# Day 187

# The Handwriting on the Wall

Part Two
Daniel 5:13–31

Daniel was now an old man. Belshazzar said to him: “Read the handwriting on the wall, and I’ll give you money and power.”

“Keep your rewards. However, I’ll read the writing for you, O king. God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar this kingdom. But Nebuchadnezzar became proud and was sent away. When he became humble, Nebuchadnezzar returned. But you also are proud. You’ve even drunk idols’ wine in cups from God’s house. You haven’t praised God who gives you this power. So God sent this hand to write on your wall.

“This is the writing: MENE means numbered; MENE again means numbered; TEKEL means weighed; UPHARSIN means divided. This is God’s message: MENE, MENE—God has numbered the days of your kingdom. He has brought it to an end. TEKEL—You have been weighed on the scales. You are too light. UPHARSIN—Your kingdom is divided. It’s been given to the Medes and Persians.”

That night, Cyrus and the Persians overran Babylon.

Questions: How was Belshazzar like his father? What did the writing say would happen to Belshazzar’s kingdom?