What does the "hand that appeared" in Daniel 5:5 signify about God's power? Scene and Scripture “Suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand emerged and began writing on the plaster of the wall near the lampstand in the royal palace, and the king watched the hand as it wrote.” (Daniel 5:5) Why the Hand Matters - Only the hand appears—no messenger, no angelic entourage—highlighting that God Himself intervenes directly. - God chooses a visible, physical act to puncture Belshazzar’s false security. His power is not abstract; it breaks into the material world. - Writing on the wall, right beside the lampstand, ensures everyone can see. Divine power exposes sin in the brightest light possible. Snapshots of God’s Power Displayed • Sovereign Authority – Psalm 75:7: “But it is God who judges; He brings one down and exalts another.” – The hand writes judgment before the Medo-Persian army even reaches the gates. Kings rise and fall at God’s decree. • Instantaneous Intervention – Job 12:23: “He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them.” – No ceremony, no delay. God’s power overrides earthly schedules. • Holiness and Moral Clarity – Habakkuk 1:13 declares God’s eyes “too pure to look on evil.” – The banquet’s blasphemous use of temple vessels meets immediate, holy confrontation. • Omniscience – Hebrews 4:13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” – A private royal feast is fully visible to heaven. The hand proves God misses nothing. • Irresistible Word – Exodus 31:18: “He gave Moses two tablets… inscribed by the finger of God.” – Whether on stone at Sinai or plaster in Babylon, what God writes stands unchallenged. Echoes in Other Scriptures - Luke 11:20: Jesus speaks of casting out demons “by the finger of God,” linking the Daniel image to Christ’s own authority. - Isaiah 40:17: “All the nations are as nothing before Him.” The banquet hall’s splendor pales against God’s greatness. Take-Home Truths • God’s power is personal: He does not outsource final judgment. • God’s power is public: He makes His verdict unmistakable. • God’s power is penetrating: No wall, rank, or revelry can shield from His gaze. • God’s power is permanent: What He writes, no human hand can erase. |
    |