10/18/26
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
When we were children, older folks often used the expression “the writing is on the wall” to describe a situation in which the warning signs of failure, disaster, or a major negative change were imminent. The phrase means that the outcome is becoming clear and that those who pay attention can recognize what is coming. Today, people use it when a business is about to collapse, a relationship is falling apart, or a project is headed for failure. However, the biblical origin of this expression carries far greater significance: God’s judgment is certain, His Word is true, and no earthly power can escape His sovereign authority. Galatians 6:7-9
The righteous prophet Daniel was brought before Belshazzar, the pagan king of Babylon, to interpret the mysterious handwriting that had appeared on the wall of the royal palace. Belshazzar asked Daniel whether he was one of the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Judah. The king knew Daniel’s background and had heard of his God-given wisdom, yet he had failed to humble himself before the sovereign Lord. Despite knowing what had happened to Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar exalted himself against the God of Heaven.
The fall of Babylon also brought the prophetic vision of Nebuchadnezzar’s great statue into focus. The head of gold represented Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian kingdom, but that kingdom would not endure forever. The succeeding kingdom, represented by silver, would arise according to God’s revealed plan. The fall of Babylon demonstrates that human kingdoms, regardless of their wealth, strength, or glory, remain subject to the authority and Word of the King of Heaven. God raises up rulers and nations and brings them down according to His sovereign purposes. Jeremiah 18:1–10; Daniel 2:20–21; Romans 13:1–7
That very night, God’s judgment came to pass. Babylon fell, Belshazzar was killed, and Darius the Mede received the kingdom. What Daniel declared was not merely a prediction based on political circumstances; it was the proclamation of God’s certain judgment, fulfilled just as He had revealed it.
Through the chaos and fall of Babylon, God preserved and honored His faithful servant, granting Daniel favor and a position of authority in the passing (gold) kingdom and also in the new (silver) kingdom. While kings and kingdoms rose and fell, Daniel continued to stand as a faithful witness to the living God.