Daniel Interprets The Handwriting

Daniel 5:13–23
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History often repeats itself, and it certainly did so in this case. Daniel, now an old man, was brought into the banquet hall before King Belshazzar (v. 13). Apparently the two of them had never met. Explaining the situation, the king offered Daniel the third highest place in the kingdom if he could interpret the writing (vv. 14-16). Since there were already two rulers, Belshazzar and his father, Daniel would be the “third ruler in the kingdom.”

But Daniel and Belshazzar had different priorities. He refused the King’s offer but agreed to read the writing on the wall (v. 17). However, before doing so he reminded the king of the pride of Nebuchadnezzar and the subsequent judgment of God upon him (v. 18-21). He reviewed Nebuchadnezzar’s progress (v.18), power (v.19), pride (v. 20), and punishment (v. 21). 

Then Daniel made three charges against Belshazzar. First his sin was not one of ignorance (v. 22). Nebuchadnezzar’s story was known to the king. He should have learned from his grandfather’s mistake, but he had not. Second, he had turned against almighty God (v. 23). By using the sacred vessels for wickedness, he had brought God’s wrath upon himself. Thirdly he had worshiped idols and praised them (v. 23). Belshazzar’s faith was in the wrong place. His gods could not protect him because they did not exist. 

Application

Belshazzar could have learned from the mistakes of his grandfather, but he did not. God gives us friends and family in part so that we can learn from their mistakes and make better choices as a result. Also, God had given us his word, the Bible, which is full of story meant to teach us. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4). God, help me to learn things the easy way, by watching others and by reading my Bible every day.