The story of “The writing on the wall” – “दीवार पर लिखावट” की कहानी
The story of “The Writing on the Wall” is found in the Book of Daniel, chapter 5, in the Old Testament of the Bible. This narrative involves a dramatic and divine message delivered during a royal banquet.
King Belshazzar of Babylon, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, holds a great feast for a thousand of his nobles. During the banquet, Belshazzar, in a display of arrogance, orders the gold and silver vessels that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be brought in. He, his nobles, his wives, and his concubines drink wine from these sacred vessels, and they praise the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
In the midst of their revelry, the fingers of a human hand appear and write on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, near the lampstand. The king sees the hand as it writes, and he becomes terrified. His face turns pale, his thoughts alarm him, his limbs give way, and his knees knock together.
Belshazzar calls for the enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers to interpret the writing. He promises that whoever can read the writing and explain its meaning will be clothed in purple, have a gold chain placed around his neck, and be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom. However, none of the king’s wise men can read the writing or tell him what it means, which greatly alarms the king and his nobles.
Hearing the commotion, the queen (possibly the queen mother) enters the banquet hall. She reminds Belshazzar of Daniel, a man of great wisdom and insight, who had served Nebuchadnezzar and possessed the spirit of the holy gods. She advises Belshazzar to summon Daniel.
Daniel is brought before the king. Belshazzar offers him rewards for interpreting the writing, but Daniel declines the gifts. He begins by reminding Belshazzar of how God had given Nebuchadnezzar greatness but had humbled him when he became arrogant. Daniel rebukes Belshazzar for his blasphemy in using the sacred vessels and for failing to honor the true God, in whose hand is Belshazzar’s life and ways.
Daniel then interprets the writing on the wall, which reads “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.” Daniel explains: God has numbered the days of Belshazzar’s reign and brought it to an end. Belshazzar has been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Belshazzar’s kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
Despite the grave news, Belshazzar keeps his promise. He orders Daniel to be clothed in purple, places a gold chain around his neck, and proclaims him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night, Belshazzar, the Chaldean king, is slain, and Darius the Mede takes over the kingdom.
The story emphasizes that God holds rulers accountable for their actions and arrogance. The misuse of sacred items taken from the Jerusalem temple demonstrates disrespect for God, leading to severe consequences. Daniel’s consistent faithfulness and wisdom are highlighted as he interprets God’s message without seeking personal gain.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms and the inevitability of divine judgment against hubris and sacrilege.
The story of “The writing on the wall” – “दीवार पर लिखावट” की कहानी
