We move on this month to Daniel 5, and find a new king, Belshazzar, has taken the throne. He decides to have a big feast and invite a thousand of his lords to it. Then he decides to bring in the golden vessels taken from the temple of Jerusalem and use them for drinking out of.

Out of nowhere fingers of a human hand appear and start writing on the wall and we read in verse 6: Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. This king may have been arrogant at the first, but now he is terrified as he sees these fingers writing on the wall, but what have they written and what does it mean.

Well as usual the so called wise men have no idea, but someone remembers good old Daniel. Daniel seemingly has been cast aside by this new regime, but now they are in big trouble they have no choice but to call for his help. Belshazzar offers to make him third in command, if he can interpret it. Daniel is not interested in what this king has to offer, but ever willing to pass on God's message, reads it and translates it, pronoucing judgement on the king.

God's judgement is dealt just as swiftly, for in that very night Belshazzar died. But what can we learn from this? Well even when it seems the world has cast as aside, God is still on the throne. This world may think they know what they are doing and that they don't need God. But God is still working behind the scenes, just as back here, he brings Daniel back into the centre of things and pronouces swift justice on Belshazzar, so God can move today. He is still on the throne, and those who think they rule this world, only do so while he lets them.

If you have any comments or questions about this article then please e-mail me at a.wood@assemblyyouth.net

Spending time in the Scriptures Jonah	Next month: Suffer for well doing.	Wilderness years the bronze serpent
	Dare to be a Daniel
	Last month: Give God the glory.

All quotes are from the English Standard version of the Bible unless otherwise specified.