Daniel 5:24
Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The supernatural handwriting appeared before hundreds of witnesses (the thousand nobles, wives, concubines at the feast), making it undeniable public miracle. Ancient Near Eastern literature includes numerous accounts of divine signs—omens, prodigies, celestial phenomena—but a disembodied hand writing on a palace wall was unique and terrifying. The timing—during Babylon's final night before falling to Persia—adds dramatic irony: while Belshazzar feasted believing the city impregnable, both divine judgment (handwriting) and human conquest (Persian army) were imminent. For Jewish exiles, this vindicated prophetic promises (Isaiah 13-14, 21; Jeremiah 50-51) that Babylon would fall suddenly, and demonstrated Yahweh's active sovereignty over empires.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the disembodied hand writing on the wall teach about the undeniable nature of divine intervention?
- How does the immediate timing of judgment following sacrilege demonstrate divine holiness and justice?
- Why did God choose such a dramatic, public method for announcing judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
After indicting Belshazzar for failing to humble his heart despite knowing Nebuchadnezzar's example, and for profaning temple vessels while praising idols, Daniel announces God's response: 'Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.' The 'then' indicates direct causation—the sacrilege triggered immediate divine intervention. The 'part of the hand'—just fingers, no arm or body—emphasizes the supernatural, disembodied nature: this was obviously divine action, not human. The passive construction ('was sent,' 'was written') highlights divine initiative. This verse connects Belshazzar's sin (v.22-23) directly to God's judgment (the handwriting). It demonstrates God's active involvement in history, responding to human actions, particularly sacrilege and pride. The timing—during the very feast where sacrilege occurred—shows divine judgment's immediacy when certain lines are crossed.