What can we learn about God's judgment from Daniel 5:24? Setting the Scene: A Banquet Interrupted Belshazzar throws a lavish feast, drinking from vessels stolen from the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 5:1–4). In the middle of the revelry “a man’s hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall” (5:5). After Daniel reminds the king of his pride and irreverence (5:22–23), verse 24 explains the source of the eerie handwriting: “Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription.” What the Phrase “He Sent the Hand” Tells Us • God Himself— not fate, not chance— initiates judgment. • The judgment is direct and supernatural; no human intermediary wields the pen. • The writing comes only after repeated sin and warning (cf. Daniel 4; Proverbs 29:1). • God steps into real history at a precise moment; His timing is perfect (Psalm 75:2). Key Lessons About God’s Judgment Drawn from Daniel 5:24 1. God’s Judgment Is Inevitable - Belshazzar’s blasphemy had a limit. When that line was crossed, God acted (Galatians 6:7). 2. God’s Judgment Is Sudden - A party turns to panic in a heartbeat (1 Thessalonians 5:3). - Delay is not denial; judgment may seem delayed but arrives right on time (Ecclesiastes 8:11). 3. God’s Judgment Is Personal - “He sent the hand” shows a personal, intentional act (Romans 2:5–6). - God is not detached; He sees, weighs, and responds (Psalm 94:9–11). 4. God’s Judgment Is Clear and Understandable - Though mysterious at first, the message is deciphered and leaves no doubt (5:25–28). - God never judges without revealing His standards (Amos 3:7; John 12:48). 5. God’s Judgment Is Just - The writing spells out measured justice: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN” (5:26–28). - Each word quantifies Belshazzar’s offense; nothing is arbitrary (Deuteronomy 32:4). 6. God’s Judgment Is Final - That very night Belshazzar dies and Babylon falls (5:30–31). - When God’s verdict is delivered, no earthly power can overturn it (Revelation 19:11–16). Take-Home Applications for Today • Don’t mistake God’s patience for impotence; His silence can precede sudden action. • Pride and irreverence toward holy things invite God’s discipline (James 4:6). • God still writes on the “walls” of our lives—through Scripture, conviction, and circumstances—calling us to repent while there is time (Hebrews 3:15). |
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