The event at Belshazzar’s feast occurs when Daniel is an old man. The author of the Book of Daniel is showing how the Babylonian empire (whose inhabitants don’t worship Yahweh, except for the exiled Jews among them) will be swallowed up by a much mightier empire (the Persians).
During a party, thrown by the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar, a large hand appears and writes four words on the wall. These four words written on the wall declare the end of the Babylonian Empire and the oncoming invasion from the Medo-Persians that very night.
Nebuchadnezzar, when he invaded the southern kingdom of Israel, took holy items from the temple 2 Chronicles 36:7. Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson, misuses these as party favours. The guests drink from goblets from the temple, getting sinfully drunk from the wine from them.
A large human hand inscribes four words no one seems to understand. Frightened, Belshazzar summons all the wise men in Babylon to interpret these, but their wisdom falls short. Nebuchadnezzar’s widow likely, who’d seen Daniel interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s confounding dreams, encourages her grandson to bring in Israel’s prophet to translate the meaning.
Daniel 5:25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
MENE (Used twice) – Meaning a number or mina (a unit of money). This indicates God has numbered the days of Belshazzar’s reign.
TEKEL – Meaning weighed or shekel (a type of currency). Similar to the Egyptian book of the dead, God has weighed Belshazzar’s heart on a scale and found he fell short of the glory of God
UPHARSIN (Depending on the translation) – Has similar roots to Persia. This word indicates God would divide the Babylonian kingdom between the kingdoms of Mede and Persia.
Don’t misuse anything sacred. This can range from a gift God has given a believer to His Holy Word, which is sacred. Belshazzar and his guests abused the objects from the temple of God, and thus, invoked the wrath of the Lord.
Luke 12:48 Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more”
Is the handwriting on the wall today? We need to consider our ways and respect what is sacred. We need to value what God has given us and if we want to keep it let’s be faithful
The writing on the wall