In discussions of biblical historical accuracy, this passage is among the most common addressed. Taken literally and directly, the progression of kings given here conflicts with commonly accepted history. The primary criticism of this passage is that Nebuchadnezzar did not have a son named Belshazzar. Nor was Belshazzar the last recorded king of Babylon prior to its fall. However, the biblical text is brief and subject to various interpretations. Also, ancient historical records of that era are often contradictory, vague, or incomplete. Untangling the various options could fill multiple books; many have been written for that purpose.

Among the more reasonable explanations involves regional names—building on the common occurrence of a person being known by different names in different times or places. "Belshazzar" might be used here as another name for Evilmerodach, clearly identified as Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor, and who was murdered after a short rule. Another option is that this chapter refers to Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus. Nabonidus was the last king of Babylon; he left his son as co-regent of the capital city while he was on a journey, at which time the city was captured. Either of these implies Daniel 5:30–31 summarizes the events between the end of this particular Babylonian ruler's life and the cementing of Darius the Mede's control of Babylon.

Some time after Nebuchadnezzar's period of insanity (Daniel 4:33–37), Belshazzar holds an enormous party for himself and other nobles. Daniel immediately notes the king's consumption of wine, then specifies that it was after drinking that Belshazzar made a fateful choice. He orders the sacred objects captured by Nebuchadnezzar (Exodus 30:22–29; Daniel 1:1–2) to be brought to the party. There, they are used as props during further drinking and toasts to idols (Daniel 5:1–4).

Without warning, the king and others see disembodied fingers writing on the wall, in a spot brightly lit by a lamp. The ethereal fingers, the strange writing, the location on the wall, and the suddenness make it clear that this is a supernatural event. The king is terrified; Daniel's description may mean that he collapsed from fright. Immediately, Belshazzar begs for an explanation. He offers great honor and a position of power. None of the advisors can explain the words. In fact, they cannot even read them, suggesting they were in a foreign script or code. This rekindles the king's fear (Daniel 5:5–9). (Bibleref)