Today's lesson comes from Daniel 5: 1-9; 25-28. Daniel served during the long reign of Nebuchadnezzar, which was followed by the short reign of Evil-Merodach. The empire went through a time of turmoil, out of which emerged Nabonidus to rule. Nabonidus shared the regency with his son Belshazzar. In this chapter Nebuchadnezzar is referred to as the father of Belshazzar. He was actually his grandfather. The form of expression is often used in the scriptures when referring to a family. Therefore, it is not a mistake or an error.
The city of Babylon was considered to be invincible. It was 15 miles square. The city had a double wall that was 350 feet high and 87 feet thick. The Euphrates River flowed through the city surrounded by a moat. The kingdoms of Media and Persia united to overthrow the Babylonians. The initial invasion had occurred. The armies had surrounded the capital, and were faced with the apparent impossibility of breaking in.
The first section is "Blasphemous Banquet." vv. 1-4 The city was under siege, but inside there was a party in the palace. The people were inside getting drunk on wine. They were not concerned about the invading armies. The feast was being held in honor of the Babylonian gods. Then they decided to make it even more profane. Belshazzar remembered that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem vessels that could be drunk from. They brought out the sacred vessels and openly challenged God by drinking from the sacred goblets. They praised the superiority of the Babylonian gods. They drank wine and praised their gods. This was very foolish to mock the true God of Israel. "A nation or man that has shaken off God will not long keep sobriety or purity." (A. Maclaren) It would not be long before things were about to change.
The second section is "Mysterious Message." vv. 5-9 In the middle of the party, the king cries out and there on the wall were the "fingers of a man's hand." The writing inspired fear and also raised questions. Were the gods angry? Was the God of the Jews out of whose cups they were drinking sending a message? The party is now over. The words of God are sufficient to strike terror to the heart of the belligerent. There is a revival of Belshazzar's conscience. He becomes terrified. The proud king shrinks to insignificance when confronted by the almighty. Belshazzar calls for the "wise men of Babylon" and makes a generous offer for the one who could read and interpret the writing. The wise men stare at the words, but they "could not read the writing." Now, Belshazzar was "greatly troubled." There was a threefold mystery: the fingers of a hand, unintelligible words, and the hidden meaning. The whole party was thrown into confusion.
The third section is "Ponderous Pronouncement." vv. 10-28 The queen heard what was happening. She was either Belshazzar's mother of the widow of Nebuchadnezzar. She told Belshazzar about a man called Daniel. Daniel was no longer a part of the advisors to the king, but he was close enough to be able so that God could bring his services back to the forefront for the unfolding of God's will, the progress of history, and the good of the Jewish people. Daniel reminds Belshazzar that it was the "most high God" who exalted Nebuchadnezzar and gave him authority over "all people, nations, and languages." Daniel reminded him that Nebuchadnezzar became filled with pride and he was smitten. Belshazzar had done essentially the same in his open defiance of God.
Daniel had no problem interpreting the writing:
1. Mene: Thy kingdom is numbered and finished;
2. Tekel: You are weighed in the balance and found wanting.
3. Upharsin: "Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."
While Daniel was interpreting the writing, the Persian army was diverting the water of the Euphrates River and were entering underneath the city walls. The Babylonians were unprepared. They offered little resistance. Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took over. Darius brought Daniel into a place of prominence so he could be used to influence the leaders of the Persian Empire.
The Golden Text is: "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Proverbs 29:1) Those that harden themselves to sin may find that God helps them in the process. Those that want hard hearts will find them hardened even more. Think about Pharaoh. However, there will come a time where the sin is confronted. Then, fear will abound. The proud will know that in the presence of Almighty God, they are facing destruction. Let us not embrace sin, but rather repent and put sin far away from us. Do it before it is too late.
My summary points:
1. Mocking God brings consequences.
2. The judgment of God will strike terror in the hearts of sinners.
3. God has a plan that He is working on to bring about His perfect will.
Next weeks lesson: "Delivered from the Lions." Daniel 6: 10, 16, 19-26.
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Next quarter we study the book of Psalms. Write, email, or message for your free study materials.
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