Ellipsis Daniel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is deliberately omitting the third person masculine singular peʿal (Hebrew: qal) active imperfect form of the verb 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6
h ǎ wā(h) (ה ו ה) (hav-aw ). However it is implied and means was indicating that the temple in Jerusalem was the house of God. Daniel is writing chapter 5 after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The peʿal (Hebrew: qal) stem of the verb is stative meaning that the temple located in Jerusalem once existed in the state of being the house of God. The imperfect conjugation of the verb has an incomplete meaning and describes an event in the past from the writer s perspective. Here it is describing temple in Jerusalem as being the house of God in the past from the Daniel s perspective, which was after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C. ḇêṯ ʾělā hā(ʾ) The noun bǎ yiṯ is in the singular and construct form referring to the residence or the dwelling place of God. The word is modified by the noun ʾělāh, which means God referring to the God of Israel. The former is in the construct state meaning that it is governing the proper noun ʾělāh. This indicates a genitive relationship and specifically a genitive of possession or a genitive of relationship. This would indicate that the God of Israel possesses the temple in Jerusalem. dî The particle dî means which since it functions as a relative pronoun and refers to the noun hê ḵǎl, which refers to Solomon s temple. Ellipsis Once again, Daniel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is deliberately omitting the third person masculine singular peʿal (Hebrew: qal) active imperfect form of the verb h ǎ wā(h) (ה ו ה) (hav-aw ). However it is implied and means was indicating that the temple was in Jerusalem. Again, Daniel is writing chapter 5 after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The peʿal (Hebrew: qal) stem of the verb is stative meaning that the temple once existed in the state of being in Jerusalem. The imperfect conjugation of the verb is describing temple as being located in Jerusalem as the house of God in the past from the Daniel s perspective. ḇi yrû š e lěm The proper noun y e rû š e lěm means Jerusalem referring to the city located along the central mountain ridge of Palestine, 36 miles east of the Mediterranean 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 7
and 16 miles west of the northern tip of the Dead Sea and is situated 2100-1500 ft. above sea level in a relatively level plateau of the Benjaminite highlands. On the east, is the Kidron valley, which separates it from the Mount of Olives and on the west and south by the Hinnom valley. The proper noun y e rû š e lěm is the object of the preposition bĕ, which is a marker of location meaning that it is marking Jerusalem as the location of the temple from which Nebuchadnezzar confiscated the gold and silver articles used in the worship of Yahweh. The King, His Nobles, Wives and Concubines Drank from Vessels Daniel 5:3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. (NASB95) And the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them is composed of the conjunction wa ( (ו (waw), and which is followed by the third person masculine plural peʿal (Hebrew: qal) active perfect form of the (בּ ( bĕ (sheth-aw ), drank and then we have the preposition (שׁ ת ה) ṯā(h) verb š e (beh), from and its object is the third person masculine plural pronominal suffix him mô (ה מּ ו) (him-mo ), them which is followed by the masculine singular form of the noun mě lěḵ (מ ל ך) (meh -lek), the king and then we have the conjunction wa ( (ו (waw), and which is followed by the masculine plural construct form of the noun rǎḇ r e ḇā nîn (ר ב ר ב נ ין) (rab-reb-awn ), nobles which is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (הוּא) (who), his and then we have the feminine plural construct form of the noun šē ḡǎl (שׁ ג ל) (shay-gawl ), wives which is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (הוּא) (who), his and then we have the conjunction wa ( (ו (waw), and which is followed by the feminine plural construct form of the noun l e ḥē nā(h) (ל ח נ ה) (lekh-ay-naw ), concubines which is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (הוּא) (who), his. wa The conjunction wa is a marker of result meaning that it is introducing a statement which is the direct result of the previous statement, which says that the gold and silver articles from Solomon s temple were brought to the banquet. The conjunction introduces a statement which says that Belshazzar and his nobles along with his wives and concubines drank wine with these sacred articles. Therefore, this conjunction denotes that as a result of the gold and silver articles being 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 8
