Daniel 5:5-16

International Standard Version

The Handwriting on the Wall

⁵ At that moment, humanlike fingers of a hand appeared near the lamp stand of the royal palace and wrote on the plaster of the wall. ⁶ While the king watched the back of the hand as it was writing, his facial expression changed. Utterly frightened, he lost control of his own bowels^[a] and his knees knocked together.

⁷ The king cried out to bring in enchanters,^[b] Chaldeans, and astrologers. He announced to the advisors^[c] of Babylon, “Whoever can read this writing and tell me its meaning will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around his neck, and will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

⁸ Then all the king’s advisors came in, but they were unable to read the writing or tell the king what it meant. ⁹ So King Belshazzar became even more frightened, and his facial expression showed it. His officials also were thrown into confusion.

¹⁰ Hearing^[d] the voices of the king and his officials, the queen entered the banquet hall. “Your majesty, live forever,” the queen said. “Don’t be frightened by your thoughts or allow your facial expression to show it. ¹¹ There’s a man in your kingdom in whom dwells^[e] the spirit of the holy gods. During your grandfather’s reign, he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom, like that^[f] of the gods. Your grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar—your kingly predecessor—appointed him to be chief administrator over the magicians, enchanters,^[g] Chaldeans, and astrologers, ¹² because he was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and understanding, along with an ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. His name is Daniel, whom the king renamed Belteshazzar. Call for Daniel, and he will reveal the meaning of the writing.”^[h]

Daniel Interprets the Handwriting

¹³ Then Daniel was brought before the king. The king spoke up and told Daniel, “So you are Daniel, one of the Judean exiles whom my grandfather the king brought from Judah! ¹⁴ I’ve heard about you, that a spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, discernment, and extraordinary wisdom. ¹⁵ Take note that the advisors^[i] and enchanters^[j] were brought before me to read the writing and explain its meaning, but they were unable to do so.^{[k] 16} However, I’ve heard that you can provide meaning and interpretation, and that you can solve difficult problems. If you are able to read the writing and report its meaning, you will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”