Contradictions and Paradoxes in Daniel 5:7

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Daniel 5:7 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Daniel 5:7. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Daniel, the king was very scared when he saw mysterious writing on the wall. He promised a big reward to anyone who could tell him what the writing meant.

Daniel 5:7: The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. [And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. [aloud: Chaldee, with might] [scarlet: or, purple]

Contradiction with Matthew 11:25

God reveals mysteries to the humble and not necessarily to those with worldly wisdom, a contrast to wise men interpreting mysteries in Daniel 5:7.

Matthew 11:25: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Contradiction with James 1:5

God gives wisdom generously to those who ask, contrasted with Daniel 5:7 where wisdom is sought through interpreting signs by experts rather than directly seeking God.

James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Contradiction with Isaiah 47:13-14

It criticizes relying on astrologers and wise men, opposing the idea of seeking interpretation from such figures as in Daniel 5:7.

Isaiah 47:13-14: Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee. [astrologers: Heb. viewers of the heavens] [the monthly...: Heb. that give knowledge concerning the months]

Contradiction with Jeremiah 8:9

It states that wise men can be put to shame and lack wisdom, inconsistent with the expectation of wisdom in advisors as in Daniel 5:7.

Jeremiah 8:9: The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them? [The wise...: or, Have they been ashamed, etc] [what...: Heb. the wisdom of what thing]

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:20

Challenges the wisdom of the world and questions the value of relying on wise men, opposing the trust placed in them in Daniel 5:7.

1 Corinthians 1:20: Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Paradox #1

The main contradiction in Daniel 5:7 is related to the historical timeline of the Babylonian kings. The verse talks about King Belshazzar, but historical records, like the Nabonidus Cylinder, suggest that Nabonidus was the last king of Babylon and Belshazzar was his son, serving as co-regent. This discrepancy between the biblical text and historical records raises questions about the accuracy of Belshazzar's role and title as king.

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