brought to Belshazzar s banquet per his orders, he and his nobles, wives and concubines drank their wine with these articles. wa This time the conjunction is adjunctive meaning that in addition to Belshazzar, the king wanted his nobles to drink from the gold and silver vessels from the temple of Solomon. rǎḇ r e ḇā nîn The noun rǎḇ r e ḇā nîn means nobles referring to persons in Belshazzar s kingdom who were associated with the ruling class in his kingdom. This noun is also modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ), which means his since it functions as a possessive personal pronoun and refers of course to Belshazzar. šē ḡǎl The noun šē ḡǎl can mean wife, concubine, or consort. Here it appears in the plural and refers to the wives of Belshazzar since noun l e ḥē nā(h) definitely means concubine. This word indicates that Belshazzar like nearly all the kings of the ancient world practiced polygamy which is not condoned in the Word of God. Polygamy, easy divorce and remarriage were prevalent in the ancient world. This noun is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ), which means his since it functions as a possessive personal pronoun and refers of course to Belshazzar. wa Once again, the conjunction wa is adjunctive meaning that in addition to Belshazzar, his nobles and his wives, the king wanted his concubines to drink from the gold and silver vessels from the temple of Solomon. l e ḥē nā(h) The noun l e ḥē nā(h) is in the plural and means concubines. This noun is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ), which means his since it functions as a possessive personal pronoun and refers of course to Belshazzar. 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 9
š e ṯā(h) The verb š e ṯā(h) means to consume a liquid of some kind. Here its object is wine. Thus, the word denotes Belshazzar, his nobles and his wives and concubines drinking wine from the gold and silver articles or vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. The peʿal (Hebrew: qal) stem is fientive expressing an action. Here it is expressing Belshazzar, his nobles, his wives and concubines performing the action of drinking wine from the gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. The perfect conjugation of the verb is stative expressing the state or condition of Belshazzar and his nobles, wives and concubines drinking wine with these articles. b hôn The pronominal suffix him mô means them is a marker of relative reference referring again to members of the gold and silver articles which Nebuchadnezzar confiscated from Solomon s temple in Jerusalem when he captured that city in September of 605 B.C. It is the object of the preposition b-, which is a marker of means indicating that Belshazzar s order the gold and silver vessels be brought to the banquet in order that he and his nobles, his wives as well as concubines could drink wine with them. This prepositional phrase is in the emphatic position of this result clause to emphasize from Daniel s godly perspective the shocking actions of Belshazzar since making use of sacred temple vessels for an occasion of partying and drunkenness was a shocking affront to Daniel and his fellow Jewish captives. Translation of Daniel 5:3 Daniel 5:3 Therefore, the gold and silver articles were brought in, which were confiscated from the temple, which was God s house, which was in Jerusalem so that the king, his nobles as well as his wives and in addition his concubines could drink with them. Exposition of Daniel 5:3 Daniel 5:3 records the execution of Belshazzar s orders to bring to the enormous banquet he was throwing for his nobles the gold and silver articles from Solomon s temple in Jerusalem which were confiscated by Nebuchadnezzar during his first invasion of Jerusalem in 605 B.C. The purpose of this order according to 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 10
