The Writing's on the Wall: Daniel 5

Today, we explore Daniel 5, where King Belshazzar experiences the terrifying reality of God’s judgment. This narrative unfolds in three key scenes: Belshazzar's insolence, God's interruption, and Daniel's interpretation.

1. Belshazzar's Insolence (Verses 1-4):

   • The Great Banquet: King Belshazzar throws a lavish feast for a thousand of his nobles, displaying his wealth and power. As the wine flows, his arrogance grows.
   • Desecration of Sacred Vessels: In a blasphemous act, Belshazzar orders the gold and silver goblets taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be brought out so that he and his guests can drink from them. This act of sacrilege is compounded by their praise of the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Belshazzar's actions are a deliberate defiance against the God of Israel.

2. God’s Interruption (Verses 5-9):

   • The Handwriting on the Wall: Suddenly, the fingers of a human hand appear and write on the plaster of the wall near the lampstand in the royal palace. This supernatural event terrifies Belshazzar; his face turns pale, and his knees knock together.
   • Failed Interpretation: Belshazzar summons his wise men, but they are unable to read the writing or interpret its meaning. The king becomes even more frightened, and his nobles are baffled.

3. Daniel’s Interpretation (Verses 10-30):

   • Daniel Summoned: At the queen’s suggestion, Daniel is brought before Belshazzar. The king offers Daniel rewards if he can interpret the writing. Daniel declines the gifts but agrees to interpret the message.
   • Reminder of Nebuchadnezzar’s Humility: Daniel recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, his subsequent humbling by God, and his eventual repentance. He contrasts this with Belshazzar’s arrogance and refusal to humble himself despite knowing these events.
   • The Writing Interpreted: The words on the wall are "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin." Daniel explains their meanings:
     • Mene: God has numbered the days of Belshazzar’s reign and brought it to an end.
     • Tekel: Belshazzar has been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
     • Parsin: Belshazzar’s kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
   • Immediate Fulfillment: That very night, Belshazzar is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating the certainty of God's judgment.

Lessons for Us:

1. The Danger of Pride: Belshazzar's story warns us of the dangers of pride and arrogance. Despite knowing the history of God’s dealings with Nebuchadnezzar, he chose to exalt himself and desecrate what was sacred. We must guard against pride and acknowledge God's sovereignty in all things.

2. The Certainty of Judgment: God's judgment is certain and can come unexpectedly. Belshazzar’s sudden demise shows that we cannot presume upon God’s patience. We must live with the awareness that God sees all and will judge justly.

3. Heeding God's Warnings: Belshazzar ignored the warnings evident in his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar's life and in the holy vessels he desecrated. We must heed God's warnings through Scripture and the experiences of others, responding with humility and repentance.

4. The Importance of True Repentance: Nebuchadnezzar's repentance contrasts sharply with Belshazzar's continued defiance. Genuine repentance involves acknowledging our sin, turning away from it, and submitting to God's authority.