SATURDAY, MAY 5
Daniel 5:18-24
Proverbs 15:25-26

“The LORD will destroy
the house of the proud …”

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL

“Like father like son” so the saying goes. Nebuchadnezzar had been a proud and pompous king in his time. Belshazzar his son was no less pompous and proud, but with a difference. Nebuchadnezzar excelled his son by far in majesty, glory and honour. He had been the founder of the empire and the master builder of the city of Babylon. When he was lifted up and his mind hardened with pride, God taught him a severe lesson. Nebuchadnezzar learnt his lesson well. Thus, God spared him when he finally acknowledged God as the Sovereign ruler over all the nations, including Babylon.

On his part, Belshazzar was nowhere near his father in power, ability and achievement. Nevertheless, he became puffed up with pride. He recognized not God, but his dumb idols, holding them in high esteem. His fatal mistake was this: despite the fact that he knew full well his father had been afflicted by God for his pride, Belshazzar had not learnt that lesson. “But he willfully rejected the spiritual message God provided through the seven years of insanity which his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar experienced (5:22). In fact, Belshazzar went far beyond the boundary lines of his own conscience in committing sacrilege with the sacred vessels of Israel’s God (5:23). Therefore his judgment and doom were sealed. No pardon was available at all (contrast 4:27 for Nebuchadnezzar), for his conscience had become hopelessly seared, and his heart was judicially hardened” (John Whitcomb).

God’s Word has further instruction for us all. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov 16:18). “For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low” (Isa 2:12). Belshazzar was about to pay the price for his proud and unrepentant heart. For him there was no pardon, only stern condemnation from God.

THOUGHT: What might have contributed to Belshazzar’s defiance against God?
PRAYER: Teach me, Lord, to humble myself under Thy mighty hand.