Daniel 5:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: “Then from his presence the hand was sent, and this writing was inscribed.

NIV: Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.

NASB: Then the hand was sent from Him and this inscription was written out.

CSB: Therefore, he sent the hand, and this writing was inscribed.

NLT: So God has sent this hand to write this message.

KJV: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.

NKJV: Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

In this verse Daniel finally addresses the subject for which King Belshazzar summoned him (Daniel 5:16). Babylonian royalty were enjoying an alcohol-soaked party, including the use of sacred Jewish religious vessels (Exodus 30:22–29; Daniel 1:1–2) for drinking toasts to idols (Daniel 5:1–4). This was interrupted by disembodied fingers making letters on the wall (Daniel 5:5). This horrified the king and baffled his other advisors (Daniel 5:6–9). Yet when Daniel first arrived, he did not immediately explain the words. Instead, he describes the humbling experience of a prior king, Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28–33; 5:18–21). Daniel, likely eighty years old and still a captive under the empire of Babylon, uses that history as a foundation to upbraid Belshazzar for arrogance and blasphemy (Daniel 5:22–23).

Now, Daniel explains that the sign is from his God: the Most High God of Israel. The Lord delivered this message, in part, because of Belshazzar's recent sins. But the writing on the wall has more to do with God's perfect timing than a single act of idolatry driving Him into action. Daniel's speech makes it clear that Belshazzar hadn't followed God prior to this event. The idolatry and disrespect of the evening were just the latest effects of his rejection of the Lord.

Sometimes, God chooses to let an unbeliever's pride and blasphemy build up to a peak before He unleashes judgment. In the New Testament, King Herod was already known for wickedness and unbelief. When he delivered a speech and accepted praise as a god, the Lord struck him with a horrific and fatal disease (Acts 12:20–23). Belshazzar's fate is being announced in a moment where he has no excuse—to the Lord or even to other men—about the depths of his sin.

Daniel 5:17–28 reveals Daniel's humility, his loyalty to the Most High God, and his courage. Daniel read and interpreted the handwriting. God is judging Babylon: the empire will be defeated and split among the Medes and Persians. Though Daniel said he wanted no payment, his interpretation prompts the rewards from Belshazzar, which were likely as short-lived as he was (Daniel 5:29–30).

After Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, a succeeding ruler, Belshazzar, fails to learn the proper lesson. During a drunken party, he brings out Jewish objects to use in idolatry. The celebration is interrupted by disembodied fingers leaving strange markings on the wall. Daniel is summoned when no one else can read or interpret these. After boldly rebuking Belshazzar's immorality, Daniel explains the event as a prophecy of doom. That same night, Belshazzar dies, and the kingdom eventually comes under a new leader.

The first four chapters of Daniel occur under the rule of Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar. This chapter falls between his reign and when the Medo-Persians conquered in 539 BC. This chapter focuses on Belshazzar, who may have ruled Babylon concurrently with his father Nabonidus. This was probably from 553 BC until his death in 539 BC, when the city was captured. After this, Daniel serves under Darius and / or Cyrus.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.