Intro: When we look at chapter 5 we are seeing the second part of a trilogy of pagan kings. Chapter 4 we see Nebuchadnezzar and his repentance after God’s warning. Chapter 6 we see Darius the Mede acknowledge Daniel’s God but not accept Him. Here in chapter 5 we see Belshazzar and his complete rebellion and rejection of God.
If we look close there are some clear teachings that can be found in these stories. First, things change. Daniel will outlast at least 3 kings.
The way that Belshazzar responds to the warning of judgment reminds of a man who was warned he needed to change.
"You," said the doctor to the patient, "are in terrible shape. You've got to do something about it. First, tell your wife to cook more nutritious meals. Stop working like a dog. Also, inform your wife you're going to make a budget, and she has to stick to it. And have her keep the kids off your back so you can relax. Unless there are some changes like that in your life, you'll probably be dead in a month."
"Doc," the patient said, "this would sound more official coming from you. Could you please call my wife and give her those instructions?"
When the fellow got home, his wife rushed to him. "I talked to your doctor," she wailed. "Poor man, you've only got thirty days to live." (source unknown)
Great change has happened since we first started Daniel in Chapter 1. Chapter 1 happened in about 605 BC. We have now moved approximately 70 years to the time of the last king of Babylon. Remember for years secular scholars said Daniel was a hoax because the only records we had of the last king of Babylon was Nabonidus. In 1854 a stone tablet was discovered that recorded the Nabonidus Chronicle and clearly revealed that Belshazzar (Nabs oldest child) was co-regent while Nabonidus away from the kingdom for personal pursuits. We find that it doesn’t take long for people to forget what Nebuchadnezzar learned in Daniel 4:37, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and glorify the King of heaven, because all His works are true and His ways are just. He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
I. The party of the proud king
A) The kings lack of self-control (5:1)
We know from history that Darius the Mede had an army at the doorstep of Babylon. It is not clear whether Belshazzar was trying to prove His power or drown his fears with this depraved party. It’s clear that he broke common practice by drinking in public and having women join the party. We are not told clearly that he was drunk but his actions seems to show a lack of self-control.
Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.”
Proverbs 31:4 “It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer.”
Much like our current administration they seem to be trying to have a party while the enemy is beating down our doors. It’s not the economy stupid. It seems Belshazzar was showing off his trust in the walls of his city. If that wasn’t enough he wants to show that he doesn’t fear the living God!
B) The kings bad decision (5:2-4)
In His pride and drunken celebration of his power Belshazzar decided lets show off. He called for the sacred vessels of the temple of God. Mixing being prideful and plastered are an opportunity for disaster. As many do they believe they can shake their fist and profane the things God calls sacred.
Is this still happening today? Realize it wasn’t the vessels that were the problem but what they represented. Life is no longer sacred it is now a choice. Marriage is no longer a gift from God it is what the world defines and desires. These are sacred they are not to be tampered with. Do you realize you are the vessels of God? What you do in your body can profane what God meant to be set apart for Him! 1 Corinthians 3:16. “Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”
We worry about kids running in the auditorium but don’t worry about running our mouths about each other. We rail on Isis for murdering Christians and yet we commit murder the way we respect and respond to each other every day.
II. The pronouncement of judgment
God finally said enough is enough. He was ready to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah. Jeremiah wrote of the downfall of the Babylonian empire. He wrote his book between 630 and 580 BC. Now here in 537 God says enough is enough.
Listen to what Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 50:1-3 (read) Do you remember when we talked about the statue that was in Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream? The gold of the statue was Babylon and the next was the chest and arms of silver representing Medo-Persia. Jeremiah goes on to say 51:11, 28-29. Jeremiah tells the plan that will be used to take the seemingly impregnable city, Jeremiah 51:57. It is even revealed how the Media-Persia Army will win victory over the Babylonians. Jeremiah 51:36-37
Why did God give Nebuchadnezzar dreams? To reveal that God is in charge and give Neb and opportunity to confess his sin and repent and fall on God’s grace!!
