Writing on the Wall – origin

The origin of the saying ‘writing on the wall’ comes from Belshazzar’s feast, a story in chapter 5 of the Book of Daniel, tells how the new Babylonian royal Belshazzar held a great feast and drank from the vessels that had been looted in the destruction of the First Temple. A hand appears and writes on the wall. A terrified Belshazzar calls for his wise men, but no one can read the writing. The queen advises him to send for Daniel, renowned for his wisdom. Daniel reminds Belshazzar that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, when he became arrogant, was thrown down until he learned that God has sovereignty over the kingdom of men. Belshazzar had similarly blasphemed God, and so God sent this hand. Daniel reads and interprets the message on the wall: God has shortened Belshazzar’s days, he has been found guilty, and his kingdom will be given to others. That night Belshazzar, the Babylonian, king, was killed. And Darius the Mede inherited the kingdom […]

— Daniel 5:30–31