God’s Handwriting
Belshazzar took over as King when his father Nebuchadnezzar died. This was during the exile of Israel to Babylon and Daniel was also exiled. During his reign, Belshazzar made a feast for a thousand of his Lords. He drank wine with them along with his wives and concubines. He commanded that the vessels of gold and silver, that his father had taken out of the temple of the Lord, be brought to him. He used the vessels to drink with his Lords and wives. “They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone” (Daniel 5:4). Immediately the finger of a hand appeared and wrote on the wall of the king’s palace, opposite his lamp stand.
The King was so afraid that he turned pale and he sent for his Magicians and Astrologers, to ask them to interpret the hand writing. “Whoever reads this writing, and shows me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom” (Daniel 5:7). Not surprisingly, the astrologers and magicians could not read the hand writing, nor could they interpret what was written. This made the king even more afraid, until his wife advised him to call Daniel. She advised him that the spirit of God lived in Daniel and explained how he interpreted dreams for Nebuchadnezzar.
“because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation” (Daniel 5:12). Daniel came before the king and showed no delight in his gifts, but agreed to interpret the handwriting. He reminded Belshazzar how God had humbled his father Nebuchadnezzar, when he exalted himself against Him. “And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this” (Daniel 5:22). Daniel pointed out to the king that his actions, in using the vessels that were made to bring honour to God, to revel and worship other gods, had displeased God.
The interpretation from Daniel was as follows: God had numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end. He had been weighed in the balance and found wanting. His kingdom had been divided and given to another kingdom. That same night, the king was executed and his kingdom was taken over. The weight of the King’s actions had caught up with him. Daniel was indeed promoted to third in the kingdom, but the king lost his life due to dishonouring God. The things of God are for honour and should not be used for dishonourable use. Leadership and power should be guarded carefully, as those in authority have a great responsibility, to treasure the things of God.
God does not take it lightly when people abuse their power and authority and will remove from power, anyone who exalts themselves against him. “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:20-21).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
December 15, 2022December 15, 2022
