Then came in all the king's wise men Ambitious of the honour, and desirous to gratify the king. But they could not read the writing Because, says Houbigant, it was written in the ancient Samaritan characters, which were very unlike the Chaldean letters. Or perhaps only the initial letters, M.T.P. were written. But God, for his own glory, reserved the honour of reading and interpreting it for his servant Daniel. Mr. Wintle renders the clause, “They were unable to read the writing, so as to make known the interpretation to the king.” Then was King Belshazzar greatly troubled His consternation and distress were renewed and increased, his last hope having failed him; and his lords were astonished His associates in sin shared in the consternation; and notwithstanding their number, mirth, and wine, were dismayed and terrified exceedingly.
Related Commentaries of Daniel 5:8
Daniel 5:8-9
8 Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenanced was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.