The Writing on the Wall

Read chapter 5:1-30 and answer the following questions:

1. Research the history of Babylon between Nebuchadnezzar until the time of its fall (you will need to use extrabiblical sources for this). Describe briefly the main events and the key players.
2. The king throws a party for a thousand of his officials -- he brings out the gold and the silver cups for the occasion. Retrace the history of these.
3. Part way into the feast, some writing appears on the wall near the lampstand. Explain how it got there.
4. This is the third time in the Book of Daniel, that the king calls on his wise men, and to no avail. The third time in which Daniel is called upon, in turn. Why does king Belshazzar make the statement that he does at the latter part of v7 and 16?
5. Why do you suppose that the queen seems so knowledgable about Daniel, v10-12?
6. Why does Daniel spurn the king's offer of gifts?
7. Some folks from the abstinence movement feel that God's judgement is on Belshazzar because of nature of the drinks being served at the party. Defend or refute such a position.