Scripture Notes: The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5)

The writing on the wall has become a cultural expression referring to something bound to come to pass, something that a person should have known yet overlooked, something unpleasant that must now be faced. But fewer people these days probably know and understand the original context of the phrase. It comes from the book of the prophet Daniel. Daniel was taken into exile in Babylon about 605 BC and selected for service to the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. This young man rose quickly through the ranks, for God had gifted him with faith and wisdom, and he took a leading role in court life and government while always remaining loyal to God.

After Nebuchadnezzar passed, one of his successors, Belshazzar, decided to throw a party, perhaps better described as an orgy. The pagan Belshazzar had no respect for God and called for the vessels his predecessor had taken from the Temple in Jerusalem so that he and his guests could drink from them and use them to offer wine to their idols. This sacrilegious use of holy things led to the writing on the wall.

Right in the middle of the party, a hand appeared and begin to write a few words. No one could read them. No one could understand. But the very sight of this hand and its writing terrified Belshazzar. He called for all his wise men, offering fantastic gifts of wealth and power to anyone who could interpret the message.

Finally, on the advice of the queen-mother, Daniel was called in. He was older now and wiser than ever, and he realized at once what was going on. He told the king that he could keep his gifts or give them to someone else, but he would certainly read the words and interpret them. They meant simply this: the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom were coming to a quick end; the king himself has been weighed and found wanting; and the Babylonian kingdom would be handed over to the Medes and Persians.

It was not a message Belshazzar wanted to hear, but Daniel did not hesitate to remind him of the sin that led to it. The king had made his choice and did not wish to repent. God had also made His choice. Daniel’s interpretation of the writing on the wall came true that very night.