Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Belshazzar's immediate fulfillment of his promise, despite the dire pronouncement, shows a surprising commitment to his word, even as his kingdom teetered on the brink of collapse. What's easily missed is the subtle tension: Daniel had initially declined the king's reward, not wanting to be seen as prophesying for personal gain, yet here he accepts it, perhaps because the king's command made it a matter of honor and duty rather than personal ambition.
Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after hearing his kingdom's doom, King Belshazzar, remarkably, keeps his promise and orders Daniel to be richly clothed and honored. This unexpected reward, meant to signify Daniel's elevated status as third ruler, occurs as the Medes and Persians are breaching the city walls, signaling the imminent fall of Babylon. The text suggests these honors were intended to be bestowed immediately, even as the king faced imminent destruction.
Imagine delivering incredibly bad news to a king, news of his impending doom! What would you expect to happen next? This king, however, does something unexpected.
Even though Daniel delivered a dire prophecy about Belshazzar's imminent judgment, the king immediately fulfilled his promise from earlier in the evening.
A King's Word
Belshazzar had promised a great reward to anyone who could read and interpret the mysterious writing on the wall: purple robes, a gold chain, and the position of third ruler in the kingdom (Daniel 5:16). Despite the terrifying nature of Daniel's interpretation, and the fact that it sealed his own fate, Belshazzar didn't hesitate.
Unexpected Magnanimity
This is a striking display of integrity from Belshazzar. In many cultures and times, a king might have reacted with rage or dismissed the prophecy. Instead, he honored his word, demonstrating a surprising respect for Daniel's wisdom and for his own royal decree. This highlights that even in wicked rulers, a conscience can acknowledge truth.
Purple robes and a gold chain – these weren't just fancy accessories. They spoke volumes in the ancient world about who you were and what power you held.
The rewards given to Daniel were not random. They were potent symbols of authority and high status within the Babylonian kingdom.
Royal Garments
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Clothed in 'scarlet' (or more likely, purple, as indicated by the original language and other mentions in Daniel), Daniel was being dressed in the colors of royalty and nobility. These were not everyday clothes; they signified his elevated position.
The Gold Chain
The chain of gold around his neck was a significant emblem of authority. It was a visual cue that Daniel was now a trusted official, granted power and responsibility by the king himself.
Third Ruler
Being appointed the 'third ruler' meant Daniel was placed in a position of immense influence, just below the king and perhaps the crown prince. This wasn't just an honorary title; it came with real administrative power.
This scene unfolds in a single, dramatic night. The king pronounces judgment, rewards Daniel, and then... what?
While the text states Belshazzar commanded these honors for Daniel, the immediate context of the chapter suggests these rewards might not have been fully realized.
Understand the original words
ʾargĕwānāʾ · Aramaic Noun
A color associated with royalty, wealth, and status in the ancient Near East. In a biblical context, it often symbolizes the majesty and privilege of ruling authorities, though it can also be associated with vanity or worldly power.
hamnîkāʾ · Aramaic Noun
A prestigious ornament used in the ancient world to denote high status, authority, or office. Biblically, it can symbolize the burden of leadership, the reward for service, or the vanity of earthly pomp.
While the text describes Belshazzar immediately honoring Daniel with high office, historical accounts suggest the city fell and Belshazzar was killed that very night, making the fulfillment of the reward improbable and highlighting the dramatic, divinely orchestrated judgment.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem and takes Jehoiakim captive, along with skilled artisans and nobles, including the young Daniel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile for many Judeans.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great unites the Persian tribes and begins his expansion, eventually conquering the Median empire and challenging the Babylonian hegemony.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great and his Persian forces conquer Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This event is historically documented and marks a significant geopolitical shift in the ancient Near East.
539 BC— this verse
Belshazzar's Feast and Death
During a lavish feast celebrating Babylon's supposed security, Belshazzar, co-regent with his father Nabonidus, defies God by using sacred temple vessels. The city is overrun by the Persians that same night, and Belshazzar is killed.
This passage describes Mordecai receiving similar outward signs of royal favor after revealing a plot against the king, highlighting the theme of recognition and reward for service.
Genesis 41:42Pharaoh also clothed Joseph in fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck when he elevated him to a position of great authority, showing a pattern of royal investiture for significant service.
1 Samuel 18:7This verse shows King Saul, in a moment of public acclaim, offering rewards and honors, though with a darker undertone of jealousy, contrasting with Belshazzar's more straightforward, albeit doomed, fulfillment of his promise.
Proverbs 22:29This proverb speaks of standing before kings, which Daniel did, and suggests that diligent and skilled individuals will gain favor and prominence, reflecting Daniel's own experience of being elevated.
barnesDaniel 5:29: "Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom."
Then commanded Belshazzar - In compliance with his promise, Daniel 5:16 . Though the interpretation had been so fearful in its import, and though Daniel had been so plain and faithful with him, yet he did not hesitate to fulfill his promise. It is a remarkable instance of the result of fi…
bensonDaniel 5:29: "Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom."
Daniel 5:29 . Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel — The king was so struck with his superior wisdom, and conceived himself so bound by the promise he had made before his nobles, that he ordered the prophet to be rewarded immediately with the honours he had promised him, whi…
Belshazzar's immediate fulfillment of his promise, despite the dire pronouncement, shows a surprising commitment to his word, even as his kingdom teetered on the brink of collapse. What's easily missed is the subtle tension: Daniel had initially declined the king's reward, not wanting to be seen as prophesying for personal gain, yet here he accepts it, perhaps because the king's command made it a matter of honor and duty rather than personal ambition.
Just moments after hearing his kingdom's doom, King Belshazzar, remarkably, keeps his promise and orders Daniel to be richly clothed and honored. This unexpected reward, meant to signify Daniel's elevated status as third ruler, occurs as the Medes and Persians are breaching the city walls, signaling the imminent fall of Babylon. The text suggests these honors were intended to be bestowed immediately, even as the king faced imminent destruction.
Just moments after hearing his kingdom's doom, King Belshazzar, remarkably, keeps his promise and orders Daniel to be richly clothed and honored. This unexpected reward, meant to signify Daniel's elevated status as third ruler, occurs as the Medes and Persians are breaching the city walls, signaling the imminent fall of Babylon. The text suggests these honors were intended to be bestowed immediately, even as the king faced imminent destruction.
"Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom." — Belshazzar's immediate fulfillment of his promise, despite the dire pronouncement, shows a surprising commitment to his word, even as his kingdom teetered on the brink of collapse. What's easily miss…
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Last reviewed October 2026