Having followed Belshazzar from high-spirited partying, to weak-kneed fear, to being given a history lesson, we finally get to read what’s been written.
And for Belshazzar, the writing really is on the wall…
Inscription and interpretation
Read Daniel 5:25
The words on the wall each stand for an action of God.
• What three things has God done in:
• v 26?
• v 27?
• v 28?
• What is so chilling about these words?
These are words of divine judgment. They tell Belshazzar his rule is over, that God is not pleased with him and his kingdom is at an end.
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TIME OUT
• What does it tell us about God that He says such words?
• How do you feel about God doing these things?
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The fulfilment
Read Daniel 5:29
• What happens to Daniel?
Belshazzar must have been terrified. Perhaps his actions towards Daniel represent a desperate attempt to appease this God who can write on a wall, and who has numbered, weighed and warned the king. But it’s too late…
• What happens to Belshazzar?
The kingdom of Babylon is now run by Darius. It is the end of Babylon and the start of the kingdom of the Medes and Persians.
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APPLY
• What does this whole episode in chapter 5 tell us about what God hates to see in people?
Remember the big theme of the book: God remains the true God, so stay faithful to Him.
• How does this chapter link with that big theme?
• How does this chapter encourage Christians who are being mocked by those around them?
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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