The Handwriting on the Wall

Posted on by doyouseehim_qt4s34

Ever have your dinner party interrupted by a supernatural event?

The king of Babylon did, and apparently he pooped in his pants.

Read Daniel chapter 5, to learn why the kings knees knocked together, when a hand appears out of nowhere and writes upon the wall. This is the source of the saying: “the handwriting on the wall.”

A  synopsis of Daniel 5:  the handwriting on the wall.

 

Seriously, I highly recommend, you read Daniel chapter 5, for yourself. It has all the makings of a great “mystery/who done it” story, complete with supernatural phenomena, political intrigue, political executions, international war crimes judged, justice for the oppressed, punishment for the perpetrators, all validated and confirmed during the historical pivotal point of the century. The exchange of power, and the overthrow of the most powerful and arguably the richest kingdom in world, history, all happening in one single night. And this night was clearly prophesied, and predicted more than 200 years in advance. It is recorded by God, and written down by his servant the prophet, Daniel.

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Background

The story takes place in ancient Babylon, during the reign of King Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonian Empire was nearing its end, and the Medo-Persian Empire was rising to power.

The Story

The King’s Feast

King Belshazzar holds a grand feast for thousands of guests, using the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem, which his father Nebuchadnezzar had plundered. During the feast, Belshazzar praises the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

The Handwriting Appears

Suddenly, a mysterious hand appears, writing on the wall in an unknown language. The king is terrified and offers a reward to anyone who can interpret the writing.

Daniel Interprets the Writing

Daniel, now an old man, is summoned to interpret the writing. He reminds Belshazzar of his father’s experiences with God and how Nebuchadnezzar’s pride was humbled. Daniel then interprets the writing:
  • Mene: God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end.
  • Mene: You have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.
  • Tekel: Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
  • Peres: Your kingdom will be conquered and divided.

The Fulfillment

That very night, the Medo-Persian army, led by Darius the Mede, conquers Babylon. King Belshazzar is killed, and Daniel is rewarded with a high position in the new government.

Key Themes

  • God’s Sovereignty: God is in control, even when earthly kingdoms rise and fall.
  • Pride and Humility: Belshazzar’s pride leads to his downfall, while Daniel’s humility and faithfulness bring him honor.
  • Prophecy and Fulfillment: Daniel’s interpretation is fulfilled immediately, demonstrating God’s power and accuracy.

Lessons

  • God sees and knows all: Even when we think we’re in control, God is working behind the scenes.
  • Pride goes before a fall: Humility is essential for leaders and individuals.
  • Faithfulness is rewarded: Daniel’s commitment to God brings him recognition and reward.
This story highlights God’s sovereignty, the importance of humility, and the fulfillment of prophecy, serving as a powerful reminder of God’s presence and power in human history.
Outline produced by meta.AI

 

Please Pay Careful Attention Here:  God is watching

God Promised to destroy Jerusalem, and even his own Temple, but the people never did believe Him, until He fulfilled his promise.

[Today’s Take Away: Like what God promised to Israel and Judah in their day, God has also Promised to destroy every person to refuses His invitation (in our day) to be forgiven and cleansed of their sins, that have separated us from God.

Why? Because after we die, we only have one of two places to be: 1) With God, or 2) Without God.

And since God is holy, no one, and no thing that is unholy can abide in His Presence. So all those who reject the Narrow Road that leads to Life predestine themselves to be separate from God for Eternity. Only by His Blood, and can He make us Holy, and acceptable in His Sight. And without His Holiness, no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14) All who refuse His Holiness will continue in darkness, spiritual deadness, and eternal death. They will remain on the broad road that is predestined to lead them to their own destruction.]

God did not leave his people, without a promise of restoration. Although, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, her kings, rulers, and movers and shakers, did suffer severe punishment under God’s Mighty Hand–God also made heavenly provision, with supernatural intervention, for the return of His People to their own Land. Though not without consequences.

Through hardships, Men are shaped by trials and tribulations:

James 1:2-4 (KJV)

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into [many trials] divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying [or testing] of your faith worketh patience [and perseverance]. 4 But let patience [and perseverance] have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Both Judah and Israel, and the house of David severely departed from the Blood Covenant of God. And yet, God was still willing to forgive, and draw his rebellious citizens back to their homeland, and the Covenant of God, all the while preparing them for the next big prophetic timeline event, the Coming of the Son of God (in about 500 years).

Now we have to remember : One day with God is like a thousand years to us, and a thousand years is like one day to God. So no: God is not slow in fulfilling his promises. (2 Peter 3:9) We just need to see things from His Eternal Perspective, and everything fits together like a perfectly designed prophetic puzzle.

