“Writing on the Wall” recalls the dramatic judgment pronounced by God upon King Belshazzar of Babylon. During a great feast, the king arrogantly used the sacred vessels that had been taken from the Temple in Jerusalem and praised false gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. In the midst of the celebration, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote words upon the palace wall.
Terrified, Belshazzar called for his wise men and astrologers, but none could interpret the message. The Prophet Daniel was then brought before the king. Through God’s wisdom, Daniel explained that the inscription was a divine judgment against Belshazzar for his pride and irreverence. The words declared that God had numbered the days of his kingdom, weighed him in the balance and found him wanting, and decreed that his kingdom would be divided and given to others.
That very night, the prophecy was fulfilled as Babylon fell and Belshazzar’s reign came to an end. The account serves as a powerful reminder that earthly power, wealth, and glory are temporary, while God’s justice and sovereignty endure forever.
Daniel 5:1–4
King Belshazzar profanes the sacred vessels from the Temple of Jerusalem.
Daniel 5:5–9
A mysterious hand appears and writes upon the wall.
Daniel 5:13–28
Daniel interprets the inscription: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.
Daniel 5:26–28
God’s judgment is explained: the kingdom is numbered, weighed, and divided.
Daniel 5:30–31
Babylon falls, and the prophecy is fulfilled that very night.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala