THE BOOK OF DANIEL
CHAPTER FIVE

THE HAND WRITING ON THE WALL

Some twenty years pass between Chapters 4 and 5, and King Nebuchadnezzar moves off the scene. He was succeeded by a son who reigned just a few years and then was assassinated by his own brother-in-law. He in turn ruled four years but was killed while in battle. The next two rulers occupied the throne a very brief time; the second of these was Nabonidus. He was actually a son-in-law to Nebuchadnezzar and was married to the widow of one of the previous kings. Nabonidus was king of the Babylonian empire at this time, and his son Belshazzar was king of the city of Babylon. This explains why Daniel was named third ruler (7, 19). While the events in chapter five are taking p1ace, King Nabonidus has been a captive of the Medes and Persians for four months.

Belshazzar was a very wicked person, living openly in sin and openly disgracing the Lord of Israel and! His name.

Bel - means protect the king. As it is a title that is given to their pagan gods.

Thus, the testimony of Nebuchadnezzar had riot made an impact upon the family, and if so, then it was very short lived.

This lesson helps us to see some valuable truths that are taught in the Word of God:

It teaches us the truth that our sins will Catch up with us: “and be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

It teaches us the truth that whoever sins against God, hurts themselves: “But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:36

It teaches us the truth that death is the product of sin: “the soul that sinneth, (practice sin), it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4

It teaches us the truth that whatsoever a man sows he will reap: “Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

Many more truths we could learn by meditating upon this chapter, but may we pray that God will burn into our hearts these precious truths that *e might learn not to sin against God.

Our lesson will be divided up into four divisions:

The King’s feast:		5:1—4;
The King’s fear:		5:5—9;
The King’s future:		5:10—29;
The King’s fate:		5:30—31.

I. THE KING’S FEAST. Daniel 5:1—4

This feast was in honor of one of the great Babylonian gods, and it took place in autumn of 539 B.C.

Belshazzar was very wicked and openly he defied the God of Israel, as he paid homage to the gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and of stone, that is, the work of their own hands (5:4)

God is a very merciful God, and a God that Will deal patiently and long with man-kind, but lie is also a God of judgment and will bring judgment upon the wickedness of man.

A. It was a feast of drunkenness. 5:1

Drunkenness played a great role in the life of those who served other gods. Wine has always been associated with Babylon and the Babylonian system of the world. (Jer. 51:7—8: Rev. 14:8; 17:1—5; Rev. l8:3,13)

Wine is forbidden to be drunk when it has aft alcoholic base to it; Proverbs 20:1; 23:31;
Habakkuk 2:15; Isaiah 5:22

The Christian ought to never be associated with alcoholic drinks.

Belshazzar put an affront upon the providence of God and bade defiance to His judgments. (5:1)

Because, while he was drinking with his lords inside the city, the Medes and the Persians were already outside the city with a large army to destroy the city.

Instead of Belshazzar seeking God’s false to deliver him, he mocked God in that he was drinking and playing while danger surrounded the city.

He thought the walls of the city were impregnable, and that the city was indestructible, but he was ignoring the truth of a Sovereign God.

B. It was a feast of defiance. 5:2-3

Drunkenness was a great sin within itself, but yet a greater sin was added to it when he drank out of the vessels of God stolen out of the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem.

These vessels were sanctified for the use worshipping the True and Living God of Israel, and Belshazzar defiled God by using these vessels as —Vessels for drinking wine for the purpose of making toasts unto themselves;

Vessels being used outside of the Temple of God and being used by Gentiles;

Vessels rendering worship unto the gods of their own hands.

Belshazzar put an affront upon the Temple, of God, and bade defiance to His sanctuary. (5:2-3)

This was an open defiance unto the God of Israel because it had been prophesied that the vessels would be returned back to Israel.

They openly were declaring that the words of the prophets were lies and were not to be trusted.

(Jeremiah 27:16,18) (Ezra 1:7—8)

May it be written on our hearts, that tie better not sacrilegiously use that which is dedicated unto God.

C. It was a feast of declaration. 5:4

It is very clear in whom the king and his lords were trusting.