The prophetic preface to Cyrus’s call is found in Isaiah 44:24–45:13 and 46:11

This was proclaimed more than 200 years before King Cyrus was even born. Here’s an overview:

Isaiah’s Prophecy (circa 700 BCE)

Isaiah 44:24–28

  • God declares He will restore Israel and rebuild Jerusalem.
  • God names Cyrus as His chosen instrument, calling him “My shepherd” and “My anointed.”
  • Cyrus will decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Isaiah 45:1–13

  • God addresses Cyrus directly, saying He will:
  • Give him victory over nations.
  • Open doors before him.
  • Break down gates and bronze bars.
  • Give him treasures of darkness and hidden riches.
  • Cyrus will acknowledge God as the only God.
  • Israel will be redeemed and restored.

Isaiah 46:11

  • God reaffirms His plan to call a bird of prey (Cyrus) from the east to fulfill His purpose.

Historical Fulfillment (539 BCE)

Cyrus’s Conquest of Babylon

  • Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, marched toward Babylon with his general Gobryas.
  • The Babylonians, under Belshazzar, were defeated, and Babylon fell without significant resistance.
  • Cyrus entered Babylon, declaring victory and issuing the famous Cyrus Cylinder decree.

Cyrus’s Decree (538 BCE)

  • Allowed exiled nations, including Jews, to return home.
  • Permitted rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.
  • Returned sacred vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken.
  • Supported local cults, acknowledging local gods.

Ezra 1:1–4, 6:1–5 and 5:13–15

  • Ezra records the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, highlighting Cyrus’s decree.
  • Cyrus’s decree allowed Jews to rebuild the Temple, restoring Jewish worship.

2 Chronicles 36:22–23

  • Chronicles also confirms Cyrus’s decree, linking it to Isaiah’s prophecy.
Cyrus’s call and conquest demonstrate remarkable fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, showcasing God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge.
Sources:
  • The Bible (Isaiah, Daniel, Ezra, 2 Chronicles)
  • “The Cyrus Cylinder” (British Museum)
  • “The Histories” by Herodotus
  • “Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament” edited by James B. Pritchard

How does the book of Nehemiah fit into the prophecy Cyrus and the restoration of Jerusalem?

The book of Nehemiah plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy and the restoration of Jerusalem, serving as a continuation of the narrative begun in Ezra. Here’s how Nehemiah fits in:

Nehemiah’s Role

  • Rebuilding Jerusalem’s Walls: Nehemiah, an Israelite and cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I (Longimanus, son of Xerxes), received permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 1:1–2:8).
  • Restoring the City: Nehemiah led the effort to restore Jerusalem, overcoming opposition from neighboring nations (Nehemiah 2:9–20, 4:1–23).
  • Reviving Worship: Nehemiah, with Ezra, reestablished Jewish worship and law (Nehemiah 8–10).
  • Resettling the City: Nehemiah encouraged Jews to repopulate Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1–36).

Connection to Cyrus’s Prophecy

  • Fulfilling Isaiah’s Prophecy: Nehemiah’s efforts, along with Ezra’s, fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 44:24–28, 45:1–13) of Jerusalem’s restoration.
  • Cyrus’s Decree: Nehemiah’s mission was made possible by Cyrus’s original decree (538 BCE), allowing Jews to return and rebuild (Ezra 1:1–4).
  • Continuing Restoration: Nehemiah’s work built upon the foundation laid by Zerubbabel (Ezra 3–6) and Ezra (Ezra 7–10).

Timeline

  • 536 BCE: Zerubbabel leads first wave of Jewish returnees.
  • 520 BCE: Haggai and Zechariah prophesy, encouraging Temple completion.
  • 516 BCE: Temple completed (Ezra 6:13–15).
  • 458 BCE: Ezra returns to Jerusalem, focusing on spiritual restoration.
  • 445 BCE: Nehemiah arrives, rebuilding walls and restoring the city.

Key Themes

  • God’s Sovereignty: Nehemiah demonstrates God’s control over world events.
  • Faithfulness: Nehemiah’s faith and perseverance inspire the Jewish community.
  • Restoration: Jerusalem’s revival symbolizes God’s redemption.
Nehemiah’s story bridges the gap between the initial return under Zerubbabel and the final restoration of Jerusalem, showcasing God’s faithfulness to His people.
Sources:
  • The Bible (Ezra, Nehemiah, Isaiah)
  • “The Cambridge History of the Ancient World” edited by John Boardman
  • “The Anchor Bible Dictionary” edited by David Noel Freedman

 

How do the prophecies of:

  1. Jeremiah,
  2. Daniel,
  3. Ezekiel,
  4. Haggai, and
  5. Zachariah,

Fit into the prophecy Cyrus and the restoration of Jerusalem?

The prophecies of Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Haggai and Zechariah intertwine with the Cyrus prophecy and Jerusalem’s restoration. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Jeremiah’s Prophecies

  • 70-Year Exile: Jeremiah predicted a 70-year Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 25:11–12, 29:10).
  • Return and Restoration: Jeremiah foretold the Jews’ return and Jerusalem’s restoration (Jeremiah 30:1–22, 31:1–40).
  • Cyrus’s Role: Jeremiah’s prophecies indirectly referenced Cyrus’s role in restoring Jerusalem.