Daniel 5:2 was so that the king and his nobles as well as his wives and concubines could drink their wine from them. Here in verse 3, the king s order is reported by Daniel in almost the exact words that were used in Belshazzar s command in verse 2. There is one slight addition, namely the phrase God s house or house of God. This addition serves to magnify the sin of the king. It puts into perspective clearly the tremendous sacrilege and sin Belshazzar was committing by drinking wine from these sacred articles, which were used in the worship of Yahweh. These gold and silver articles from Solomon s temple were set apart to be used exclusively in the worship of the God of Israel. Thus, Belshazzar s actions as well as his nobles, wives and concubines were flagrant disrespect for the God of Israel. The articles of the temple were sanctified meaning that they were to only be used when worshipping and serving God in the temple. It means that they were set apart to be used exclusively for worshipping the Lord in the temple. Belshazzar and his guests are guilty of blasphemy, which is the profaning or desecration of that which is used to worship Him. It is also taking in vain the name of God, or the reviling of any of His works or deeds. It is strongly forbidden by God as dishonoring His character and reputation. Blasphemy is strongly forbidden (Exodus 20:7l; Deuteronomy 5:11; cf. Exodus 22:28; Leviticus 18:21; 19:12; 22:32; Numbers 15:30-31) and is punished by God (Leviticus 24:10-16,23; 2 Kings 19:20-37; cf. Isaiah 37:21-38). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unpardonable (Mark 3:28-30; cf. Matthew 12:31-32; Luke 12:10; cf. Hebrews 10:29) Defiling sacred things blasphemes God (Leviticus 22:1-2; Ezekiel 20:27-28; 22:26; Malachi 1:6-13). Despising the poor blasphemes God (Proverbs 14:31; cf. Amos 2:7; James 2:5-7) Speaking against God s people blasphemes God (Zephaniah 2:8-11; Acts 9:4-5). Slandering angels whether or elect and non-elect blasphemes God (2 Peter 2:10-12; Jude 8-10). The sins of God s people may cause others to blaspheme (Romans 2:28; Samuel 12:13-14). God s enemies blaspheme Him (Psalm 139:20; cf. 74:10-11, 18; Daniel 7:25; 11:36; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5; 16:9, 11, 21; 17:3). Jesus Christ was falsely accused of blasphemy (Mark 2:6-7; Matthew 9:3; Luke 5:21; cf. Matthew 26:65-66; Mark 14:63-64; John 10:33-36). God s servants have been falsely accused of blasphemy (1 Kings 21:9-13; Acts 6:11-14). Jerry M. Henry writes Blasphemy draws its Christian definition through the background of the OT. It is significant that blasphemy reflects improper action with regard to the use of God s name. God revealed His character and invited personal relationship through the revelation of His name. Therefore, the use of God s name gave the Israelites the opportunity of personal participation with the very nature of God. Leviticus 24:14 16 guides the Hebrew definition of blasphemy. The offense is designated as a capital crime, and the offender is to be 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 11
stoned by the community. Blasphemy involves the actual pronunciation of the name of God along with an attitude of disrespect. Under the influence of this interpretation, the personal name of p 223 God (Yahweh) was withdrawn from ordinary speech and the title of Adonai (Lord) was used in its place. Israel, at various times, was guilty of blasphemy. Specifically mentioned were the instances of the golden calf (Neh. 9:18) and the harsh treatment of the prophets (Neh. 9:26). David was accused by Nathan of making a mockery of God s commands and giving an occasion for the enemies of Israel to blaspheme to misunderstand the true nature of God (2 Sam. 12:14). The enemies of Israel blasphemed God through acts against the people of God. The Assyrians claimed that God was powerless when compared to their mighty army (2 Kings 19:6, 22; Isa. 37:6, 23). A contempt of God was shown by the Babylonians during the exile, as they continually ridiculed God (Isa. 52:5). Edom was guilty of blasphemy when it rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem (Ezek. 35:12). God responded with judgment (2 Kings 19:35 37) or promised judgment (Isa. 52:6; Ezek. 35:12 15) to defend the dignity of His name. New Testament The NT broadens the concept of blasphemy to include actions against Christ and the church as the body of Christ. Jesus was regarded by the Jewish leaders as a blasphemer Himself (Mark 2:7). When tried by the Sanhedrin, Jesus not only