John Calvin Commentary Daniel 5:29

"Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom." — Daniel 5:29 (ASV)

This order from the king might cause surprise, since he had been so sharply rebuked by the Prophet. He then seemed to have lost all spirit, for he had turned pale many times and would have condemned the holy Prophet of God to a thousand deaths! How is it, then, that he ordered him to be adorned with royal clothing, and then to be proclaimed by his own herald as the third person in the kingdom?

Some think this was done because the laws of kings were sacred among the Babylonians; indeed, their very words were considered binding, and whatever they proclaimed, they desired it to be regarded as firm and inviolable. They suppose King Belshazzar acted this way out of ambition, so that he might keep his promises.

My opinion is that he was at first completely astonished, and after listening to the Prophet, he became like a stock or a stone!

I think he did this to ensure his own comfort and safety; otherwise, he would have been contemptible in the eyes of his nobles. To show himself unmoved, he commands Daniel to be clothed in these robes, as if the Prophet's threat had been perfectly harmless.

He did not disregard what the Prophet had said, but he wanted to convince his nobles and all his guests of his complete indifference to God’s threats—as if the Prophet had not uttered those threats intending for them to be carried out, but only to terrify everyone.

Thus, kings, when greatly terrified, are always extremely careful not to show any sign of their fear, since they think their authority would be significantly weakened.

Therefore, to maintain respect among his subjects, he desires to appear extremely careless and undisturbed. I do not hesitate to declare this to have been the tyrant’s intention in ordering Daniel to be dressed in purple and royal splendor.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that as you once sent forth a proof of your wrath against all the proud, so it may also be useful to us in these days.

May we be admonished by the punishment inflicted on that man, and thus learn to behave with moderation and humility.

May we not desire any greatness that is displeasing to you.

May we remain in our station in life so as to serve you, and to praise and glorify your sacred name, without ever being separated from you.

Grant us also to bear your yoke in this world and to allow ourselves to be ruled by you, so that we may at last arrive at that happy rest and portion in your heavenly kingdom, which you have prepared and obtained for us through the blood of your only-begotten Son. Amen.