BELSHAZZAR . Son of Nebuchadnezzar, last king of Babylon, before its capture by Cyrus ( Daniel 5:1 ). The name is somewhat variously given: Baltasar , Bar 1:11 f. [so also LXX [Note: Septuagint.] and Theod. in Daniel]; and Josephus says he was son of Naboandçlos. There is no doubt that Bçlshar-usur, son of Nabonidus, is meant. He was regent in Babylon during the latter part of his father’s reign. It is probable that he was in command of Babylon on its surrender, as he had been in command of the army in Akkad till the 11th year of his father’s reign.
C. H. W. Johns.