Writing On The Wall – Daniel 5

The writing on the wall is a phrase found in the book of Daniel chapter 5. The writing on the wall is a description of the destiny of those who live without God. This is an analogy of how choices were made without God and God’s response to those choices. Even though this is in the old testament this still applies to us today. Because God still does not agree with those who sin.

The writing on the wall was God responding to their sin and today it can be seen as a warning. Let’s learn how we can apply the following warning. Begin by reading Daniel 5:13-17.

Daniel Interprets the Handwriting

Daniel 5:13-17 BSB; 13 So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. 15 Now the wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this inscription and interpret it for me, but they could not give its interpretation. 16 But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

25 Now this is the inscription that was written:

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. 27 TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28 PERESh means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”

Significance of the Handwriting on the Wall, Daniel 5

The handwriting on the wall had significant meaning that neither the king or the people surrounding him understood. All the attempts to understand the writing on the wall by the king’s wise men failed, so they called for Daniel. Daniel came and interpreted what the words meant. Why does the writing on the wall have such great importance?

Question: “What is the meaning of mene mene tekel upharsin? What is the meaning of the handwriting on the wall?” Answer:…The handwriting on the wall proved true. In fact, it proved fatal for the dissolute Belshazzar. Just as Daniel had said, the kingdom of Babylon was divided between the Medes and Persians, and it happened that very night. Belshazzar was slain, and his kingdom passed to Darius the Mede (Daniel 5:30–31).

The appearance of mene mene tekel upharsin on the king’s wall is a reminder that whatever we sow, that we will also reap (Galatians 6:7–8). God is the Judge; He justly weighs all matters and metes out retribution in His time (Psalm 94:2). Sometimes God speaks very clearly into our lives, convicting us of sin and warning us of pending judgment (see John 16:8). It does not pay to ignore the “handwriting on the wall.” by GotQuestions

King Belshazzar Defies God

Belshazzar was the the son of Nebuchadnezzar and the King of Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar had defeated Jerusalem and taken the gold and silver vessels from the temple there. Now, Belshazzar, his son, holds a feast in which he and his guests will drink from those vessels. As the King and his guests are having a good time, a persons hand appears out of nowhere. The fingers begin to write words on the wall. Belshazzar becomes so frightened his face pales, his knees shake, and his legs grow weak (Daniel 5:1-5).

Belshazzar’s mother reminded him about Daniel. Daniel served his father well. He is a man who has wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. So, the trembling king sent for Daniel. At which point Daniel informed Belshazzar this event is a result of his pride (Daniel 5:17-30). 

Who can stand against God? No one (2 Chronicles 20:6). That very night Belshazzar died (Daniel 5:30).

Belshazzar is an Example of Defying God

Belshazzar is an example of what happens when we defy God. Those who deny and defy God have one thing in mind but God has another. We do not have to learn the hard way and we can choose not to stand against God.

For those who stand against the Lord, the world continues to offer an open invitation to dishonor and disrespect God. They want you to come and join them in their open rebellion against God and His sovereign word. However, they leave out that with rebellion against God comes fear and confusion (Daniel 5:5-9).

Where do we find answers to calm our fears?

Let us all be encouraged by Daniel. He was an old man and yet God saw him as valuable. From the beginning Daniel made up his mind not to allow the world to penetrate his heart. His life belonged to the Lord and he lived accordingly (Daniel 1). 

Ignoring the Writing On the Wall

Just like Belshazzar, many are defying God and pushing their agenda. Therefore, we are watching systematic loss of jobs, free speech, freedom of religion, etc. Not to mention those who are standing on God’s word consistently being persecuted.

There is so much confusion, uncertainty, and insecurity about the future for so many. We see much hopelessness, even among believers. This takes a toll on us physically, mentally, and spiritually (2 Corinthians 4:7-11; 7:5). God provides us His word to know how to be in the world but not of it (Romans 12:2, John 15:19, John 17:16). We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, not the storm in front of us.

Ephesians 1:17 NASB that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe.

We need to be encouraged to focus on the One Who knew death threats from birth, opposition, and censorship. Jesus focused on the will of His Father (John 6:38, 14:31). And that included doing good (Acts 10:38). 

We pray you have made up your mind to be person after God’s heart. We must keep our hope in His promises and the hope of His calling. Remember we are waiting for the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, our blessed hope (Titus 2:13).

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“Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org”