Daniel 5:30

THE JUDGE AT THE DOOR

‘In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.’

Daniel 5:30

Secular historians tell us of the wickedness of this king. Cowardice, too, was one of his faults, for whilst his colleague in the kingdom, who had usurped the first place, and left the second to the son and heir of Nebuchadnezzar (hence Daniel was to be third in the kingdom), went bravely to meet Cyrus, the enemy, in the open field, and for eighteen months defended the city against all his attacks, Belshazzar gave himself up to riot and revelry. His motto was ‘business to-morrow,’ and in response to the warning ‘or death to-night,’ an idle ‘Why, let it come, then!’ He wrought his crowning act of impiety whilst the legions of Cyrus thundered at the gates (Daniel 5:2); but even then the Judge was at the door.

I. ‘In that night’ a magnificent patrimony was lost.—How often does a foolish son squander the acquisitions of a father’s life! A vast empire was handed down by Nebuchadnezzar. Why was this, but because the lessons of that father’s life had been forgotten? Of this Daniel faithfully reminds him (Daniel 5:18).

II. ‘In that night’ judgment lurked at the door of sin.—The trophies of his father’s power, ‘the golden and silver vessels’ of the Temple, were brought forth, and then came the fearful handwriting on the wall (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:3; the antediluvians; Sodom and Gomorrah).

III. ‘In that night’ conscience was roused, and God’s servant sought too late.—Men too often live in sinful riot and folly, and when the ‘Judge standeth at the door,’ and they see the doom written, their knees smite one against another (1 Thessalonians 5:6), and they would fain in their fear hearken to the words of wisdom. Too late!