In That Night Belshazzar Was Slain (Daniel 5:30)

“In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.” — Daniel 5:30

 

Summary:

Belshazzar’s sudden death shows that earthly rank cannot resist death or divine judgment. He was slain during a night of celebration, open profanity, and final visitation, while danger seemed remote. God may delay judgment in longsuffering, but no sinner can presume upon another hour. The handwriting on the wall awakened terror without repentance because repeated warnings had already been rejected. Belshazzar’s end calls us to live honourably, avoid careless delay, and consider the eternal state and final judgment that make death so solemn.

 

Outline:

• The person remembered in disgrace
  • Belshazzar’s brief biblical remembrance warns that a wicked name survives only in infamy.
• The event that did not respect rank
  • The king yielded to death suddenly, prematurely, and violently.
• The night of festivity
  • Celebration concealed the nearness of danger and exposed the folly of boasting about tomorrow.
• The night of wickedness
  • Belshazzar profaned God’s vessels and praised idols until judgment interrupted his sin.
• The night of final visitation
  • The handwriting on the wall brought terror but no repentance, urging us to heed God before death.