The army of the Medes and the Persians had surrounded the city, and it was believed that they had been there some three months, but Belshazzar had food enough to exist for twenty years, as has been believed by some historians, thus, he has shown no fear of the encamped army.

They were trusting in their own self sufficiency.

When we believe that we are sufficient in our own selves, we are not trusting in the Living and True God.

They were trusting in the riches that they possessed.

They spoke of the gods of gold, silver, iron, brass, wood, and stone. They had a wealth of earthly goods.

When we believe that life consist in our material goods, we are for from understanding the essence of life.

Jesus warns us about trusting in material wealth. Luke 12:15

They were trusting in the works of their own hands.

The statement “gods of” speaks of the gods that they themselves had created.

Belshazzar had put an affront upon Cod and His honour, and bade defiance to His deity. (5:4)

They gave that glory to images, the work of their own hands and creatures of their own fancy, which is due to the True and Living God only. 

Wine causes men to do foolish things, but how sad when it dulls the mind and the heart to the True and Living God.

How serious it is when One makes eternal decisions based on a moment of drunkenness.
Isaiah 28:7

Christians must be very careful that they themselves don’t become drunk on wine, wealth, or wisdom, as either one will parry One away from the True and Living God.

We see the king in great happiness, drinking with his lords, but openly sinning against God. thus, today happiness, tomorrow eternity.

II. THE KING’S FEAR. Daniel 5:5—9

The defiance of the king was great as the feast prolonged itself into the night and the drunkenness became greater.

But then God interrupted their feast by writing words of judgment upon the wall.

The Words of God became a reality in the heart of King Belshazzar,   - the night of my pleasure has he turned into fear to me.”  Isaiah 21:2—4

A. Note the time of the writing. 5:5

“In the same hour came forth -“

When they were living it up and making merry in their hearts, judgment came.

This teaches us that we don’t know when God will pour out His judgment, but we know that He will, and it will come at;; a time when it is least expected, as well, as in a manner that is not expected.

B. Note the supernatural manner that the writing was written. 5:5

The appearance of a man’s hand was manifested over against the wall and it began to write.

The body of the hand was not seen, only the hand and its fingers and what it wrote.

The king saw it although the Scripture is silent about the matter if their was some means of the king being drawn to it other than seeing it as it appeared and wrote.

It is believed that the room had white plastered walls which made it easy to see the hand and to read the writing.

C. Note the message that was written was a very serious message. 5:6, 9

The message was written but the king was unable to read it, but yet, it made a great impact upon his heart.

1. The king’s countenance was changed.

Quickly he was sober minded with a serious countenance.

2. The king’s thoughts troubled him.

In verses 1-5 he acted as all was well, but now his whole life is no doubt flashing before him.

The privilege of thinking is a real blessing, but when it is full of trouble thoughts, it is very miserable.

3. The king’s nerves were out of control.

He was totally without strength to speak or to move. His back became weak and was unable to hold him up.

Note: Think for a few moments upon the king’s reaction to the writing:

#1. He didn’t know what was written because he couldn’t read it.

It could have been good news.

#2. He became immediately weak and afraid. He had an understanding in his own heart that he had done wrong. His conscience had borne guilt to his heart.

A man knows within his own heart if all is well or not.

We can fool others most of the time;
We can fool ourselves part of the time’
We can fool God none of the time.

D. The writing could not be understood by the secular world. 5:7—9

The king called his wise men for an interpretation of the message.
The wise men could not interpreted the message nor could they read it.

This the king should have understood if he had been a student of history in relationship to his grandfather’s life. Daniel 2 & 4.

Note: Daniel 2:28

How wise we would be, when we understand that the natural man can not understand the spiritual things of God.

I Cor. 2:9-16

E. The writing caused the people to be empty handed of their own reasoning. 5:9

The king was troubled as well as were his lords because they were without an understanding,

They were happy and wealthy in verses :1-5 and not doubt were bragging how well things were and that the enemy who was camped on the outside of the walls were unable to get in. But now, they stand sober minded and astonished as they faced the most serious 
time in their lives, the judgment of the Sovereign Lord.

Games maybe played today, but when one stands before the Lord, there will be total soberness.

The reason why the wise men could not read the writing was not because it was written in a language or characters unknown to them, but God hid it from them that it might be revealed by His servant Daniel.

