THE FEAST.

Over time another king arose, called Belshazzar. He was a proud man and decided to give a feast for a thousand of his lords, their wives and concubines. As they drank the wine, Belshazzar called for the vessels of gold and silver taken from the temple in Jerusalem.

Then as they praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone, a man`s hand appeared with writing on the wall.

The king was troubled and cried out for his astrologers, soothsayers and wise men to give him the interpretation. But none of the king`s wise men could read the writing or interpret it.

The Queen who had not been at the banquet came and told the king not to be troubled and that there was a man in whom was the Spirit of the Holy God, his name is Daniel and he will give the interpretation.

Daniel was brought before the king who offered position and power in his kingdom. Daniel however refused these but said he would give the interpretation to the king.

Daniel then went on to remind the king of what God had done for King Nebuchadnezzar.

“O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father (or relation) a kingdom and majesty, glory and honour.....but when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him....he was driven from the sons of men, his heart like the beasts....till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.” (Dan. 5: 18 - 21)

Daniel then declared that Belshazzar had not humbled his heart although he knew all this, and had lifted himself up against the Lord of heaven, even bringing the Temple vessels to the feast and drinking from them.

Daniel then explained the writing, saying that God had numbered the king`s kingdom and it was found wanting. It would then be divided to the Medes and Persians. That very night Belshazzar was slain and Darius the Mede received the kingdom.

God reveals His judgment upon the prideful.