Daniel 5:1-31: The Handwriting on the Wall

King Belshazzar, co-regent of Babylon at the end of its mighty empire, hosted a party for all his lords in which he used the sacred vessels of the LORD’s temple as wine goblets in honor of idols. The appearance of a human hand, writing on the wall, filled Belshazzar with fear. When none of the wise men of Babylon could interpret the writing, the queen reminded Belshazzar of Daniel, who had helped Nebuchadnezzar in the past. Daniel’s words to Belshazzar were blunt. He told Belshazzar that the days of his kingdom were numbered, for his idolatry had left him weighed and found wanting. The LORD made good on what He had revealed to Daniel, as Belshazzar’s reign came to an end that very night.

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Daniel 5:1-31.

"God’s Kingdom Endures Forever” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Daniel. Although God’s people were exiled in Babylon, the LORD remained the true King. He strengthened His people for faithful confession in the face of idolatry, and through prophetic visions and dreams revealed that He would establish His everlasting Kingdom. This points to Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who reigns over us and all creation.