III. THE KING’S FUTURE. Daniel 5:10—29

The king’s future is revealed and it is not a pleasant thing for the king to hear.

We also must understand that God is very plan in what He has to say about the future of those who live in sin. The Lord is straight forward in what He has to say.

The future can only be spelled out by God and He does so through His servants.

We might not know every given detail about our future, but where we are going to spend eternity is clearly shown to us in the Scriptures.

The servant of God is the only person that can expound the message of the Lord. 5:10-16

The servant of God, Daniel, always plays a behind the scene role until God brings him to the forefront.

How wonderful it would be for each one of us to learn that God will exalt His people in due time.

A. The information given of Daniel. 5:10—12

It is worthy to note the beautiful testimony that the queen gave of Daniel.
Every Christian ought to learn the value of maintaining an upright testimony before others.

1. Daniel’s character. 5:11.

(a) He has the spirit of the holy gods,.

She knew of Daniel’s God but she didn’t know Him personally.

(b) He is a man of great wisdom. He was able to give the meaning of the dreams to Nebuchadnezzar.

(c) He was made master of all the wise men by Nebuchadnezzar.

The king exalted him into a place of leadership because of his high character.

2. Daniel’s constitution. 5:11

(a) Daniel was a man.

“There is a man in the kingdom —“

God wants his people to be men and women of character.

(b) Daniel was a wise man.

He was a well learned man, given !to knowledge, but yet, he wasn’t full of dead orthodoxy teaching.

(c) Daniel was a spiritual man.

He had a excellent spirit and was able to discern between the spiritual and non-spiritual things.

3. Daniel’s consistency. 5:12

(a) Daniel’s faithfulness to the things of God, and his non-conforming
spirit is to be praised.

God’s people are to be the same, that is faithful in all things.

(b) Daniel’s faithfulness in the truths of God is to be patterned by all
believers.

God’s truths is truth in all circumstances, they never change.

(c) Daniel’s faithfulness in changing circumstances is a pattern for all. believers to follow.

B. The introduction of Daniel to the king. 5:13-16

Upon the testimony of the queen, the king quickly followed through with her request.

1. Note the king’s resentment 5:13

Here the king, before his lords, was seeking advice from a Jew, who was of the children of captivity.

How humiliating this must have been to the king who had a proud heart in front of his lords.

2. Note the king’s recognition. 5:14

It is amazing that Daniel was in the kingdom, but was somewhat placed in the background, being such a great and wise man.

The world, as its past performance shows, will never seek after God until they have no other place to turn.

3. Note the king’s request. 5:16

The king could not find his answer through his own wise men.

The world will never learn, that by their own ability and knowledge, they will never know the will of God.

4. Note the king’s reward 5:16

In this, we see the hand of a Sovereign God.

The wise men of the land never made an attempt to interpret the writing.

Unknowing to then they were being governed by this Sovereign God.

He promised the sane reward to Daniel as he did to the wise men.

Warning: This verse warns us, that even when the world( has its back against the wall, they will still try to buy their way out.

5. Note the king’s rebuke. 5:17

Daniel in a spirit of kindness, but very firm, rebuked the king concerning the gift.

Daniel would make known the interpretation because it was of God, and he was God’s servant, and in fact, the only one that could.

C. The interpretation given by Daniel to the king. 5: 17—29

Daniel was a young man, probably in his late teens or early twenties when he gave the interpretation of the dream to Nebuchadnezzar in chapter two.

Daniel was probably in his late thirties or early forties when he gave the interpretation of the dream to Nebuchadnezzar in chapter four.

Here in chapter five and chapter six, he is in his early eighties.

Daniel has probably served thus far under five kings, although only two are mentioned:
Nebuchadnezzar: Belshazzar.

(He will live long enough to serve also the new king of chapter 5:31.)

The manner that God dealt with Nebuchadnezzar through Daniel is somewhat more merciful than the manner that God dealt with Belshazzar through Daniel.

Nebuchadnezzar, as it seems to me, was somewhat ignorant of truth until dealt with by God, but Belshazzar had known of Nebuchadnezzar, being dealt with by God and his testimony because chapter four was a part of the Babylonian’s documents, thus, they were open to him to read.

