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Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, Vol. 20, No. 66, 99-112 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/030908929502006606

Babel Reversed—Daniel Chapter 5

Michael Hilton

Cheshire Reform Congregation, 198 Altnncham Road, Manchester, M22 4RZ

The story of 'The Writing on the Wall' is central to the book of Daniel, and dates from Maccabean times. The historical setting is precise—the night of the fall of Babylon in 539 BCE. Gen. 11 describes the founding of Babel (Babylon) and Dan. 5 the destruction of the same city. Both stories depend on a confusion of languages: all can see God's writing, but only Daniel has the insight to interpret it. The structure of Dan. 5 and the use of word-plays are similar to Gen. 11. Belshazzar's promises to reward Daniel are as proud and useless as the Tower of Babel itself.


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