Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Daniel 5:7 · King James Version
Meaning
During the reign of King Belshazzar of Babylon, a mysterious writing appeared on the wall that baffled the king and his court. In desperation, the king summoned the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers to interpret the message. The king promised great rewards to whoever could decipher the writing, offering them a robe of scarlet, a gold chain, and the position of the third ruler in the kingdom. This event serves as a demonstration of the king's power and the high stakes involved in accurately interpreting divine messages. It also highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in times of crisis, as well as the symbolic meaning of the rewards offered to those who are able to discern the truth.
Theological Overview
This passage from the book of Daniel provides insight into the practices and beliefs of ancient Babylon. The king's call for the astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers highlights the reliance on divination and supernatural methods prevalent in that time period. The use of these individuals was common for seeking guidance and interpreting events. The promise of rewards, such as being clothed in scarlet and having a gold chain, was a typical incentive to motivate the wise men to provide the interpretation sought by the king. The mention of becoming the third ruler in the kingdom emphasizes the high regard and authority given to those who could provide accurate interpretations. Overall, this passage offers a glimpse into the cultural and theological context of Babylon during that era.
Daniel 5:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spake and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
World English Bible
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Douay-Rheims
And the king cried out aloud to bring in the wise men, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke, and said to the wise men of Babylon: Whosoever shall read this writing, and shall make known to me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and shall have a golden chain on his neck, and shall be the third man in my kingdom.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore the King cryed loude, that they should bring the astrologians, the Caldeans and the soothsayers. And the King spake, and sayd to the wise men of Babel, Whosoeuer can reade this writing, and declare me the interpretation thereof, shalbe clothed with purple, and shall haue a chaine of golde about his necke, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdome.