The writing on the wall in Daniel 5 appeared as a direct act of God’s judgment against King Belshazzar for his arrogance and blasphemy. During a feast, Belshazzar commanded that the gold and silver vessels from the Jerusalem temple be brought in and used for drinking while praising false gods:
“They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.” (Daniel 5:4)
In the midst of this profane act, a hand appeared and wrote on the wall:
“In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall.” (Daniel 5:5)
The message was mysterious: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.” Only Daniel, summoned by the queen mother, could interpret it. Daniel rebuked Belshazzar for not learning from the humility of Nebuchadnezzar and explained the meaning:
“God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it… You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting… Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:26–28)
That very night, Belshazzar was killed and the kingdom was conquered by Darius the Mede:
“That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom.” (Daniel 5:30–31)
The writing on the wall was a divine declaration of judgment. It reminds us that God weighs the actions of rulers and nations, and when pride and irreverence replace humility and fear of the Lord, judgment follows swiftly. Belshazzar’s fate is a warning that no earthly power can mock God without consequence.
This account confirms that God’s justice is exact, His warnings are real, and His sovereignty rules over all kings and kingdoms.
