Focusing on the Facts
1. According to Ezekiel 18:20, what is the ultimate result of sin (see p. 1)?
2.According to Psalm 9:17, when is the doom of a nation certain (see p. 1)?
3.What did critics once believe about Belshazzar? Why (see p. 1)?
4.How much of a time gap exists between Daniel 4 and 5 (see p. 2)?
5.What happened to the Babylonian Empire after Nebuchadnezzar died (see p. 2)?
6.Why didn’t Nabonidus have a right to the throne? How did he secure his claim (see p. 2)?
7.How can Nabonidus be considered the most capable ruler to follow Nebuchadnezzar (see p. 3)?
8.Why did Belshazzar host a banquet although he knew that Babylon was surrounded by Cyrus’s army (see p. 3)?
9. What had Nebuchadnezzar done to show the people that his gods were more powerful than the God of Israel? How did Belshazzar mock God (see pp. 3-4)?
10.What did the sudden appearance of the supernatural hand communicate about God’s patience (see p. 4)?
11.What was Belshazzar’s reaction to the hand? When will that same demonstration of fear occur in the future (see p. 5)?
12.What is demonstrated by the wise men’s failure to interpret the writing on the wall (see p. 6)?
13.Why had Daniel been remembered by the queen? What did she emphasize (see pp. 6-7)?
14.How did Daniel demonstrate his continuing refusal to compromise his convictions (see p. 7)?
15.Why did Belshazzar have to verify Daniel’s identity (see p. 7)?
16.What was Daniel’s response to the promised rewards? Why (see p. 8)?
17.What were the three indictments against Belshazzar (see pp. 8-9)?
18. Explain how people can sin against knowledge (see p. 9).
19.Explain the interpretation of the writing on the wall (see p. 10).
20.When was the prophecy fulfilled? How (see p. 11)?
21.In what condition were Babylon’s leaders when the city fell (see p. 11)?
22.What distracted the Babylonians from realizing the seriousness of their situation (see p. 11)?
23.What nation has probably had the greatest opportunity to hear the gospel? How has it turned its back on the truth (see p. 12)?
24.Why were the Babylonians so confident? Why was their confidence misplaced (see p. 13)?
25.What was ultimately responsible for the fall of Babylon (see p. 14)?
26. Although sin always has consequences, there is hope in Christ. What does the Bible promise for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ (see p. 14)
Pondering the Principles
1. Rather than trusting in the God Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged as supreme, Belshazzar trusted in the walls and moat around Babylon as his protection. What fortresses do you trust in: modern technology, arms-limitation agreements, your salary, friends? Although we need those things, have they, or any others, become a source of confidence that isolates you from trusting God? According to Isaiah 31:1 and 42:17, what had Israel trusted in other than God? If you believe you need to trust God more, read Psalm 46 and James 4:13-16.
2.When people think of you, what quality do you suppose they remember? Is it holiness, as was in the case of Daniel? Is there anything preventing you from having a holy reputation? If so, confess it to the Lord and commit yourself to establishing a reputation that will honor God (1 Tim. 3:1-10).
3.When Belshazzar offered a reward, Daniel made it clear that he wasn’t motivated by what he could gain. How would you have responded? What motivated Daniel to serve the king? Read 1 Thessalonians 2:2-14. How did Paul demonstrate that he had not come to the Thessalonians “with a pretext for greed” (v. 5, NASB)? How did the Thessalonians respond to the message he offered? What example do you see there for you?
4. Belshazzar didn’t reflect the morals of his father. That can often happen when parents don’t instill in their children the same values they hold. Why did God make such an important issue about the Israelites’ diligently instructing their children (Deut. 6:6-23)? How effectively did they teach their children (Jud. 2:7-13)? Are you doing everything you can to help insure that your children will not forget the truths you live by? What can you do for and with your children to build their character and their walk with God?
5. Are you seeking to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-14) in the midst of a dark and decaying world? What are some ways you are preserving the world around you from corruption? In what ways are you the light of truth to your relatives, friends, and neighbors? Think of at least two people you need to share the message of salvation with and begin praying for them. Ask God to “open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light” (Acts 26:18, NASB).
“This article originally appeared here at Bible Bulletin Board.”
