Meaning of the Name Belshazzar
Belshazzar is usually explained from the Akkadian form 'Bel-shar-usur.' Its common meaning is 'Bel protect the king' or 'May Bel preserve the king.' Here Bel is associated with the Babylonian divine title.
Origin
The name Belshazzar is of Akkadian/Babylonian origin.
Who is Belshazzar in the Bible?
Belshazzar is known in Daniel for the banquet scene on Babylon's final night. While using vessels taken from the temple, he sees the writing on the wall, which Daniel interprets as announcing the end of his kingdom that very night.
The story of Belshazzar in the Bible
Belshazzar is remembered from the fifth chapter of Daniel as the king of Babylon's final night. He throws a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and, while drinking wine, orders that the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought in. As the guests drink from these sacred cups and praise gods of gold, silver, and bronze, a hand suddenly appears and writes on the wall. Terrified, the king summons his wise men, but none can read the inscription, so Daniel, known from the days of the previous king, is called in. Daniel tells Belshazzar that he has exalted himself against the Lord of heaven by using the temple vessels, then interprets the writing: the days of the kingdom are numbered, the king has been weighed and found wanting, and the realm will be divided between the Medes and the Persians. Belshazzar keeps his word and honors Daniel, yet that very night he is killed and the kingdom changes hands — a striking picture of how suddenly pride can fall.
Is Belshazzar mentioned in the Quran?
The name Belshazzar does not appear in the Quran; in the Bible he is the king known from the writing on the wall in the book of Daniel, on Babylon's final night.
Verses where Belshazzar appears
- Daniel 5:1 —
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
- Daniel 5:25 —
This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
- Daniel 5:30 —
In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain.