Adult/Teen Bible Study                                          Lesson 5, Nov. 9, 2014

     “The handwriting is on the wall” has become a modern day phrase with significant meaning.  The Cambridge Online Dictionary says when it is used, it means; “that there are clear signs that something will fail or no longer exist.”   If you are a student of the Bible you know that this phrase comes from an event recorded in the book of Daniel chapter 5.  The something that failed was the Babylonian Empire.  Where did the writing on the wall come from?  What is the significance of such a sign for us today?  Could the handwriting be on the wall for America?

Read Daniel 5.

I.            The Babylonian Ball – Dan. 5:1

1.      King Belshazzar was the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar.  The events we are reading about in Chapter 5 took place in 539.  What did Belshazzar do? (v. 1)

II.            King Belshazzar’s Gall – Dan. 5:2 – 4

2.      While drinking wine, what order did Belshazzar give? (v. 2-3)

3.      To whom did the king and his court give praise? (v.4)

4.      Why should the actions of Belshazzar be considered an affront to God?  See the following verses:  Prov. 31:4; Daniel 3:29; 4:31, 32; 5:22.

III.            The Handwriting on the Wall – Dan. 5:5 – 6

5.      What happened while the people were feasting? (v.5)  

6.      Describe the king’s reaction to the writing on the wall. (v.6)  What makes you fearful and anxious?

IV.            King Belshazzar’s Call – Dan. 5:7 – 29

7.      To whom did the king turn in his fear and why? (v. 7)  If you were struggling with a difficult personal problem, whose counsel would you seek? 

8.      What happened when the wise men came to the king? (v.8, 9)

9.      What was the queen’s counsel to Belshazzar? Why? (v. 10 – 12)

10.  When Daniel was brought before the king, what did Belshazzar say to him? (v. 13 -16)

11.  How did Daniel respond to the king’s words? (v. 17)

12.  In his reply to the king, what did Daniel say about God and His dealings with Nebuchadnezzar? ( v. 18 – 21) 

13.  What issues were clearly expressed to King Belshazzar by Daniel? (v. 22 – 24)

14.  What did the handwriting on the wall mean for Belshazzar and Babylon? (v.25 – 28)

15.  Why do you think Belshazzar commanded the reward to Daniel which he had earlier refused? (v. 29)

V.            The Babylonian Fall – Dan. 5:30 – 31

16.  How was the writing on the wall fulfilled?  (v. 30 – 31)

Conclusion:  How might the lessons Belshazzar ignored be applied to your own life.  Do you have knowledge that you are not acting upon?  If your life was placed on God’s balance, would you be “found wanting?”