Daniel 5:17-23

17-23. According to our text (the Greek is shorter) Daniel refuses to recognize his equality with the Babylonian Magi by accepting the presents which had previously been promised to them (Daniel 5:7), though afterward he accepts them (Daniel 5:29). His speech is abrupt (as Daniel 3:16) and sharp, with an intimation that Belshazzar himself needs gifts rather than he, and there may be a touch of irony in the opening words which offer to Belshazzar his coveted position as the son of Nebuchadnezzar, followed by a strong emphasis upon the fact that if that great king of the world, who had all power over all nations, was humbled by Jehovah, his little “son,” who reigned only over one palace, which was even now surrounded by a conquering army (see note Daniel 5:1-4 and Introduction, III, 4), need not expect a less punishment when he sacrilegiously lifts himself up against the Lord of heaven.

With the wild asses This expression is not found in Daniel 4:32-33, but by a slight change the text may read “with the herds.” (CompareDaniel 5:3-4; Daniel 5:3-4; Psalms 119:0; Psalms 116:0; Psalms 117:0; Jeremiah 10:23.)