Daniel 5:1-21 / Keywords 5:20

A WARNING FOR KING BELSHAZZAR

But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.

 

1. A fearful sight (1-12)

King Belshazzar gave a great banquet where wine flowed freely. He had the

golden goblets from the temple of the Lord brought out, and he and his wives and

concubines drank from them. In his ignorance the king and his guests praised the

gods of gold and stone. In this way Belshazzar dishonored the Lord. When he did,

suddenly a human hand appeared and wrote a mysterious message on the wall.

In his fear the king called for his wise men to read the writing, but none of them

could do it. Finally the queen was reminded of Daniel. Perhaps he could solve the

riddle.

 

2. “I will read the writing” (13-21)

Daniel was promised a great reward by the king, but he declined. He was not

interested in money or power, but he would read the writing in order to give God’s

message to the king. It was not good news. The lesson the Lord had taught

Nebuchadnezzar had not been heeded by his son. Daniel taught yet another king

that the Lord Most High is the sovereign over all men, including all kings of the

world. He is the only one worthy of all praise.

 

Prayer Lord, protect me from ignorance and pride. Help me to lead others to

praise you only.

One Word Praise the Lord only