The Book of Daniel Chapter 5 - The writing on the wall

66 years have passed since chapter 1. Neb reigned for 43 years and died in 562BC.

Here is a bit of History :- His son evil-Merodach ruled from 562-560 BC, His brother inlaw Neriglissar reigned for 4 years from 560 - 556 BC. Labashi-Marduk reigned for 2 months in 556BC and then Nabonidus from 556-539 BC. Belshazzar was the son of Nabonudus.

Today I'll share about Unholy Use of Holy vessels as this is what the scripture spoke to me about.

Balshazzar used Gods holy vessels as unholy like Satan uses Gods vessels (thats us)for ignoble purposes. If you have received the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you are a Holy Vessel. Note though that Satan cannot inhabit those of us who are in Christ because "we are sealed for the day of redemption" (Eph 4:30) but he can certainly use us for his purposes if we cooperate with him.

Think about it there are many ways in which we can misuse Gods Holy vessels - abuse of church funds,sexual sin, substance abuse incl alcohol and smoking, gluttony, causing others to stumble, destroying rather than building, speaking badly of others, acting out of anger, holding grudges. Ever wondered why a person who calls themselves a Christian behaves the way they do. Each of these examples demonstrates a way that satan can use a holy vessel to "toast" an unholy cause. We should therefore ask our heavenly father to give us Godly sorrow over these sins and repent. If you have slipped into a sinful way of life, turn away from your sin now before God removes any opportunities to repent.

Remember though that God is not looking for perfection but is looking for purity of heart i.e. our authentic desire to do his will and give him glory. " The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.


Now, though the King offered Daniel great power and rewards Daniel turned him down because Daniel was not motivated by material rewards. He was motivated by doing right. Doing right should be our first priority not gaining power and rewards. Do you love God enough to do what is right or do you seek him out for what you can get.

The writing on the wall

Belshazzar used the goblets from the temple for his party and God condemmned this act. We must not use for sinful purposes that which has been dedicated to God. The writing on the wall was for all those who defy God. God's time of judgement comes for all people. Remember "God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble". God will not let us prosper indefinately in our pride. God will defend his great name and spotless reputation.

Daniel called out Belshazzar as treating Gods holy vessels as unholy. Note that God repeated Mene to make it real clear. Tekel makes it clear that the kings of the earth and the heads of state will receive a divine evaluation (hee pee ma Zimba). Belshazzar's grade was FAIL he was found deficient. With Peres God not only told Bel that his kingdom would be divided but whom would accomplish it.

That night the Gold was gone and the silver had come.