TUESDAY, MAY 1
Daniel 5:5-8
1 Samuel 5:1-5

“… for I the LORD thy God
am a jealous God …”

THE WRITING ON THE WALL

God hates idolatry and He will not tolerate those who venerate idols: “… for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God …” (Exod 20:5). He says, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them” (Isa 42:8-9).

The idolatrous king Belshazzar had blasphemed God and desecrated His holy vessels. The judgment of God was coming upon him. His name means “Bel-protect-the king,” but Bel offered him no protection! God served a warning on the wall for He alone can tell the future.

Liberal scholars and sceptics scoff at the idea of a hand writing on a wall. Some even scoff at the record of the palace and the wall. But we believe and are confident that the Bible account is wholly trustworthy. We quote from a commentary on Daniel by Dr John Whitcomb: “In the ruins of Nebuchadnezzar’s palace archaeologists have uncovered a large throne room 56 feet wide and 173 feet long which probably was the scene of this banquet. Midway in the long wall opposite the entrance there was a niche in front of which the king may well have been seated. Interestingly, the wall behind the niche was covered with white plaster as described by Daniel, which would make excellent background for such a writing.”

For those who set themselves against God, the writing is on the wall. Be warned, the Lord says, “My glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” For a time godless men may “get away with it,” but sooner or later, the Lord will vindicate His name. Without any visible instrument, the Lord overthrew the idol of Dagon which fell upon his face to the earth before the Ark of the Lord, with its head and both hands cut off (1 Sam 5:3-4). Our God is great!

THOUGHT: What language was the writing on the wall?
PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to keep myself from idols.