It is noticeable that it takes Daniel quite a while to get to the explanation of what is written on the wall. He first delivers a short sermon in God’s name, with a personal application to Belshazzar. He holds up the lesson of history to the king. Daniel addresses the king personally.
The queen has already made it known that Nebuchadnezzar is the great example and predecessor of Belshazzar. Therefore, Nebuchadnezzar is even called the father of Belshazzar even though there is no direct blood relationship between them. Belshazzar looks at Nebuchadnezzar in the wrong way. This previous ruler is to him the man who founded the great Babylonian Empire. He has wrought for himself great power and a great name. This man was something else; among the nations he was held in high esteem. Belshazzar looked up to him as a powerful champion, as a mighty hero in his own right.
18 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty.