The Bigger Picture
It was a pretty fantastic event when Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, saw the finger of God write a message on the wall in the middle of his party! I mean that is crazy! Especially being that it was in a language no one could understand…what do you do in a situation like that? He had heard of Daniel, a servant of God, who was able to “give interpretations and solve difficult problems” (Daniel 5:16). Calling him forth, he told Daniel that he would clothe him in purple, put a gold chain around his neck, and make him the third highest ruler in the kingdom for giving him the interpretation of the words on the wall. What an honor! Even before Daniel gave the interpretation, he refused the kingly gift. He interpreted the meaning of the writing anyway, informing King Belshazzar that God was displeased with Babylon. The days of the kingdom were numbered because their sins were great and many, and He would divide it among other nations. Belshazzar’s response? He glorified Daniel any...