Daniel 5:24

KJV

Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} was the part {H6447} of the hand {H3028} sent {H7972} from {H4481} him {H6925}; and this {H1836} writing {H3792} was written {H7560}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why he sent the hand to write this inscription;

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription.

American Standard Version

Then was the part of the hand sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:24 serves as the pivotal declaration within the dramatic narrative of Belshazzar's feast, explicitly confirming the divine origin of the mysterious handwriting on the palace wall. This verse reveals that the disembodied "part of the hand" was supernaturally "sent from him"—God Himself—to inscribe a message of impending judgment, thereby validating the terrifying omen and establishing the foundation for Daniel's subsequent interpretation and the swift downfall of the Babylonian Empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:24 functions as the critical interpretive pivot point within the unfolding drama of Belshazzar's feast, detailed throughout [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Handwriting on the Wall"). The narrative commences with King Belshazzar's audacious and sacrilegious act of profaning the sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple during his drunken revelry ([Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1-4 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Profane Feast")). This act of blatant defiance against the God of Israel immediately precipitates the terrifying appearance of the disembodied hand ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand Appears")). The king's profound terror and the subsequent failure of his wise men to decipher the mysterious writing ([Daniel 5:6-9](/daniel/5-6-9 "Daniel 5:6-9 - Belshazzar's Terror and the Wise Men's Failure")) create a narrative vacuum that only Daniel, empowered by divine wisdom, can fill. Verse 24, spoken by Daniel, serves as his authoritative preamble, unequivocally affirming the divine source of the phenomenon before he delivers the devastating interpretation of "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" in [Daniel 5:25-28](/daniel/5-25-28 "Daniel 5:25-28 - Daniel Interprets the Writing"). It masterfully underscores that the ensuing judgment is not arbitrary but a direct, intentional, and sovereign act of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This momentous event transpires in Babylon during the twilight years of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, specifically on the fateful night of its conquest by the Medo-Persian forces in 539 BC. King Belshazzar, serving as co-regent with his father Nabonidus, hosts an extravagant feast, a customary display of wealth and power among ancient Near Eastern monarchs. However, his impious decision to utilize the sacred vessels plundered by Nebuchadnezzar from the Jerusalem Temple ([2 Kings 25:13-17](/2_kings/25-13-17 "2 Kings 25:13-17 - Temple Vessels Taken to Babylon")) transcends mere revelry; it constitutes an act of profound religious and political audacity. In the ancient world, the desecration of conquered deities' cultic objects was a potent symbolic assertion of one's own god's supremacy. Belshazzar's act was not merely impious but a direct challenge to Yahweh, the God of Israel, whose supreme power even Nebuchadnezzar had eventually acknowledged ([Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar Praises God")). The sudden, miraculous appearance of the writing hand on the plastered wall of the palace ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand Appears")) would have been perceived as an unmistakable, terrifying omen, a direct divine intervention in a culture deeply attuned to omens and divine messages.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:24 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over earthly kingdoms and their rulers, a foundational concept consistently emphasized throughout the book, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). The explicit statement that the hand was "sent from him" directly attributes the entire event to God's active, controlling, and sovereign hand in human history. Secondly, the verse starkly highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, particularly against pride, blasphemy, and open defiance of God's authority. Belshazzar's brazen profanation of the sacred vessels is met with immediate, supernatural condemnation, serving as a chilling warning against human arrogance, echoing the fate of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation"). Finally, Daniel 5:24 underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Communication**. The mysterious writing is a direct, albeit initially incomprehensible, message from God, demonstrating His ability and willingness to communicate His will and decrees to humanity, especially concerning matters of judgment and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **part (Aramaic, _paç'_):** This Aramaic term, derived from a root meaning "to spread out," specifically refers to the "palm" of the hand. Its usage here emphasizes that only a portion of the hand, the open palm, was visibly active in the act of writing. This partial manifestation underscores the supernatural and mysterious nature of the event, suggesting a divine, rather than fully corporeal, presence. It deliberately focuses attention solely on the act of inscription, rendering the source of the message all the more awe-inspiring and terrifying.
* **hand (Aramaic, _yad'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew _yad_, this term denotes not merely the physical appendage but also carries connotations of power, means, and direction. In this profound context, the "hand" serves as a powerful metonymy for the direct agency and omnipotence of God. It emphasizes that the writing on the wall was not a random or coincidental occurrence but a deliberate, powerful act of God's will and authority, directly intervening in human affairs to execute a preordained judgment.
* **written (Aramaic, _rᵉsham'_):** This Aramaic verb, meaning "to record" or "to sign," appears in its passive form ("was written"). This grammatical construction profoundly underscores that the inscription was not a human act but an indelible mark made by a higher, divine power. The very act of writing inherently denotes permanence, authority, and an unchangeable decree. The message, once inscribed, became an undeniable and unalterable divine pronouncement, irrevocably sealing Belshazzar's fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then was the part of the hand sent from him;":** This clause dramatically unveils the divine origin and supernatural nature of the terrifying writing phenomenon. The "part of the hand" refers to the mysterious, disembodied hand that materialized to write. The crucial phrase "sent from him" explicitly attributes the action to God, whose divine judgment is the overarching theme of the chapter and Daniel's subsequent interpretation. This establishes unequivocally that the terrifying event was not an illusion, a trick, or a random occurrence, but a direct, intentional act of divine intervention, signaling a momentous and divinely ordained message.
* **"and this writing was written.":** This second clause confirms the immediate and undeniable result of the divine action: a message was inscribed on the wall. The inherent repetition in "this writing was written" (where the noun "writing" is derived from the verb "to write") serves to powerfully emphasize the certainty, reality, and finality of the inscription. It underscores that a definitive, authoritative, and unalterable message from God had been visibly placed on the wall, awaiting interpretation and execution, leaving absolutely no doubt about its authenticity or its ultimate authority.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:24 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to heighten the drama and theological impact of the narrative. The appearance of the disembodied hand is a powerful instance of **Theophany**, a manifestation of God's presence and active involvement in human affairs, albeit indirect and terrifying. The "part of the hand" itself functions as profound **Symbolism**, representing divine power, righteous judgment, and the direct, undeniable intervention of God's sovereign will. It stands as a vivid visual metaphor for God's ultimate control over earthly rulers and kingdoms, literally inscribing their destiny. The entire scene, culminating in this verse, is steeped in **Dramatic Irony**, as Belshazzar and his court remain tragically oblivious to the true significance of the sacred vessels and the omnipotent God they are defiantly challenging, while the reader (and Daniel) possess a clear understanding of the profound implications of God's direct and terrifying response. The stark contrast between the king's drunken revelry and the sudden, terrifying divine inscription creates a powerful sense of **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent and unavoidable judgment that will be fully revealed in Daniel's devastating interpretation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:24 stands as a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty and His righteous judgment over human arrogance and rebellion. It asserts unequivocally that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, defiant, or self-assured, is beyond the direct reach of divine oversight and ultimate accountability. The direct intervention of God to inscribe a message of doom underscores that ultimate authority resides not in transient kings or fleeting empires, but solely in the Most High God, who "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). This dramatic event serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that God holds all of humanity accountable for their actions, particularly those who profane His holiness, disregard His commands, or exalt themselves against Him. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the course of history, meticulously bringing about His eternal purposes through both miraculous signs and the unfolding of His divine plan.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge of All")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:24 serves as a timeless and potent warning against the perils of pride, blasphemy, and the dangerous illusion of human autonomy. Belshazzar's catastrophic downfall, directly precipitated by his defiant profanation of sacred objects and his disregard for divine warnings, powerfully reminds us that God is not mocked and that His absolute holiness demands profound reverence. In our contemporary lives, this verse compels us to humbly examine where we might be exhibiting arrogance, whether through our casual disregard for spiritual truths, our careless misuse of God-given resources and talents, or our open defiance of moral and ethical boundaries. It challenges us to live with a constant, reverent awareness of God's absolute sovereignty and His ultimate authority over all aspects of life. Just as the writing on the wall was an undeniable sign of impending judgment for Belshazzar, we are called to discern the "signs of the times" and to live in humility, obedience, and spiritual discernment, recognizing that every action, whether public or private, carries profound spiritual implications and is not hidden from the One who holds the scales of justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be acting with a spirit of pride or defiance towards God's revealed will or His holy standards?**
* **How does the swift and public judgment on Belshazzar encourage me to cultivate greater humility and a deeper reverence for God in my daily life?**
* **What "sacred vessels" or blessings—whether gifts, resources, or relationships—in my life might I be profaning or taking for granted, rather than stewarding them for God's glory and purposes?**

