Daniel 5:15 - Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.

Generated Verse: Daniel 5:15

What does "Daniel 5:15" mean?


Daniel 5:15 is a key verse in the story of Belshazzar's feast. Let's break down its meaning:

"Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me...": This refers to Belshazzar summoning his court magicians, astrologers, and other experts (the "wise men" and "enchanters" representing different types of diviners and advisors). He has already tried them to decipher the mysterious writing that appeared on the wall (Daniel 5:7-8).

"...that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation...": The king's goal is twofold: 1) to simply read and pronounce the strange words that are written, and 2) to explain the meaning of the writing. He offers riches and high position as a reward for success.

"...but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.": This is the crux of the verse. Despite their supposed wisdom and skill in interpreting omens, the king's advisors are completely stumped. They cannot even read the writing, let alone understand its significance and explain it to Belshazzar.

In essence, the verse highlights:

The failure of human wisdom to comprehend divine mysteries. Belshazzar relies on the traditional sources of knowledge and interpretation available in his kingdom, but they prove inadequate.
The powerlessness of pagan practices in the face of God's will. The enchanters and wise men are meant to be skilled in their craft, yet they are powerless against God's message.
The setup for Daniel's entrance. The wise men's failure creates the opportunity for Daniel, a man of God with divine wisdom, to be called upon. It emphasizes that true understanding comes from God alone, not from human practices or divination. This sets the stage for Daniel to reveal the prophecy and its dire consequences for Belshazzar.

The verse is significant because it shows the limits of human understanding when faced with a divine message. It demonstrates that true wisdom and insight come from God, and it sets the stage for Daniel's appearance as God's chosen interpreter.