Belshazzar

The name Belshazzar, derived from the Babylonian cuneiform Bēl-šar-uṣur, translates to 'Bel, protect the king.' Bel refers to the Babylonian deity Marduk, the chief god of the Babylonian pantheon, reflecting the deeply religious and hierarchical culture of ancient Mesopotamia. The name underscores the close ties between Babylonian kingship and divine patronage, as rulers often sought legitimacy through the favor of the gods. In Hebrew, the name appears as בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר (Bēlšaʾṣṣar), retaining its meaning and emphasizing its foreign origin within the biblical narrative.

Belshazzar holds a pivotal place in biblical and historical narratives as a symbol of divine judgment and the fall of empires. His Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100 reflects a moderate association with God in scripture, primarily as a figure whose actions provoke divine intervention. The Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 indicates his significant role in the biblical tradition, particularly in the Book of Daniel, where his story underscores themes of humility, repentance, and divine sovereignty.

In the Bible, Belshazzar is best known for the dramatic episode of 'the writing on the wall' in Daniel 5. As the coregent of Babylon, he hosts a lavish feast using sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple, an act of profound sacrilege. During the feast, a mysterious hand appears and writes the words mene, mene, tekel, upharsin. The prophet Daniel interprets the inscription as a divine judgment: Belshazzar's kingdom will fall to the Medes and Persians. That very night, Belshazzar is killed, fulfilling the prophecy and marking the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.