September 7

When prophecies were first given, they all dealt with future events. Some of them had another meaning that was applicable to the times in which they were given. We have the benefit centuries later of having seen many of these predictions already come true. But, some of the prophecies contained in scripture have yet to be fulfilled. We know they eventually all will because history has proven that many already have. Many people spend a lot of time today trying to analyze current events by pointing to prophecies these events seem to be fulfilling.
Daniel was given God’s inspiration to interpret many dreams during his day. On one occasion, Daniel wasn’t even told what the dream was. The God who caused King Nebuchadnezzar to have the dream in the first place, also told Daniel what the dream was, and what the dream meant (Daniel 3). A few years after Nebuchadnezzar died, Nabonidus ruled the Babylonian Empire and he placed his son, Belshazzar in charge of many functions of the empire. It was almost as though they ruled together, each with his respective responsibilities.
Belshazzar was holding a drunken party, utilizing many of the gold and silver cups that had come from the Temple, taken many years earlier when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. During the party, the King and his guests could see what looked like fingers, writing three Arabaic words on the wall. He was naturally terrified and discovered that Daniel had been able to interpret dreams for Nebuchadnezzar. As he spoke to Belshazzar, Daniel told how Nebuchadnezzar had been become so proud that God had to humble him (5:17-21; Daniel 4). Unfortunately, Belshazzar was just as proud and defiled the Lord by using God’s sacred utensils for a drunken orgy (5:22-24). Daniel said the three words on the wall meant that Belshazzar’s days as king were numbered, and that his kingdom would soon be divided between the Medes and the Persians (5:25-28). Daniel’s prophecy was fulfilled that very night (5:30).
We would be wise to learn from scripture and learn from history (Romans 15:4). God’s Word is true. God’s predictions will always be fulfilled. And, God’s ways are always right. Since God despises pride so much (II Chronicles 26:16; Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 16:18; Isaiah 2:11), we ought to live in the understanding and the humility that all we have comes from Him and all we do should be for His glory. We can be wiser than kings if we learn from their mistakes.