The Writing on the Wall: A Divine Warning

Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on me

Text: Daniel 5:1-31

Introduction: A Morning of Worship, A Lifetime of Grace

History teaches us that pride often leads to destruction. The old saying goes, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." This is the essence of Daniel 5—a story of a king who ignored the lessons of the past and suffered the consequences.

Before we dive into Daniel 5, let’s take a brief look at the first four chapters of the book of Daniel, as they set the stage for what is happening in this passage.

Chapter 1 – Daniel and His Friends Stand Firm

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were taken captive to Babylon.

They refused to defile themselves with the king’s food, showing faithfulness to God.

God granted them wisdom, and Daniel gained a reputation for understanding visions and dreams.

Chapter 2 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of the Statue

King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that none of his magicians could interpret.

Daniel, through divine wisdom, revealed that the dream symbolized the rise and fall of world empires, with God’s kingdom being the only one that lasts forever.

Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged Daniel’s God but did not fully submit to Him.

Chapter 3 – The Fiery Furnace

Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue and demanded worship.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down, choosing faithfulness over compromise.

God miraculously saved them from the fiery furnace, and Nebuchadnezzar once again recognized God’s power.

Chapter 4 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Humbling

Nebuchadnezzar, in his pride, claimed glory for himself rather than giving it to God.

God humbled him by making him live like an animal for seven years.

After repenting, he was restored and praised God as the true ruler of the universe.

Transition to Chapter 5

Belshazzar, the ruler in Daniel 5, was Nebuchadnezzar’s successor. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who eventually learned humility, Belshazzar never did. He ignored the lessons of history, choosing arrogance over repentance. His story is one of defiance, divine judgment, and destruction.

As we study this passage, we will focus on three key elements:

God’s Judgment Announced

God’s Judgment Explained

God’s Judgment Applied

I. God’s Judgment Announced (Daniel 5:1-12)

A. Explanation: The Arrogance of Belshazzar

King Belshazzar threw a great feast, displaying wealth and power (v. 1).

He desecrated the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple (vv. 2-4).

A mysterious hand wrote on the wall, terrifying the king (vv. 5-6).

B. Argumentation: The Danger of Blasphemy

Proverbs 16:18 – "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who repented, Belshazzar remained hardened in sin.

His sin was not just ignorance—it was intentional rebellion against God.

C. Illustration: Ignoring Warning Signs

A driver speeds down a road despite multiple "Danger Ahead" signs.

He ignores them until he crashes.

Belshazzar ignored every warning until it was too late.

We must not confuse the patience of God with the permission of God.” – Unknown

II. God’s Judgment Explained (Daniel 5:13-28)

A. Explanation: The Interpretation of the Writing

The wise men of Babylon failed to interpret the writing (v. 8).

The queen mother recommended Daniel, who interpreted the message (vv. 10-12).

The message:

Mene – God has numbered your kingdom and finished it.

Tekel – You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.

Upharsin (Peres) – Your kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

B. Argumentation: The Certainty of God’s Judgment

Galatians 6:7 – "God is not mocked; whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

Belshazzar was measured against God’s standard and found lacking.

Judgment was not only announced—it was immediate.

"The handwriting on the wall may be a mystery to you, but it is never a mystery to God." – Warren Wiersbe

God knows the heart of every person, and His judgment is just

C. Illustration: A Courtroom Verdict

Imagine a man standing trial with overwhelming evidence against him.

The judge declares him guilty and sentences him.

Belshazzar’s fate was already sealed.

III. God’s Judgment Applied (Daniel 5:29-31)

A. Explanation: The Immediate Consequences

Despite the warning, Belshazzar still rewarded Daniel (v. 29).

That very night, the kingdom fell to the Medes and Persians (vv. 30-31).

B. Argumentation: Lessons for Today

Nations that defy God will face judgment (Psalm 33:12).

Individuals must examine their hearts (2 Corinthians 13:5).

God’s judgment is real, but so is His grace (2 Peter 3:9).

C. Illustration: The Sinking Ship

A ship ignores iceberg warnings, believing it is unsinkable.

Disaster follows because warnings were ignored.

Belshazzar’s kingdom was a sinking ship, and he refused to escape.

"The proud person always wants to do the big things, but the humble person does what is right whether it is big or small." – Augustine

A reminder that pride seeks self-glorification, while humility seeks to glorify God.

Conclusion: The Writing on the Wall – What Will You Do?

The story of Belshazzar is more than ancient history—it is a divine warning for all generations.

Key Takeaways to Reflect On:

Are you living in arrogance like Belshazzar, defying God’s authority?

Do you ignore God’s truth and warnings, thinking they do not apply to you?

Have you ignored God’s warnings, assuming you have time to change?

The writing was on the wall, and judgment came that very night.

Are there areas of your life where you know you need to repent but are waiting?

Will you humble yourself before the Lord before it’s too late?

Nebuchadnezzar repented and was restored.

Belshazzar refused and was destroyed.

Which path will you choose?

A Final Illustration: The Last Chance

Imagine being on a train headed for a broken bridge. Someone warns you to get off. You have two choices:

Stay on the train and face destruction.

Get off and be saved.

The writing is on the wall. The question is: Will you heed the warning or ignore it?

Let today be the day of repentance. The God who judges sin also extends grace to those who seek Him.

Closing Prayer: "Lord, teach us to recognize Your warnings and humble our hearts before You. May we seek Your mercy while there is still time. Amen."