Book of Daniel - Chapter 5 - Verse 5
Meaning
The verse you are inquiring about, "In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote," is from the book of Daniel in the Bible. This particular verse comes from a story in which King Belshazzar of Babylon saw a mysterious hand writing on the wall during a feast. The king was terrified and called on his wise men to interpret the writing, but none were able to do so. Eventually, Daniel was brought before the king and provided the interpretation. The writing on the wall was a message from God, foretelling the downfall of the Babylonian kingdom. This story serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power, as well as the consequences of disobedience and pride. It is a powerful example of how God communicates with humanity and holds individuals accountable for their actions.
Theological Overview
One interpretation of this verse from the Book of Daniel is that it symbolizes God's judgment upon King Belshazzar and the Babylonian Empire. The image of the fingers writing on the wall is a sign of divine intervention, indicating that the writing is from the hand of God. The fact that it appears in the king's palace, specifically over against the candlestick, suggests that God's message is being brought into the light, illuminating the truth for all to see. The use of the plaster on the wall could be a reference to the impermanence of human power and wealth, in contrast to the eternal authority of God. This event serves as a warning to the king and his kingdom, reminding them of the importance of humility and reverence towards God. In theological terms, this story highlights the ultimate sovereignty and righteousness of God, who holds all nations and rulers accountable to His divine will.