5:17 Daniel's reply to the king was in every sense a sermon, and a powerful one at that.181The prophet began by declining the offered gifts. This had the effect, whatever Daniel's reason for doing so may have been, of helping Belshazzar realize that these gifts did not influence his interpretation of the writing.
5:18-23 Daniel reminded Belshazzar, and undoubtedly everyone else in the room, of the lesson in humility that God had taught his forefather, Nebuchadnezzar (ch. 4). The Most High God had given his grandfather his authority and had taught him that he was under His greater sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar's pride had led him to behave arrogantly, as Belshazzar was doing by drinking from the sacred vessels of Yahweh, this Most High God. Even though Belshazzar knew all about this he had not humbled his heart before the Lord of heaven and glorified Him. Therefore the God who held Belshazzar's life and his ways in His handhad sent the handto write the inscription on the wall.
"One of the most amazing spectacles in this world is how little men really profit from the judgments of God."182
5:24 Nebuchadnezzar had heard a voice from heaven while he was outdoors (4:31), but Belshazzar saw a hand from heaven indoors. Both forms of revelation have been extremely rare throughout history, but these occasions in the Book of Daniel involved leaders of the greatest nation on earth.