Why now this writing on the wall? Again to show all the people and kingdoms of the world that God is in charge. Also to reveal that God is not just a God of love but of judgment. God hates sin. He hates sin so much that Jesus came to pay its penalty and break its power of His creation. If his creation does not accept His warning and invitation to become His children he will judge sin and rebellion.
III. The panic of the court (Daniel 5:5-9)
People are proud and powerful until God intervenes and enters their life. Remember God is able to humble the proud. In the middle the celebration and the profaning of God’s vessels God speaks.
Notice that the king is no longer proud. He goes pale as a ghost. His knees knock and legs go weak. What does he do? Who ya gonna call? He calls his Ghost Busters. Because he thinks he’s seen a ghost. The king called out to bring in the mediums, Chaldeans, and astrologers. Let’s think about the track record of these numbskulls. Their only claim to fame was failure. Daniel records for us that none of them could read the inscription. The king becomes more terrified and his wise men are baffled.
Church family we do not need to go anywhere but to God to understand the times. The wise men of the world are baffled! Why didn’t they understand? God tells us very clearly.
1 Corinthians 1:19-23 (read)
You shouldn’t just go to anyone for advice. You had better make sure that they have Godly wisdom. Bob went to a psychiatrist. “Doc,” he said, “I’ve got trouble. Every time I get into bed, I think there’s somebody under it. I get under the bed; I think there’s somebody on top of it. Top, under, top, under...you gotta help me, I’m going crazy!” “Just put yourself in my hands for one year,” said the shrink. “Come to me three times a week, and I’ll cure your fears.” “How much do you charge?” “A hundred dollars per visit” the psychiatrist said. “I’ll sleep on it,” said Bob. Six months later the doctor met Bob on the street. “Why didn’t you ever come to see me again?” asked the psychiatrist. “For a hundred buck’s a visit? A friend cured me for free!” “Is that so! How?” “He told me to cut the legs off the bed!”
When it comes any decision in life you best make sure if you are getting advice or counsel it is God centered and God sent.
IV. The prophets interpretation (Daniel 5:10-12)
When all else fails mom to the rescue. She hears a ruckus and comes running to the king’s aid. Oh don’t look so pale, don’t worry so much. Do you ever want to say don’t tell me what to look like you don’t know the pressure I’m under.
Daniel was forced out and forgotten. Now in a time when the world’s wisdom wasn’t good enough he was called on. Joseph Parker an English preacher had a great word for us that share God’s truth.
Preachers of the world you will be wanted some day by Belshazzar. You were not at the beginning of the feast. You will be there before the banquet hour is closed. The king will not ask you to drink wine, but he will ask you to tell the secret of his pain, and heal the malady of his heart. Just wait your time, preachers. You are nobody now. Who cares for preachers, and teachers and seers, men of insight, while the wine goes around and the feast is unfolding its tempting luxuries. But the preacher will have his opportunity. They will send for him when all other friends have failed. May he then come fearlessly, independently, asking only to be a channel through which divine communication can be adressed. Then may he speak to the listening trouble of the world.
It isn’t just preachers that will get a chance. If you live differently like Daniel did you may be forgotten today but tomorrow when reality strikes through death, disease, destruction of the weather or any other way that pain and suffering strike you will get an opportunity to share truth.
What does the writing say?
A) Mene -- means that God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end.
God says your number is up Belshazzar. God has numbered your days. God is in control of the beginning and the end of our lives. When he calls your number it doesn’t matter how rich and powerful or how poor and impoverished.
B) Tekel – You have been weighed in the scales and found wanting.
Belshazzar didn’t measure up. Guess what not matter how good we think we are without Jesus Christ we don’t measure up. When our number is up we will be weighed and the only way you will measure up is if you have exchanged Jesus life for yours!
C) Peres – Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians
Notice the Medes and Persians didn’t take it. It was given to them. We have to have spiritual vision to see beyond the actions of men and women.
V. The punishment of God (5:30)
What are we to learn from God clear judgment of this unholy kingdom and king? How does this make any sense in 2015 in the 21st century?
A) Things will change
B) Be constant when things do change
C) Look to the God who is in charge of all change.
Conclusion: We are not simply dealing with ancient empires and dead kings. This is a matter of life and death. My life, your life, our children’s lives, our friends and fellow citizens lives.