claimed messianic dignity but further claimed the supreme exalted status (Luke 22:69). Such a claim, according to the Sanhedrin, fit the charge of blasphemy and, therefore, deserved death (Matt. 26:65; Mark 14:64). However, according to the NT perspective, the real blasphemers were those who denied the messianic claims of Jesus and rejected His unity with the Father (Mark 15:29; Luke 22:65; 23:39). The unity of Christ and the church is recognized in the fact that persecutions against Christians are labeled as blasphemous acts (1 Tim. 1:13; 1 Pet. 4:4; Rev. 2:9). It is also important that Christians avoid conduct that might give an occasion for blasphemy, especially in the area of attitude and speech (Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; 1 Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:2). The sin of blasphemy is a sin that can be forgiven. However, there is a sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that cannot be forgiven (Matt. 12:32; Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10). This is a state of hardness in which one consciously and willfully resists God s saving power and grace. It is a desperate condition that is beyond the situation of forgiveness because one is not able to recognize and repent of sin. Thus one wanting to repent of blasphemy against the Spirit cannot have committed the sin. 1 1 Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. 2003 (C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, T. C. Butler & B. Latta, Ed.) (222 223). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers. 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 12
Daniel 5:4-Belshazzar And His Guests Praise The Gods Of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron, Wood And Stone As They Drank Wine Belshazzar and His Guests Drink Wine Daniel 5:4 They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. (NASB95) They drank the wine is composed of the third person masculine plural peʿal (Hebrew: qal) active perfect form of the verb š e ṯā(h) (שׁ ת ה) (sheth-aw ), they drank and then we have the masculine singular noun ḥ ǎ mǎr (ח מ ר) (kham-ar ), wine. Asyndeton Daniel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is employing the figure of asyndeton in order to emphasize seriousness of the sin of Belshazzar and his guests in drinking from the sacred articles from the temple in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit through Daniel uses this figure because He wants the reader to understand the seriousness of the sin of Belshazzar and his guests in drinking from the gold and silver articles from Solomon s temple. š e ṯā(h) The verb š e ṯā(h) means to consume a liquid of some kind. Here its object is wine. Thus, the word denotes Belshazzar, his nobles and his wives and concubines drinking wine from the gold and silver articles or vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. The peʿal (Hebrew: qal) stem is fientive expressing an action. Here it is expressing Belshazzar, his nobles, his wives and concubines performing the action of drinking wine from the gold and silver vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. The perfect conjugation of the verb is stative expressing the state or condition of Belshazzar and his nobles, wives and concubines drinking wine with these articles. ḥ ǎ mǎr The noun ḥ ǎ mǎr means wine which refers to a fermented beverage made from the juice of grapes and is an intoxicated beverage when used in excess. There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that non-alcoholic or pasteurized wine was used in ancient times. 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 13
Belshazzar and His Guests Praise the God s of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron, Wood and Stone Daniel 5:4 They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. (NASB95) And praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone is composed of the conjunction wa ( (ו (waw), and which is followed by the third person masculine plural paʿʿel (Hebrew: piel) active perfect form of the verb š e ḇǎḥ (leh) which is (ל ( lĕ (sheb-akh ), praised and then we have the preposition (שׁ ב ח) not translated and its object is the masculine plural construct form of the noun ʾělāh (el-aw ), gods which is modified by the masculine singular noun d e hǎḇ (א ל הּ) and (waw), (ו ( wa (deh-hab ), gold and then we have the conjunction (דּ ה ב) which is