### FAQ
**Was the hand that wrote on the wall a literal human hand?**

Answer: The text describes it as "the part of the hand," implying a partial, disembodied manifestation rather than a full human hand. The Aramaic word for "part" (H6447, _paç_) specifically refers to the palm. This supernatural appearance profoundly emphasizes its divine origin and miraculous nature, distinguishing it from an ordinary human hand. It was a direct, visible sign of God's intervention, not the action of a physical human agent.

**Why was the writing unintelligible to Belshazzar's wise men?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state the precise reason why the wise men could not read or interpret the writing, but several possibilities exist. It may have been written in an ancient or obscure script (such as Old Hebrew or Phoenician), a cryptographic code, or perhaps the letters appeared but their meaning or arrangement was divinely obscured from those without spiritual discernment. The most compelling reason, however, is likely not merely linguistic but spiritual: God had deliberately withheld the understanding from them because they lacked the divine wisdom necessary to comprehend His sacred message, a wisdom uniquely possessed by Daniel ([Daniel 5:11-12](/daniel/5-11-12 "Daniel 5:11-12 - Daniel's Wisdom and Spirit")). Their inability highlighted their spiritual blindness and underscored God's exclusive revelation through His chosen prophet.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:24, with its vivid depiction of divine judgment against a defiant king and an unholy kingdom, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate judgment and absolute sovereignty of God revealed through Jesus Christ. Just as a mysterious hand wrote the inescapable fate of Babylon, so too does the "hand" of God, supremely embodied in Christ, hold the ultimate authority over all nations, all history, and all individual destinies. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is also the divinely [appointed judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Judge of the Living and the Dead"). Belshazzar's brazen profanation of the temple vessels tragically foreshadows humanity's far greater sin of rejecting and crucifying the very Son of God, who is the true Temple and the dwelling place of God among us ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple")). The swift and certain judgment upon Babylon points forward to the final, universal judgment when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). The terrifying message of "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" ("numbered, weighed, divided") finds its ultimate echo in Christ's urgent call for repentance and His gracious promise of salvation for all who turn from their pride and trust in Him, for apart from Him, all are "weighed in the balances and found wanting" ([Daniel 5:27](/daniel/5-27 "Daniel 5:27 - You Have Been Weighed")). Yet, for those who believe and embrace His grace, there is no condemnation, but eternal life through the One whose "hand" was pierced for our salvation, offering a new covenant of grace and forgiveness ([John 3:17-18](/john/3-17-18 "John 3:17-18 - God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 5:5

In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.