July 3: OH, TO BE SET UPON THE RIGHT PATH! (part 1)
“Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.” Daniel 5:24
The Creator has created us free agents, to choose His way . . . or not. The little word “Then…” at the first of the sentence above implicitly establishes the connection between Belshazzar’s choices of action and the sending of the hand. “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN” (v.25). Though the gleaming message is in Aramaic, the overall meaning registers not with the minds of the Aramaic-speaking pagan revelers or their trained wise men.
Daniel had prefaced his interpretation by rehearsing the history of God’s dealings with Nebuchadnezzar along with Belshazzar’s lack of interest in that history (vv.18-23). The listening crowd also knew of these things, but public opinion is so often shallow and fickle. It was potentially to their benefit to be reminded of the important facts. With bated breath, they listened intently to the elderly prophet:
“This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom and finished it.” (v.26) In the overall message, this word is twice written, for this kingdom and every kingdom of fallen man is limited by the Creator. This numbering references the length of time that He will endure the folly of waywardness as He seeks to win the love and loyalty of fallen individuals. Daniel’s mention of it only once is to set this truth upon the situation at hand. The end of the reign of Belshazzar and the kingdom of Babylon is determined, and it is finished as of now. Belshazzar and his party-goers are about to find out that their enemy has already entered the supposedly “impregnable” city. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
“TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.” (v.27) No one is more interested in the development of our character than the LORD. The words found wanting point to a lack of weight. Each of us has an opportunity now to build character, starting with the solid foundation of the word of God. The choice to believe Him sets one upon the right path. The correct perspective upon events, whether positive or negative, whether worldwide or personal, places the right and realistic perspective upon the eternal future. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
“PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and the Persians.” (v.28) Again, Daniel personalizes the events of the day. Peres is the singular version of pharsin, “u” being a prefix that simply means “and”. Babylon’s fall and division is an example of the lack of stability brought about by the enemy of souls. We must learn to discern between divisions allowed by God that are for a good purpose and those that are meant by the enemy for harm. At creation the Creator divided: light from darkness (Genesis 1:4), waters to create the firmament (v.6-7), waters to create dry land (v.9). Jesus pointed out that genuine faith will clash with erroneous doctrines: “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.” Luke 12:51