What does Daniel 5:6 mean?

Belshazzar's reaction to seeing disembodied fingers writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5) is dramatic. This makes sense, as this happens directly in front of a lampstand, without warning, in the middle of a drunken, blasphemous party (Daniel 5:1–4). What's described here is sheer terror. His color changes—probably meaning he became pale—and he becomes weak and shaky. It's possible he collapsed in fear. He will begin shouting for his advisors (Daniel 5:7). All of this happens before Belshazzar even knows what the writing means (Daniel 5:8, 25–28), though that mystery will trigger another bout of anxiety (Daniel 5:9).

Revelation 6:12–17 presents a terrifying scene in which God's wrath will fall. The event is so alarming that everyone will attempt to escape God's presence, but there is no place to hide from Him (Hebrews 4:13; Luke 12:2). Revelation 20:10–15 describes final judgment, and there is no escape. Those whose names are not written in the book of life are consigned to the lake of fire, which is also called the second death because it involves eternal separation from God. But none need endure this fate. God has provided a means of rescue—Jesus Christ (John 3:16–18, 36). All who put their faith in Him receive eternal life (Romans 6:23). We live in the time of God's patient waiting; He has not yet poured out His righteous wrath on the earth. Instead, God prolongs the offer of His grace because He does not desire that any perish (2 Peter 3:9–13). Judgment for every individual will come (Hebrews 9:27). Those who are in Christ can trust that their debt has been paid and they have been judged as righteous before God on the basis of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17–21). If you have not already done so, fear God by turning to Him in trust; receive that which is truly life (John 10:10; Ephesians 2:1–10).