1. The greatest debate — accurate interpretation is needed!

2. Daniel 5 — three things we should know better!

A. WE SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO TAKE GOD FOR GRANTED (vv.1-9)

B. WE SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO UNDERESTIMATE GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY! (vv.10-21)

Appreciate the Narrative Twist!!!

Solution to the tension — the Queen! (vv.10-12)

Daniel’s posture and prophecy (vv.13-18)

Grasp the Narrative Theology!!!

C. WE SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO ASSUME WE KNOW WHAT GOD WOULD DO! (vv.22-31)

Interpretation given … and (surprise!) — royal reward granted! (vv.24-29)

Now comes the real surprise! (v.30)

Daniel 5:30 “That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed.”

What???!!! Reason?! (vv.22-23)

Don’t assume that we know what God would do!