Belshazzar mocks God losing his kingdom to Darius who honors God (Daniel 5-6)

Content Daniel 5-6

Daniel 5:1-4, Belshazzar, huge party, sacrilegious temple goblets - mocking idolatry

5-9, human finger wrote (John 8:1–11, Jeremiah 17:13,Exodus 31:18,Deuteronomy 9:10), Belshazzar frightened, "reads and what it means" rules, nobles baffled.

10-12, queen encourages them to call for Daniel, spirit of holy gods, mind understanding, solves

13-17, Daniel before king offered purple, gold, third highest ruler but refuses them, agrees to interpret

18-24, Daniel explains Nebuchadnezzar position from sovereign God, pride ruins life until we humbly acknowledge God. Belshazzar sacrilegious against God, idolatry, dishonorable 

25-31, MENE (numbered days) , MENE (brought end), TEKEL (weighed, found wanting), PARSIN (kingdom divided, Medes, Persians), immediately Daniel promoted, Belshazzar slain. Darius rules.

6:1-5, 120 satraps, 2 admins jealous, Daniel set to rule, distinguished (uncorrupt, trustworthy, Godly) 

6-9, Admin/satraps put law restricting prayer to Darius, 30 days or lions den irrevocable decree written 

10-11, Daniel learned, home knees prayed, thanks God 3x daily asking God for help

12-18, Satraps tell Darius about Daniel, Darius distressed effort to save, finally asked God to rescue, fasting all night

19-24, Darius in faith calls to Daniel, servant of living God, Daniel My God shut lions mouths, trusted God honored Majesty, falsely accusers and family eaten by lions.

25-28, Darius wrote to nations, languages, "prosper, fear and reverence God of Daniel, living, forever, rescues, saves, signs, wonders, rescued from lions"

Divisions

I. Daniel 5:1-31) Belshazzar's sacrilegious party marks the end of his reign

II. Daniel 6:1-28) Satraps prayer law backfires, Darius proclaims God saved Daniel from lions.

Subject Sentence

Belshazzar mocks God losing his kingdom to Darius who honors God.

Aim

Faith in God is easy when we understand He is sovereign over our lives and authorities.

Applications

I. What sacrilegious entertainment has captured my heart? How might Godly council help me understand the dire consequence of my habits?

II. How can I turn my attention to the Lord, instead of being caught up in worldly news? Who is heading towards a "lion's den" that I can intercede for?