followed by the masculine singular form of the noun k e sǎp (כּ ס ף) (kes-af ), (נ ח שׁ) silver and then we have the masculine singular form of the noun n e ḥāš (nekh-awsh ), bronze which is followed by the masculine singular noun pǎr zěl (אָע) (par-zel ), iron and then we have the masculine singular noun ʾāʿ (פּ ר ז ל) (aw), wood and this is followed by the conjunction wa ( (ו (waw), and which is followed by the feminine singular noun ʾě ḇěn (א ב ן) (eh -ben), a stone. wa The conjunction wa is a temporal marker meaning that it is a marker of an event as taking simultaneously with another event. The word is introducing a statement which records that Belshazzar and his guests praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. The conjunction marks this event as taking place simultaneously with the previous statement which records Belshazzar and his guests drinking wine. Therefore, the word denotes that while Belshazzar and his guests drank wine, they praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. š e ḇǎḥ The verb š e ḇǎḥ means to praise in the sense of acknowledging and esteeming one s excellence. The word denotes Belshazzar and his guests acknowledging and esteeming the excellence of the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. Thus, the verb denotes the while the king and his guests drank wine, they were acknowledging and esteeming or expressing a high regard for the perceived excellence of the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. The paʿʿel (Hebrew: piel) stem of the verb is factitive meaning that the subject causes its direct object to enter a state that can be described by the same verb in the 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 14
peʿal (Hebrew: qal). The subject of this verb is of course Belshazzar and his guests and its direct object is the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. This stem denotes that Belshazzar and his guests caused the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone to enter a state of receiving praise from them. The perfect tense of this verb is constative describing in summary fashion this action on the part of Belshazzar and his guests praising the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. lĕ The verb š e ḇǎḥ is then followed by the preposition lĕ, which is used to mark noun ʾělāh, the gods as the direct object of this verb and is to be left untranslated. ʾělāh The noun ʾělāh is in the masculine plural form and means gods referring to the heathen gods, which Belshazzar and his guests worshipped along with the other unregenerate members of the human race. The word is in the construct state meaning that it is governing the nouns, which follow it, which are d e hǎḇ, gold, k e sǎp, silver, n e ḥāš, bronze, pǎr zěl, iron, ʾāʿ, wood, and ʾě ḇěn, a stone. This construction expresses a genitive relation. Specifically, it is a material genitive which denotes the substance out of which the construct term is constructed. This indicates the gods Belshazzar and his guests were praising were composed of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. d e hǎḇ The noun d e hǎḇ means gold which is a precious metal and appears often in the Word of God (385 times). Gold is the most valuable of all metals and in the ancient world was indicative of wealth and prosperity in biblical times. It had a wide variety of uses and was employed extensively in both the tabernacle and the temple. Gold was of great value (cf. Isaiah 60:17; See also Joshua 6:18-19,24; 1 Kings 20:1-6; 2 Kings 7:8; 14:14; 2 Chronicles 21:3; Job 28:12-19). The Scriptures teach that wisdom cannot be bought with gold (Psalm 45:9,13; 72:15; 105:37; Proverbs 20:15; Ezekiel 28:13; Daniel 11:8,38; Joel 3:4-5; 2 Timothy 2:20; Revelation 21:18, 21). The book of Revelation teaches that the streets of the new Jerusalem are to be paved with gold. Gold was indicative of wealth (Genesis 13:2; 24:35; Deuteronomy 8:12-14; 17:17; Joshua 22:8; 2 Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 32:27; Job 3:15; 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 15
