Read Daniel 4
Highlights:
Nebuchadnezzar's vision and Daniel's interpretation of it; fulfillment of the dream; Belshazzar's feast; handwriting on the wall; its fulfillment: Daniel cast into the lions' den.
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand (Dan. 5:1).
The seventy years of Jewish exile were nearing an end at the time. Belshazzar was enjoying this great party. In his intoxicated condition, he ordered his servants to bring him the Holy Vessels that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken from Solomon's Temple years before. He commanded the servants to fill the vessels with wine. As they drank, they hilariously praised the gods of gold, and of silver (5:4).
But God reached forth His hand and got the arrogant king's attention through His miraculous handwriting on the wall. Greatly dismayed, the proud king panicked, and his knees smote one against another (5:6). In fear, he cried for his astrologers and soothsayers, but they were unable to interpret the message. The whole demeanor and attitude of this king changed in an instant. He was humbled and afraid. Though he did not understand what was happening; he knew a greater force than he was at work here. Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance . . . the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger . . . Because he hath despised the Word of the Lord, and hath broken His commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him (Num. 15:29-31).
He would finally get his answer from Daniel; a true man of God. He found out his life and kingdom were over because the Medo-Persians would soon conquer this great power. It has been discussed before and warrants being said again that God is not subject to human power. He is the Almighty and the All Powerful. Everything that “was,” “is,” and “will be” part of creation is under God's authority. Thou art Worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created (Rev. 4:11).
The actions of the God-rejecting Belshazzar parallel the lives of many today who disregard the Church and desecrate the Lord's day. Unless our nation heeds the lessons of history, a similar calamity may also come upon us suddenly and devastatingly.
God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (I Pet. 5:5).
Thought for Today:
Pride is the root of much sin in our lives.
Christ Portrayed:
By Daniel — a stone was rolled across the mouth of the den of lions and set with the king's seal (Dan. 6:16-17). There was a stone rolled across the mouth of the cave where Jesus was buried and it too was set with an official seal (Matt. 27:63-66). As Daniel came forth unscathed, proclaiming the power of God to save, so, too, Jesus came forth from the dead proclaiming the saving power of God (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:
4:11 the sight thereof to, its visibility extended to; 4:16 & 32 seven times, seven years; 5:5 against the candlestick, opposite the lampstand; 5:12 shewing of hard sentences, rare ability of revealing the meaning of baffling riddles.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. David Rivera (FL), Rep. Dale E. Kildee (MI),and Rep. Jo Ann H. Emerson (MO) • Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Thai and English • Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion • 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for your adversaries (Ps. 109:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 21
Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:5