Then commanded Belshazzar
As soon as he had heard the writing read and interpreted; instead of being full of wrath, as might have been expected, he orders the reward promised to be given, to show he had a regard to his word and honour, as a king; and to secure his credit with his nobles and people; and perhaps he might not understand, by Daniel's interpretation, that the destruction of him and his kingdom was so near at hand as it was; or he might put this evil day far from him, and hope it might be prevented: and they clothed Daniel with scarlet;
the king's servants by his orders: or, that they should clothe Daniel with scarlet
F1; these were his orders; but whether executed is not certain; probably not, since the king was slain the same night; and so the rest of the clauses may be read, and should put a chain of gold about his neck, and should make
proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in
the kingdom;
all which was the reward promised to him that should read and interpret the writing, ( Daniel 5:7 Daniel 5:16 ) , but that this was done, the king's death being so sudden, does not appear; and therefore it is needless to inquire the reasons of Daniel's acceptance after his refusal.
The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.