Daniel’s Prophecies

  • Four World Empires: Daniel outlined four successive empires (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome) (Daniel 2, 7).
  • Cyrus’s Conquest: Daniel predicted Cyrus’s victory over Babylon (Daniel 5:30–31).
  • 70-Week Prophecy: Daniel’s 70-week prophecy (Daniel 9:20–27) included Jerusalem’s restoration.

Ezekiel’s Prophecies

  • Babylon’s Destruction: Ezekiel prophesied Babylon’s downfall (Ezekiel 12:1–28, 17:1–24).
  • Israel’s Restoration: Ezekiel envisioned Israel’s restoration and spiritual renewal (Ezekiel 34:1–31, 36:1–38, 37:1–28).
  • Temple Vision: Ezekiel’s temple vision symbolized Jerusalem’s future glory (Ezekiel 40–48).

Haggai’s Prophecies

  • Rebuilding the Temple: Haggai urged the Jews to rebuild the Temple (Haggai 1:1–15).
  • Cyrus’s Decree: Haggai referenced Cyrus’s decree, confirming the prophecy (Haggai 1:1).
  • Future Glory: Haggai predicted the Temple’s future glory (Haggai 2:1–9).

Zechariah’s Prophecies

  • Restoration and Renewal: Zechariah prophesied Jerusalem’s restoration and spiritual renewal (Zechariah 1:1–6, 2:1–13).
  • Cyrus and the Messiah: Zechariah linked Cyrus’s role to the Messiah’s future reign (Zechariah 3:1–10, 6:9–15).
  • Jerusalem’s Future: Zechariah envisioned Jerusalem’s prosperity and peace (Zechariah 8:1–23).

Integration with Cyrus’s Prophecy

  • Isaiah’s Prophecy: All five prophets’ messages converge with Isaiah’s Cyrus prophecy (Isaiah 44:24–28, 45:1–13).
  • Restoration Timeline: Their prophecies span the restoration timeline, from exile to rebuilding.
  • God’s Sovereignty: Together, these prophecies demonstrate God’s control over world events.

Key Themes

  • God’s Faithfulness: These prophecies showcase God’s loyalty to His people.
  • Restoration and Renewal: Jerusalem’s restoration symbolizes spiritual rebirth.
  • Messiah’s Foreshadowing: Cyrus’s role prefigures the Messiah’s redeeming work.
These prophets formed a chorus of divine revelation, harmonizing to foretell the miraculous restoration of Jerusalem and the pivotal role of Cyrus.
Sources:
  • The Bible (Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, Isaiah)
  • “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary” edited by Frank E. Gaebelein
  • “The New Bible Commentary” edited by Donald Guthrie and J.A. Motyer

Timeline produced by meta.AI

 

In Conclusion:

 

Daniel chapter 5, is a single one night event. Yet it establishes, all that God’s prophets have already said, and written and recorded, previous to the event.

  1. Isaiah
  2. Jeremiah
  3. Ezekiel
  4. Daniel

And it also sets into motion, the paving of the way, for several more biblical men and women to fulfill their faith journeys, that are also recorded in the scriptures.

The List includes:

  1. The end of Chronicles
  2. Ezra,
  3. Esther
  4. Nehemiah,
  5. Zechariah,
  6. Haggai,

All these men and women involved in God’s divine drama worked together to fulfill the will of God and their generation, just as we are called to fulfill God’s will, in our generation.

 

So here’s the problem: Many anti-Bible, anti-God, anti-christ, anti-logic, anti-history, anti-common sense, anti-intellectuals, (many of whom have multiple college degrees under their belt) like to stand up, and say the Bible is just a fairytale (even extremely well educated people like Richard Dawkins, Stephen Hawking, and Christopher Hitchens).

But … If the Bible is such a fairytale: Why does it predict real people, in real places, in real history, predicting real events, and times, and progressive steps, on how they will fulfill God’s will, even before these people were ever born.

The fact is, many modern intellectuals have never truly studied (without bias), nor even tried to understand Daniel, chapter 5 (without prejudice), nor Daniel chapter 2, nor Daniel chapter 9: Because if they had, they would clearly understand that God writes down history perfectly ahead of time. 

He writes the facts of history, and even names of the people of history, hundreds of years before they were born, and he gives them their assignments, and they actually fulfill their calling in him–and it is all recorded and has not changed one iota, and will not change, because God’s word is forever settled in heaven. And his word changes not. Unlike man’s word that is ever changing because it is so deeply flawed, ignorantly penned, and  utterly unreliable.

Therefore, every man must make his own decision, to believe the testimony of men, or to believe, trust, and obey the testimony of God. The choices ever before us: 1) choose the narrow road that leads to life, and eternal intimate relationship with God; or 2) choose the wide road that leads to death and eternal separation from God.

If you’re not sure, which road to take, I recommend you read Daniel chapters 1–10, and ask yourself where and how you can see Jesus and the testimony of Daniel. And if you cannot see him clear enough there, Read chapters 1-14 in the book of Revelation, and see if you can see Jesus more clearly there.

 

 

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