Daniel-What is the Writing on the Wall?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 5

From Daniel's Journal

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My name is Daniel. I am a prophet of God and am a prisoner in the land of Babylon with many other Jews.

Several years have gone by since I saw those frightening visions of what would happen in the future. I went about doing my work in the palace, not hardly being noticed by anyone of importance. The king didn't have any real need for me which made life easier.

I never really was worried that anything bad would happen when a king sent for me. Each time one called, God had somehow communicated with whichever man was king at the time. Confused, the king demanded the meaning of the message. 

Each time I prayed and God told me the meaning. I answered the king's questions truthfully as God directed, even if I had to give bad news. The kings respected me for that.

News spread among the staff in the palace. King Belshazzar planned a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles this evening. I was glad I didn't have to go because barrels of wine had been order. The guests would get drunk and I just didn't want to be a part of that.

I did my usual work, ate supper then went to bed. I was surprised to hear a guard knocking at my door. "The king has summoned you."

I grabbed my robe and went with him. This new king didn't know me very well. He looked at me and raised one eyebrow as if to say he didn't think I would be of any use to him. He said, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have great understanding, intelligence, and outstanding wisdom."

"I am Daniel."

He stood then walked over to the wall and pointed. "The wise mean and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

In truth I didn't want any of those things. I was willing to ask God for the meaning and to tell King Belshazzar what it was, but that was it.

Come back next time to find out what the writing meant.

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1. Why did the kings of Babylon trust Daniel?
2. Why had King Belshazzar called Daniel?
3. What would King Belshazzar give Daniel if he answered his question?
4. Was Daniel excited to get the reward? Why or why not?