The Writing on the Wall
Daniel 5:5
Key Text: “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.” - Daniel 5:5
Introduction
The phrase “the writing on the wall” has become a common expression, meaning a warning of inevitable judgment. But this phrase originates from Daniel 5, when King Belshazzar of Babylon witnessed a supernatural event—a hand appearing and writing on the wall during his great feast. This event was a message from God, a warning of impending judgment.
This story teaches us three key lessons:
- God sees everything, including our sin.
- God warns before bringing judgment.
- Ignoring God’s warnings leads to consequences.
1. God Sees Everything, Including Our Sin
- Belshazzar hosted a great feast, using the sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem to drink wine and praise false gods (Daniel 5:1-4).
- He mocked God by using holy things for sinful purposes.
- Galatians 6:7 - “Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Nothing is hidden from God—our actions, our words, and even our hearts are seen by Him.
2. God Warns Before Bringing Judgment
- As Belshazzar and his guests drank and celebrated, suddenly, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall.
- Daniel 5:6 - The king’s face turned pale, and his knees knocked together in fear.
- God had warned Belshazzar through history—he knew what happened to his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar, when he was proud and unrepentant (Daniel 5:22).
- 2 Peter 3:9 - “The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
God always warns before judgment—through His Word, through preachers, and even through circumstances in our lives.
3. Ignoring God’s Warnings Leads to Consequences
- The writing on the wall said:
- Mene - God has numbered your kingdom and finished it.
- Tekel - You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.
- Peres - Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians (Daniel 5:25-28).
- That very night, Belshazzar was killed, and Babylon fell.
- Proverbs 29:1 - “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Ignoring God’s warnings brings judgment—but repentance leads to mercy.
Conclusion
- Are there areas in your life where God is warning you?
- Will you listen to God’s message before it’s too late?
- God offers mercy to those who repent, but judgment to those who reject Him.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your warnings that call us back to You. Help us to humble ourselves, repent, and turn away from anything that displeases You. May we never ignore Your voice but respond with obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.