In our reading today we see a transition of power from the Babylonians to the Persians. We also see through God's judgment of Belshazzar that we are without excuse before the Lord. 

In this Psalm, David invites God to search him out and judge him. David then gives us the keys to living blamelessly before the Lord. 

Daniel interprets the hand writing on the wall for King Belshazzar. It is time for God's judgement to be delivered. 

Belshazzar is a ruler that will let his pride lead to his downfall and the demise of his nation. 25 years before Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God and responded accordingly. Belshazzar has blasphemed the God of Israel and now his time is up. 

The Babylonian Queen suggests to Belshazzar that he should summon Daniel to come and interpret the writing on the wall.

The end is near for Belshazzar but he is in denial of the severity of his situation. Belshazzar throws a party and profanes the holy vessels of God's temple. 

David shows us a wonderful model of how he is willing to be taught by God's word, he is aware of his own sinfulness, and he is totally reliant on the mercy of God. 

Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed a belief in God but he truly did not "know" God. God humbles him to teach him and to bring him to the knowledge of God. 

Nebuchadnezzar's pride has brought about the judgment of God. Pride leads one to act as a best and only look out for their own interests. Nebuchadnezzar's punishment is that God shows him where pride takes you - reduced to being a beast. 

Daniel interprets the dream of the tree for Nebuchadnezzar that foretells of his destruction if he does not reform and display personal righteousness and show mercy to the oppressed.