Daniel has to read what is written on the wall. He has to explain the mysterious message. If he can do that, he will receive a great reward. He will be honoured and will receive a very high position in the kingdom and in the court. What does that mean? To understand this, one must remember that Nabonidus is still the official king. In practical terms, Belshazzar is the actual king and occupies the second position in the kingdom. So Daniel becomes the most powerful man immediately after Belshazzar. This all sounds very impressive but one has to keep in mind that the kingdom at that time is no larger than the palace and its immediate surroundings. It is clear that in a very short time Belshazzar will lose all his power. Daniel makes it clear that this reward does not interest him.
The Lord rules in such a way that Belshazzar and his court will hear why they will lose all their power. The Lord shows that he is the Almighty who rules everywhere always. Belshazzar must now recognize that only a servant of the Lord can provide clarity to him. Living for the kingdom of man and trying to overcome your fear through feasting and drinking does not work. Only God can show the right way to the true life where man has a future and where Christ has taken away the cause of all fear for believers. Here you also see the truth of what we read in Psalm 84:10, For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
16 But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”