Daniel stands before King Belshazzar to decipher the mysterious writing that appeared on the palace wall. Before revealing the solution to the riddle, he pauses to deliver a historical and theological introduction regarding Nebuchadnezzar, the king's father. This approach is carefully designed to remind the current king of the true source of his power before presenting God's final judgment.
Daniel begins by directly addressing the king. The primary approach among some commentators is that this direct address simply serves to capture the king's attention [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. However, a deeper question arises: why does Daniel risk angering the ruler with a lengthy, open rebuke in the middle of the royal palace, especially when he was only summoned to read the writing? One perspective suggests that this opening is actually a calculated and respectful gesture. Knowing that his upcoming message will be difficult to accept, Daniel first honors the king and acknowledges his authority, essentially asking for permission to speak freely [אלשיך].
Beyond mere politeness, this introduction forms the essential foundation for understanding the writing on the wall. Daniel makes it clear to Belshazzar that his royal position is not a result of his own personal strength. Rather, he sits on the throne strictly because God granted the kingdom to his father and his descendants [מלבי״ם].
Furthermore, focusing on the king's father serves as a preemptive strike against any objections Belshazzar might raise. Daniel anticipates that the king will protest the severe punishment he is about to receive for desecrating the sacred vessels of the Temple. Belshazzar could easily argue that his father committed far worse crimes—such as murdering priests and destroying the Temple itself—yet did not suffer immediate death. He might also claim that he is no different from other idol-worshipping kings who escape punishment, or argue that the Temple vessels lost their sacred status the moment they fell into foreign hands. By recounting the history of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel dismantles these excuses before they can even be voiced, proving the precision of Divine justice [אלשיך].
To conclude this historical framing, Daniel outlines the specific gifts God bestowed upon Nebuchadnezzar, which reflect the distinct stages of his rise to power. He was first given his basic kingship at the start of his reign. This was followed by greatness, marking the expansion of his empire as he conquered other nations, such as Assyria. Finally, he was granted honor and majesty, a status achieved only after he had firmly established his supreme position on the world stage [מלבי״ם].