The Writing’s on the Wall

As Halloween approaches, our culture embraces the spooky, and it’s an opportune moment to delve into a biblical story that reveals both the fearsome power and the merciful sovereignty of God. The story of King Belshazzar in Daniel 5 serves as a vivid reminder of how God communicates His will and justice—and it’s as eerie as anything we might see in our modern “haunted” celebrations.

A Party Gone Wrong

Daniel 5 recounts how King Belshazzar, the successor to Nebuchadnezzar, throws an extravagant feast, using sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple. These vessels, meant for worship, are repurposed for drinking wine as the king and his guests praise the gods of gold, silver, and other lifeless materials. At this moment, a mysterious hand appears and begins writing on the wall, throwing the king into terror. Belshazzar’s response is striking: his face pales, his thoughts turn to dread, and his knees literally knock together.

A Hand from Heaven

The king's wise men fail to interpret the writing, but his mother suggests calling Daniel, a trusted interpreter of dreams during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. Daniel deciphers the message as a judgment: "Mene, Mene"—God has numbered Belshazzar's days; "Tekel"—he has been weighed and found wanting; "Parsin"—his kingdom is divided and will be given to the Medes and Persians.

Belshazzar’s pride, inherited wealth, and disregard for the experiences of his forefathers blinded him to the reality that his life and kingdom were always under God’s authority. The warning is clear: no one is beyond God’s reach, and God uses every means to call people to repentance.

Living a Life That Honors God

This story calls us to self-reflection. Are we relying on our titles, wealth, or accomplishments while disregarding God’s role in our lives? Belshazzar was unaware of God’s presence because he hadn’t cultivated that relationship. Like Daniel, who stood out as a man of integrity and wisdom, we are called to be people whom others look to for guidance.

God’s judgment is real, but His love is what drives Him to warn us. Though the writing on the wall foretold doom for Belshazzar, God’s message is still one of mercy for those willing to respond. Let us remember, “No one is beyond God,” and in response to His love, let us seek lives of humility, service, and devotion.

Let this story from Daniel remind us of our need for God and the truth that we, too, are being “weighed.”