This chapter contains ‘the writing on the wall’ and Daniel’s warnings against pride.
“O king, the Most High God gave… your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty… But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him… until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind… And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven… the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.” (v18, 20-23)
Before interpreting the miraculous writing on the wall, Daniel delivers a hard-hitting, truth-filled recap of what happened to Belshazzar’s father, and how he’s following in Nebuchadnezzar’s footsteps (in a bad way). Daniel then tells him that according to the writing, he’s going to lose the kingdom which will then be divided in two. This prophecy is fulfilled that very night as the king is assassinated and the throne is usurped.
Pride is a ‘root sin’, from which many ‘fruit sins’ follow. When people ‘lift themselves up against the Lord of Heaven’, consciously / subconsciously choosing their ways over God’s, it’s only a matter of time before God forcibly humbles them. God won’t hesitate to humble an entire nation if they refuse to repent of their pride.
Unfortunately, we all possess the sinful flesh, and we are all vulnerable to pride creeping in. Our best option is to voluntarily humble ourselves, seeking God’s mercy and grace through Jesus’ redeeming blood, and ask the Spirit to lead us in God’s ways / will daily. We must invite God to soften our prideful hearts, or He’ll eventually do it without our invitation (and the consequences will be far greater).
Father God, our Merciful and Gracious Lord, we praise You for the gifts of redemption and refinement through Your Son and Spirit. Please open our hearts and eyes to Your ways, tearing down any pride that’s a barrier between us, so we may be Your humble servants. May Your will be done in us and on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training