31:24-28; Ecclesiastes 2:8; Isaiah 2:7; Ezekiel 16:13; Ezekiel 28:4; Zephaniah 1:18; Zechariah 9:3; 14:14; James 2:2; Revelation 18:16). Gold was relatively rare (Isaiah 13:12) and was mined from the earth (Job 28:5-6; cf. Genesis 2:11-12). It was refined by fire (Revelation 3:18; cf. Numberds 31:21-23; Job 28:1; Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3; 1 Peter 1:7). Gold was obtained through trade (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21; 1 Kings 9:26-28; 2 Chronicles 8:17-18; 1 Kings 10:11; 2 Chronicles 9:9; 1 Kings 22:48; Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 10:9; Ezekiel 27:22; Revelation 18:11-13). Gold was worked by goldsmiths (Isaiah 46:6; 1 Chronicles 29:4-5; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 13-14; Jeremiah 10:9). Gold was presented as offerings to God (Exodus 35:22; 25:1-7; 35:5; Numbers 7:84-86; 31:50-54; 2 Samuel 8:11; Ezra 1:1-11; 2:69; 7:12-18; 8:24-34; Nehemiah 7:70-72). Gold was given to rulers as tribute and bribes (1 Kings 10:14-15; 2 Chronicles 9:13-14; cf. 1 Kings 10:24-25; 2 Chronicles 9:23-24; 2 Kings 12:18; 16:7-9; 18:13-16; 23:33-35; 2 Chronicles 36:3; 2 Chronicles 16:2-3). Gold was given as gifts (Job 42:11; Genesis 24:53; 2 Samuel 8:9-10; 1 Chronicles 18:9-10; 1 Kings 10:10; 2 Chronicles 9:9; 2 Kings 5:5; Matthew 2:11). The use of gold in the tabernacle (Exodus 38:21-24; 25:11-13,17-18), the atonement cover and cherubim (Exodus 25:28-29, 31, 36, 38; 26:6, 29, 32, 37; 30:1-5), the altar (Exodus 39:37-38; 40:5; Leviticus 24:4; Numbers 8:4). The use of gold in priestly vestments (Exodus 28:4-5; cf. Exodus 28:11-15, 22-27, 33-38; 39:15-20, 25-26, 30-31). The use of gold in the temple (1 Chronicles 22:14; cf. 1 Kings 6:28, 30, 32, 35; 7:48-51; 2 Kings 18:16; 1 Chronicles 28:14-18; 29:1-7; 2 Chronicles 3:4-10; 4:7-8, 19-22). wa This time the conjunction wa is used in an adjunctive sense indicating that these articles from the gods Belshazzar and his guests were praised were not only composed of gold but in addition silver as well. k e sǎp The noun k e sǎp means silver, which like gold, is another precious metal capable of being hammered or drawn out thin, and was known to the people of the Bible as early as 3000 B.C. Silver has a brilliant white color and is remarkably resistant to oxidation. Silver is often surpassed in value only by gold. It had a variety of uses and by New Testament times was common in coinage. It was mined (Job 28:1-4) and acquired through trade (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:20; cf. Jeremiah 10:9; 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 16
Ezekiel 27:12; Revelation 18:11-12). Silver was refined (Psalm 66:10; Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Isaiah 48:10; Ezekiel 22:20-22; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3). Silver worked by silversmiths (Proverbs 25:4; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 13-14; Acts 19:24). Possession of silver was a sign of wealth (Genesis 13:2; 24:35; Numbers 22:18; Deuteronomy 8:13; 17:17; Joshua 22:8; 2 Chronicles 32:27; Job 3:13-15; 27:16; Psalm 105:37; Ecclesiastes 2:8; Isaiah 2:7; 60:17; Ezekiel 16:13; Ezekiel 28:4; Daniel 11:43; Hosea 2:8; Zechariah 9:3; 14:14). Silver given as offerings to God (Exodus 25:1-3; 35:5, 24; Numbers 7:84-85; 2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Chronicles 18:11; 1 Chronicles 29:7; Ezra 1:1-11; 2:68-69; 7:13-16; 8:24-30; Nehemiah 7:71-72). Silver in the tabernacle (Exodus 38:17; 26:18-25; 36:23-30; 26:31-32; 36:35-36; 27:9-11; 38:9-12; 27:17; 38:18-19, 25-28; Numbers 10:2). There was silver in the temple (1 Chronicles 22:14; 1 Kings 7:51; 2 Chronicles 5:1; 1 Kings 15:15; 2 Chronicles 15:18; 2 Kings 25:15; Jeremiah 52:19; 1 Chronicles 28:14-17; 29:2-5; 2 Chronicles 24:14; Daniel 5:2). Silver was abundant in Jerusalem in Solomon s time (1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:27; cf. 1 Kings 10:21; 2 Chronicles 9:20). It was used as currency (Genesis 37:28; 20:16; 23:15-16; 33:19; 42:35; Exodus 21:32; 38:25; Leviticus 5:15; 27:6,16; Numbers 3:50; 18:16; Deuteronomy 2:6,28; 14:22-26; 22:19,28-29; Joshua 24:32; Judges 9:4; 16:5; 17:10; 1 Samuel 9:8; 2 Samuel 18:11; 24:24; 1 Kings 10:29; 2 Chronicles 1:17; 1 Kings 16:24; 20:39; 2 Kings 6:25; 1 Chronicles 19:6; 2Ch 25:6; Ezra 7:21-22; Nehemiah 5:15; Esther 3:9; Job 42:11; Isaiah 7:23; Jeremiah 32:9-10,44; Hosea 3:1-2; Amos 2:6; 8:5-6; Zephaniah 1:11; Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 10:9; 26:15; 27:3-10; Luke 10:35; Acts 3:6). Silver was used as tribute (2 Kings 23:33-35; 2 Chronicles 36:3; 1 Kings 15:18-19; 2 Chronicles 16:2-3; 2 Kings 16:8; 18:14-15; 2 Chronicles 9:13-14, 23-24; 17:11; 27:5) as well as plunder (Judges 5:19; Exodus 3:22; Numbers 