Book of Daniel - Chapter 5 - Verse 22

This verse from the Book of Daniel is a part of the famous story of Belshazzar's feast, where a mysterious hand appears and writes on the wall, foretelling the fall of the Babylonian kingdom. The verse serves as a rebuke to Belshazzar, who is being criticized for not humbling himself despite being fully aware of the consequences of his actions. Belshazzar had witnessed his father Nebuchadnezzar being punished for his pride and arrogance, yet he did not learn from his father's mistakes. Instead, he continued in his sinful ways, leading to his own downfall. This verse highlights the importance of humility and learning from the past, as failing to do so can have severe consequences. It serves as a warning to readers to not repeat the same mistakes and to always remain humble in the face of God's power.

In this verse from the book of Daniel, the theological interpretation revolves around the consequences of pride and lack of repentance. Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, is being rebuked for not humbling his heart despite having witnessed the lessons of his father. The refusal to acknowledge the power and authority of God led to his downfall. The word 'humbled' in this verse carries the connotation of acknowledging one's own sinfulness and seeking forgiveness from a higher power. Belshazzar's stubbornness and arrogance prevented him from recognizing the wisdom of his predecessors and ultimately led to his demise. The study of this verse emphasizes the importance of humility and repentance in the face of divine authority, warning against the dangers of pride and self-righteousness.