"the Handwriting On The Wall"

Title: “The Handwriting on the Wall” Script: Daniel 5

Type: Expository Series Where: GNBC 11-6-22

Intro: Today I am preaching on the first passage I can remember hearing a sermon on. I was a little boy, maybe 5 or 6 years of age. I was sitting in my grandparent’s church, Reading Methodist Church, in Reading, MI. The church building was built before the Civil War with dark mahogany high pitched ceilings and mahogany walls. I cannot remember the preacher’s name, let alone appearance. But I can remember the passage. As I sat there, my mind began to wander and I began to imagine what it would have been like to be King Belshazzar’s shoes, seeing a hand appear out of nothing and then begin to write a message for me on a wall! This story has become so much a part of Western culture that it coined a phrase we still use today: “The handwriting is on the wall…” It’s used of something foreboding or ominous in the future: “I still have my my job, but the handwriting is on the wall, since they just outsourced my department to India.” Well, the phrase “The handwriting is on the wall…” was originally used in the context of God’s judgment on an arrogant and profane king, who should have known better.

Prop: Today we’ll notice 4 important points in Daniel 5.

BG: 1. A lifetime has passed since the 15-17 yrs old boy Daniel was taken off to Babylon in chapt. 1. As we enter into chapter 5 Daniel is probably 80+ yrs of age. About 25 yrs. since chap. 4

2. Chapt. 1-4 Nebuchadnezzar is the king. Chapter 5 Belshazzar, last of the Chaldean kings.

Prop: Let’s continue in our study as today we’ll notice 4 important points in Daniel 5.

I. The Feast of Belshazzar vv. 1-4

A. We are now introduced to the final ruler of Babylon.

1. Who is this man Belshazzar we are so suddenly introduced to in Dan. 5?

a. At the end of chapter 4 we see a repentant Nebuchadnezzar, firmly restored to his throne after his humiliation of 7 yrs. Suddenly, as we start a new chapter, we see a new king, Belshazzar. Actually,

b. Belshazzar was most likely the grandson of King Neb. When Neb died in 556 BC he was succeeded by his son, Marduk, who ruled less than a year before being assassinated by a group of men, including, Nabonidus, Neb’s daughter, Nitocris! However, upon usurping the throne, Nabonidus didn’t really like to rule and was often away from the capitol for extended periods of time. After becoming an adult, Belshazzar, being Nabonidus’ eldest son, became “co-regent” with the king.

2. The young King Finds himself in a Precarious Situation. Nabonidus’ prolonged absences and Belshazzar’s immaturity signaled the waning power of Babylon. The Persian Empire quickly realized this power vacuum and desired to fill it’s void. Where we take up in the story, the armies of Persia have surrounded the capitol city. A siege has been laid. Nabonidus, the real king, has fled for safety, and a scared and brash young king is left to face the foe.

B. The King’s Careless and Profane Frivolity

1. Instead of Seeking God in Time of Need, the Kingsinks further into sin.

a. Many have speculated on Belshazzar’s actions. What was he doing and what was he thinking? The Persian army is outside the city and he is throwing a rager! Why would he throw a party for 1000 noblemen if the enemy were literally at the gate? Belshazzar is trying to impress his people. Possibly he wants to boost the morale of his leaders. Opulent display of power and wealth. No concern. Possibly he is attempting to impress them so they won’t remove or assassinate him. Illust – He would be the last ruler who figuratively “played the fiddle” while his city burned. He wouldn’t be the last person who “whistled in the dark”.

b. This feast was a brash display attempting to demonstrate a carefree confidence in the face of imminent danger. Danger was at the gate but it was easier to be derelict in one’s duty through drink and distraction. Illust – I have known many a man and woman who allow drink and distraction to make them derelict from their duty. Duty to their spouse. Duty to their children. Duty to their employer. Duty to their community. Duty to their God!

2. Belshazzar oversteps a line no one should cross. vv.3-4

a. V. 2 tells us “while tasting the wine” – not just the flavor but also the inebriating effects are reaching their full. When drink goes in discretion goes out! Stupid, vulgar, and profane things are said, violence becomes common, sexual propriety goes out the window.

b. Illust – Belshazzar’s drink and distraction crossed the line of desecration. Belshazzar, sitting at a table at the front of the great hall sets the tone of the party. Glasses and goblets are frothy with wine and liquor. Women are present. Boasts and inuendo become an orgy. Sinking faster and further into debauchery the king calls for the articles from the Temple of the Judean God. He incorporates these holy utensils into his shameless sin, and then praises the gods of gold, silver, iron, bronze, wood and stone! In one impious act he is telling all of his nobles, just as Babylon defeated Judah and her God, they will defeat Persia!