31:21-23; Joshua 6:18-19,24; 7:21; 2 Kings 14:14; 2 Chronicles 25:24; Ezekiel 38:13; Nahum 2:9). Idols or statues were composed of silver (Exodus 20:23; Deuteronomy 7:25; 29:17; Judges 17:1-4; Psalm 115:4; Isaiah 2:20; 30:22; 31:7; 40:19; 46:6; Jeremiah 10:3-4,8-9; Daniel 2:32; 5:4, 23; Hosea 8:4; 13:2; Habakkuk 2:19; Acts 17:29; 19:24; Revelation 9:20). n e ḥāš The noun n e ḥāš means bronze which is an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze was highly prized for its strength and durability. It had a variety of uses in biblical times and was employed extensively in both the tabernacle and temple. Bronze as a material was used by craftsmen (Genesis 4:22; Exodus 31:1-6; 35:30-34; 1 Kings 7:13-14; 1 Chronicles 22:15-16; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 13-14; 24:12). It was renowned for its strength (Jeremiah 15:12; Leviticus 26:18-19; Deuteronomy 28:23; Job 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 17
6:12; 37:18; 40:18; 41:27; Isaiah 48:4; Jeremiah 1:18; 15:20; Daniel 7:19; Micah 4:13) as well as for its brilliance (Daniel 10:5-6l; Ezekiel 40:3; Revelation 1:15; 2:18). Bronze was an expensive metal (Revelation 18:11-12; 1 Chronicles 18:8-10; Ezra 8:26-27; Ezekiel 27:13). It was less valuable than gold or silver (Isaiah 60:17; 1 Kings 14:25-28; 2 Chronicles 12:9-11). Offerings of bronze were made at various times (Exodus 35:24; 25:1-7; 35:4-9; 8:29-31; 1 Chronicles 18:9-11; 22:14; 29:6-7). Bronze was used in the tabernacle (2 Chronicles 1:5-6; Exodus 27:1-6; 38:1-6; 35:16; 39:39; Numbers 4:13; 16:39-40; For the laver Exodus 30:18 See also Exodus 35:16; 38:8; For the tent and the framework of the tabernacle Exodus 27:17-19; 38:17-20; 26:10-11, 36-37; 27:9-11; Exodus 38:9-11; 36:18, 37-38). It was used extensively in the temple (2 Chronicles 4:18; 1 Kings 7:23-33, 38-45; 2 Chronicles 4:9-16; 1 Kings 8:64; 2 Kings 16:17; 25:13-17; Jeremiah 52:17-23; 1 Chronicles 18:8; 29:2; 2 Chronicles 4:1). Bronze was used for armor (1 Samuel 17:5-6, 38), weapons (2 Samuel 21:16; 1 Samuel 17:6; 2 Samuel 22:35; Psalm 18:34), shackles (Judges 16:21; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7; 52:11; 2 Chronicles 33:11; 36:6; Daniel 4:15, 23), gates (Psalm 107:16; Deuteronomy 33:25; 1 Kings 4:13; 1 Chronicles 22:3; Isaiah 45:2). pǎr zěl The noun pǎr zěl means iron, which is a metal substance that appears throughout the Old Testament but is seldom found in the New Testament. Iron ore is mined from the earth (Job 28:2; Deuteronomy 8:7-9) and is refined by smelting in a furnace, and which imagery is often used of God s testing of his people (Ezekiel 22:20; cf. Numbers 31:21-23; Jeremiah 6:27-29; Ezekiel 22:18). Egypt is described as an iron-smelting furnace (Deuteronomy 4:20; cf. 1 Kings 8:51; Jeremiah 11:4). Iron was a valuable metal (Revelation 18:11-12; cf. Joshua 22:6-8; Isaiah 60:17; Ezekiel 27:12, 19). Iron was prized for its great strength (Daniel 2:40-43; cf. Leviticus 26:19; Deuteronomy 28:23). The great strength of certain animals is conveyed with the imagery of iron (Job 40:15-18; 41:27). Iron is symbolic of the strength of the Lord s rule (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27; 19:15; Isaiah 48:4; Jeremiah 1:18; 15:12; Daniel 2:31-35). ʾāʿ The noun ʾāʿ means wood referring to the hard fibrous substance consisting basically of xylem that makes up the greater part of the stems, branches and roots of trees or shrubs beneath the bark and is found to a limited extent in herbaceous 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 18
plants. It was one of the many substances of which idols were made. The people of the ancient world made their idols with a wooden center and were merely overlaid with gold such as Isaiah 40:19 and 30:22 demonstrate. Aaron s molten calf was also made in this way. Trunks and branches of trees used as raw material for various objects and as fuel for burning. Acacia wood was used extensively in the tabernacle and olive wood in the temple. Various kinds of wood are mentioned in the Scriptures. First there is acacia wood (Exodus 27:1; cf. 25:10-13, 23; 26:15-17, 26-27; 27:6; 30:1-5; 35:4-7,24; 37:1-4; 38:1; Deuteronomy 10:1-3), cedar wood (Leviticus 14:48-53; cf. 14:1-7; Numbers 19:1-8), olive wood (1 Kings 6:23; cf. 6:31-35), cypress wood (Ezekiel 27:3-6). Of course, as we see here in Daniel 5:4, wooden idols are mentioned throughout the Bible (Deuteronomy 29:16-18; cf. 