He Who Laughs Last

The widespread misconception that the God of Israel was simply another deity in the international pantheon was put to an end that very evening in Babylon. By debasing the vessels of the Temple of the Lord, Belshazzar not only abused his royal privilege, but intended to celebrate his victory over the Israelite God.

What is all the more ironic is that precisely while Belshazzar was flexing his royal muscles and rejoicing, the divine hand of history, according to Herodous, was at work undermining the king and kingdom, as the Persians and the Medes invaded Babylon.