After this incredible recounting by Nebuchadnezzar of how God humbled him and then restored him to his throne when he looked up and acknowledged God.
The very next chapter tells of His son Belshazzar. He holds a great feast and decides to use the golden cups of the temple from Jerusalem. The temple of the most high God. He then worships the gods of gold, silver, and other gods while using the gold cups prepared for worship for the God of Heaven.
Immediately, a hand from nowhere appears and writes on the plaster of the wall of this great banquet hall. The king brings in all the enchanters and wise men, and no one can understand what is written; nonetheless, interpret it.
The queen comes in and recommends Daniel, whom his father had learned from and who had interpreted many dreams.
Daniel reminds Belshazzar about what happened with Nebuchadnezzar and how God humbled him. And then tells him in Daniel 5:22-23
Daniel 5:22-23
But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven.
Daniel interprets the writing, telling Belshazzar that his days are numbered, that God has weighed his actions, and that he is done.
Why? Why did God end his reign and his life?
We read in Daniel 5:23
Daniel 5:23
But you did not honour the God who holds your life and all your ways in his hand.
Because he knew better. He knew what had happened with Nebuchadnezzar, but he decided to dishonour God and profane the holy things from His temple.
God took his life that night. Darius, king of the Meads and the Persians, while they were partying, had his men wade in the river under the gates, and they took over Babylon.
There is so much here in the account of Belshazzar. God’s hand that holds all things appears and seals his judgement…
But what strikes me is that Belshazzar knew what God had done and chose to dishonour God anyway. He paid for it with His life, and the entire kingdom was transferred over.
What light has God given us? What are we doing with the knowledge of God? Are we humbling ourselves before Him or are we choosing to defame His things with our arrogance?
We all will be “weighed” and give an account to God.
