God’s Graffiti

It all went wrong when they had too much to drink. When self-control goes, watch out for what follows. They couldn’t help showing off, not just in a display of wealth but in a challenge to the God who had so humbled Nebuchadnezzar. “Do your worst,” Belshazzar seemed to say.

God rose to the challenge. The “writing on the wall” has become part of our English language. What doom there was that night! Sources outside the Bible describe how Persian engineers diverted the river Euphrates and gained access to Babylon.

A few hours before reality struck, the king was reduced to a pathetic spectacle and so were the guests. He sought to save face and cover what he felt. It was left to the queen, his mother, to remember their history and point him to Daniel, who had been left out in the cold. Belshazzar tried to retain control, but his rewards had little impact on Daniel, whose value system was quite different.

Daniel was ever the prophet. God had given a warning once and Nebuchadnezzar had taken his second chance. Belshazzar knew the story and its truth, but he had shut his mind to it as being inconvenient to his plans. Now it was too late.

The writing is spelled out, not just in words but in meaning. The meaning is stark–judgment–judgment at once. There is no future. The kingdom has come to an end. The last rites are being pronounced. The king seeks to have the last word, but the time for words is over. The kingdom passes that night from the Babylonians to Darius the Mede. This is one of the most solemn chapters in the Bible and its message should sober all who try to take God lightly.

Respond in Prayer

Father, help me pay attention to your Word. Help me remember what you have done in the past, both as it is written in your Word, and as I have known it in my life. When you speak to me, may I listen, understand, and obey. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Colin Sinclair