Belshazzar did what he did in full knowledge of what he was doing.

When one sins wilfully, against knowledge, he leave himself caught in the come facing God’s judgment without mercy.

1. Daniel declares his positive faith in Gold. 5:18

Remember the key though in Daniel 2:28.
“There is a God in heaven” and Daniel knows that God, and knowing God makes the difference.

2. Daniel declares God’s grace toward Nebuchadnezzar. 5:18—21

(a) The king was given the kingdom by God. 5:18—19

Daniel drove home the point that God is Sovereign and what man has, it is from Him.

(b) The king was full of pride 5:20—21

Nebuchadnezzar was full of pride because he took the credit unto himself.

Remember that pride is alway~ the “idol of self.”

(c) The king was made humble. 5:21

The Lord made the king realize after living as a beast for seven years, that He was Sovereign and that Nebuchadnezzar was only a servant in His hands.

3. Daniel declares God’s judgment upon Belshazzar. 5:22—29

There is no words of mercy nor of grace in Daniel’s words toward Belshazzar.

“There is a sin unto death” (I John 5:16)

And it seems that Belshazzar had committed that sin.

(a) The reason for God’s judgment. 5: 23—24

This judgment is because Belshazzar had lifted himself up against the God of heaven, and gave honor to idols and never gave God His glory and honor.

(b) The revealing of God’s judgment. 5: 2 5—29

(1) God had numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom and will
finish it. 5:25—26

You are now seeing the prophecy of Daniel being fulfilled when the kingdom of

How true it is, that a man can accept the Word of God, but never submit to it. Belshazzar believed Daniel, but never made an effort to repent.

IV. THE KING’S FATE.  Daniel 5:30—31

The chapter ends on a very sad note. When we review the life of the king, we see how much of a wasteful life he had lived. Nothing good came from him, thus, leaving the people without knowledge of the true God.

When Nebuchadnezzar died, he left the people a great testimony:
“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, and all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase”
Daniel 4:37

When Belshazzar died he left the world in the midst of a drunken party. (5:30)

What a difference the work of God’s grace makes in the heart of a person!

A. The death of a king.

In the midst of the night, the enemies of Belshazzar broke in, and Belshazzar was killed.

1. He died a death of drunkenness. 5:23

There isn’t a way to be able to describe the death of One outside of God.

2. He died a death of disgrace. 5:23

There wasn’t a hiding place for one who is outside of God’s grace. When God judged, the judgment is set, sealed and delivered and no man can alter it.

God said: “Thou art weighted in the balances and art found wanting.”
Daniel 5:27

B. The division of a kingdom. 5:31

The kingdom was taken from Belshazzar and given to another.

This is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel in chapter 2:37—38.

1. The kingdom was taken from the hand of Belshazzar, thus, bringing to naught the first division of the Image of Daniel in chapter two.

Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold, and his reign came to naught in the death of Belshazzar.

2. The kingdom was established in the hands of Darius the Median and he shared the rule with Cyrus the Persian.	(6:28)

Had Belshazzar studied the Book of Isaiah, he would have known just how the city of Babylon would be taken, and by whom it would be taken. Cyrus the Persian conquer of would defeat the Medes and then come down upon Babylon.
Isaiah 41:25; 45:1—4

He would dig a canal that would reroute the Euphrates River, and then smuggle his army into the city under the gates! The Babylonians had seen the enemy digging, but they thought they were going to build a mound against the pity. Actually, they were diverting the river. Why was the city taken unawares? Because most of the people were drunk 4 It was a great religious feast day and the people were too involved in pleasure to think about defense. The enemy came right into the banquet hall and the king was slain.

What a warning to our nation! we have such a pleasure— mad country today that it will be easy for some enemy to take us unawares, and history will repeat itself.

Who was Darius the Mede? Isaiah had said that Cyrus would capture Babylon and set the Jews free. Isaiah 44:28 — 45:13: Dan. 1:21; 10:1

Darius is mentioned as king in Dan. 6:1, 6, 9, 25, 28; 9:1; 11:1. Darius, Cyrus’ military leader, received the kingdom from Cyrus, king of Persia, and ruled Babylon~ for him. In Daniel 6:28 we see that it was a dual kingship; Cyrus was the king of the empire, while Darius ruled Babylon and the area connected with it. Cyrus entered Babylon a

mighty conqueror and proceeded to deal wisely with the people, including the exiled Jews.

