Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
The Prophet notices the golden vessels especially because they were the most precious; silver may have been taken too, but the splendid ones deserve mention. He does not name Nebuchadnezzar alone as the taker, but speaks of all the Babylonians, for they shared in the victory under his direction and so shared the spoils. By calling it "the temple," he means not merely Jerusalem, but the very house of God.
AI summary
Belshazzar makes a great feast to display his majesty while his city lies besieged and his kingdom hangs in the balance. God's hand has gone out against him, calling him to repentance; instead he affronts the Almighty with wine and revelry. Mark the contrast: the king very gay, but suddenly very gloomy, and all his sufficiency becomes straits.
AI summary
Commenting on Daniel 5:1-9
The servants brought the golden vessels, and doubtless the silver ones too, though only gold is mentioned. The king and his court drank from them not to admire or honor these vessels, but to profane them openly in scorn. They were set apart for holy use; now they served impious men in contempt and mockery.
AI summary