“But when the queen mother heard what was happening, she hurried to the banquet hall. She said to Belshazzar, “Long live the king! Don’t be so pale and frightened. There is a man in your kingdom who has within him the spirit of the holy gods. During Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your predecessor, the king—your predecessor King Nebuchadnezzar—made him chief over all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers of Babylon. This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”Daniel 5:10-12
This woman was Nitocris, the Queen Mother, the mother of Belshazzar. She was not part of the feast, but now upon hearing what had taken place, she came into the great hall taking command of the situation with poise and dignity, she told her son what needed to be done, he needed to call Daniel. The body-less hand was a strangle sight, but she did not seem to be upset about the situation. It could have been because she knew the Lord, because of her association with Daniel. The queen could not say enough about Daniel. By her account, he was significant, spiritual, superior, and skillful. She had good reason for her glowing report, as she knew this man had not only interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream but also told the king what he’d dreamed—a feat unheard of among the king’s royal counselors. He had then interpreted the king’s second dream, which was complex and prophetic, and his interpretation was fulfilled to the letter. The queen described Daniel the same way Nebuchadnezzar had: as a man filled with “the Spirit of the Holy God”. Daniel was a witness for God in a strange land. He did not compromise his belief in God. A question we need to ask ourselves, would we do the same?