There is someone in the kingdom, even within the palace walls who can give the right answer. The queen reminds Belshazzar of what happened during the time of Nebuchadnezzar. She points him to Daniel who was given the name Belteshazzar by Nebuchadnezzar. This Belteshazzar had even been appointed by Nebuchadnezzar to be the head of all the wise men at the court.
It is striking that the queen calls Nebuchadnezzar the father of Belshazzar. How can this be? Earlier we have seen that Belshazzar is the son of Nabonidus, and definitely not the son of Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, it appears that there is no direct family relationship between Belshazzar and Nebuchadnezzar. There are interpreters who regard this as evidence that what is written in this book of the Bible is not historically reliable. However, this is not the case. Both the Hebrew and Aramaic word for father
can also have the meaning of a powerful predecessor—someone who has held the same position before you. Belshazzar is one of the successors of the mighty Nebuchadnezzar who made the Babylonian Empire so great and powerful. Belshazzar is one of these successors—one of the sons
of the mighty predecessor.
11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father your father the king made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers,