Before reading the writing and interpreting it, Daniel reminded Belshazzar of the experience of Nebuchadnezzar his forefather in ch. 4 (vv. 18-37). Daniel regarded what happened to Nebuchadnezzar as a lesson not only for Nebuchadnezzar but also for all his descendants. Belshazzar should have learned the lesson from Nebuchadnezzar’s experience; however, he did not learn the lesson and suffered as a result.

Meaning at the same time both mina, mina, shekel, and half-shekels (monetary units) and numbered, numbered, weighed, and divided; the last word of the inscription also closely resembles the Aramaic name for the Persians, paras.

This ended the Babylonian Empire. God used the Babylonian Empire for the purpose of carrying His corrupted and defeated elect into captivity. Near the end of the seventy years of their captivity, God caused the Medes and the Persians to become one for the purpose of ending the Babylonian Empire and releasing His people from their captivity in Babylon (Ezra 1:1-4). This is an illustration of how all kings and kingdoms are under God’s administration. See note Dan. 4:26^1a.

Belshazzar’s taking the vessels that were for God’s worship in His holy temple at Jerusalem and using them in worshipping idols was an insult to God’s holiness.

Or, when he tasted the wine.

This was Belshazzar’s debauchery before God.

The son of Nabonidus and ruler of Babylon (556-539 B.C.) under him.