28:36,64; Judges 6:26; 2 Kings 19:18; cf. Isaiah 37:19; 40:18-20; 44:13-20; 45:20; 48:5; Jeremiah 2:26-28; 3:9; 10:6-8; Ezekiel 20:32; Hosea 4:12; 10:5-6; Habakkuk 2:19; Revelation 9:20). wa Once again, the conjunction wa is used in an adjunctive sense meaning that it is introducing stone as one of the materials which help to compose the gods Belshazzar and his guests worshipped which were in addition to the materials of gold, silver, bronze, and iron. ʾě ḇěn The noun ʾě ḇěn means stone which is a hardened mineral matter comprising much of the earth. The land of Israel is a stony country. Stone idols are mentioned in Habakkuk 2:19 as well as in Deuteronomy 4:28, 28:36, 64, 29:17, 2 Kings 19:18, Isaiah 37:19, Acts 17:29, and Revelation 9:20. In the Old Testament, the Lord commands the Israelites to destroy idolatrous stones in Canaan (Exodus 23:24; 34:13; Deuteronomy 7:5; 12:3; 16:22; 2 Kings 3:2; 10:26-27; 17:10; 18:4; 23:14; 2 Chronicles 31:1; Isaiah 27:9; Hosea 3:4; 10:1-2; Micah 5:13). Roger Boraas has the following article regarding stone, he writes Occurring frequently in Syro-Palestine and Anatolia, largely absent in Mesopotamia, and available only up the Nile in ancient Egypt, stone forms the most stable construction material provided in nature. Found in Palestine largely as limestone mixed with some chert, or sandstone, or the volcanically produced and very hard basalt, it provided amply for everyday construction needs. Precious and semiprecious stones were another matter. They were frequently imported from various supply points, as with turquoise from the Sinai peninsula. Ore-bearing 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 19
stone carrying copper and iron was located in the southern reaches of both Palestine and the Transjordan. Biblical references provide examples of the wide spectrum of uses to which stone was put. It could serve as a memorial, shrine, and pledge (Gen. 28:18-22). It could cover wells (Gen. 29:2-10) and doorways to tombs (Mark 15:46; Matt. 27:60; Luke 11:39). It could be worked into bowls, mortars, pestles, sockets for doors, and other implements (Exod. 7:19). It served as a weapon, whether thrown by hand (Exod. 8:26), sling (1 Sam. 17:49), or catapult. It symbolized immediate destruction by its action of sinking rapidly in water (Exod. 15:5), and its immobility could symbolize death (Exod. 15:16). It could give the weary rest (Exod. 17:12), serve as construction material for altars (Exod. 20:25), or be a public record of binding law (Exod. 24:12), the accomplishments of persons (Exod. 28:10), or noteworthy events, as with royal stelae. It could serve as a device of public execution (Lev. 24:14) or private anger (Exod. 21:18). Used as an object of worship (Lev. 26:1) it could be conducive to sexual excess (Jer. 3:9, in probable reference to ritual prostitution as part of Canaanite religion) or other idolatry (Ezek. 20:32; Deut. 28:36, 64; 29:17). It could serve as a memorial of significant events (Josh. 4:1-10), or of covenant renewal (Josh. 24:26-27), or as a named boundary point (Josh. 15:6; 18:17). It served as a platform for executions (Judg. 9:5, 18), and as a weapon it could be honed to fine accuracy (Judg. 20:16). It stood as the measure of hardness (Job 38:30, for ice; 41:24, for the human heart). It could cause accidental stumbling (Ps. 91:12) or serve as a device of magic (Prov. 17:8). Stone of special quality served as cornerstones for walls or buildings (Isa. 28:16), but it could symbolize ultimate ruin (Hos. 12:11). It symbolized the opposite of nourishing bread (Matt. 7:9) but could in properly fashioned form hold water or wine (John 2:6-11). 2 Translation of Daniel 5:4 Daniel 5:4 They drank wine while they praised gods composed of gold as well as silver, bronze, iron, wood and in addition stone. Exposition of Daniel 5:4 Belshazzar and his guests not only showed great disrespect for the God of Israel by using the articles of gold and silver from Solomon s temple which were to be used in the worship of the God of Israel but also they praised their gods composed of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. So they were not only blaspheming the God of Israel but also committing idolatry as well. 2 Achtemeier, P. J., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper s Bible dictionary (1st ed.) (994). San Francisco: Harper & Row. 2012 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 20