It was Cyrus who issued the decrees that permitted the Jews to return to their land and rebuild their temple. Ezra 1:1—4; Isaiah 44:28

(The decrees coming from Darius and Cyrus are very important in understanding the seventy weeks of Daniel)

So, even the rise and fall of empires is all a part of God’s plan for His people — Romans 8:28.

The fall of Babylon in 539 is a picture of the future fall of Babylon (the devil’s world system) as given in Revelation 17 — 18.

Every Bible believer Christian can see the “handwriting on the wall.” But blind leaders, carnal Christians, and the worldly minded person goes on as if nothing is going to take place, little realizing that the Lord is coming for His own, as well, as coming in judgment upon the wicked.

CONCLUSION ION:

We see clearly that God will not permit sin to rule and to reign, He will bring it into judgment.

This chapter teaches us that God knows the heart of man—kind.
God knew that Belshazzar had totally hardened his heart against God.

This chapter teaches us that God will never leave nor forsake those who are His.
Daniel has now walked with God in captivity for many years being now past the age of 80.

This chapter teaches us that God is Sovereign in His dealings with man-kind -and will set up Whom He will and take down whom He will.
God is in absolute control of the nations of the world.

It drives home to us this great truth:

“BUT THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN -“ Daniel 2:28

PRACTICAL LESSONS

There are some practical things that we see in this chapter that would be a blessing to us as we lock at them from a practical view point in order to apply them to our own heart and life.

We need to be very careful or we will study the Books of the Bible as being historical without any personal applications. All of the Books of the Bible are God’s Words and they are binding upon our lives.

Paul teaches us that all things were written for our admonition:
Romans 15:4
I Corinthians 10:6, 11

This lesson teaches us the ABSOLUTENESS OF GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY in the affairs of man.

Daniel 5:25—28

Once again the truth of God’s Sovereignty is driven home. There is no way to miss this valuable truth, God is in charge and all men will answer to Him.

This lesson teaches us the ABSOLUTENESS OF GOD’S JUDGMENT upon wickedness.

Daniel 5:23

God might be slow in bringing judgment upon man-kind, but He will for His, is a God of judgment.

No wickedness will forever endure.

This lesson teaches us the ABSOLUTENESS OF GOD’S LAW that whatsoever is sown will be reaped.

Daniel 5:27

Belshazzar lived in wickedness and he reaped the same. He reaped in a very harsh manner the judgment of God.

No man, be he a peasant, or be he a king, will escape God’s judgment upon his wickedness.

This lesson teaches us the ABSOLUTENESS OF SIN IS DEATH.

Daniel 5:27, 30.	(Rom. 6:23) Sin when it is finished brings forth death, and death is never finished.

It is very important that a believer sees and understands these important truths that are clearly
taught.	-

They ought to help us to see that our lives are open books before Him.

They ought to help us to see that we are to flee from sin, for it brings death.

They ought to help us to see that God will not permit any wickedness go unpunished.

old shall turn into the kingdom of silver. Daniel 2:38—39

It is good to note once again. that God is a keeper and a fulfiller of His word.

God had numbered the days of Belshazzar, and he was found wanting. 5:27

“Found wanting” means found lacking. He was lacking in any given area in his heart that God might work in, in order to bring him to repentance.

In other words, the king was totally set against God.

How sad it is when one is totally rejected of God.

God has given the kingdom into the hands of another. 5:28

Remember this has been the message of Daniel all of his life, that God is a Sovereign God and He gives kingdoms to whomsoever He will, as well, as He takes the kingdoms away Daniel 4:35; 5:21

If we don’t ever learn anything else, may Cod permit us to learn that the “wages of sin is death.”
Romans 6:23

There is a great mystery, humanly speaking, displayed in the king’s life in verse 27; He kept his word to Daniel but never made an attempt to repent. He declared Daniel to be the third ruler in the kingdom for which he no longer had. (Note! that Darius made him first in the kingdom. 6:1—3)