The “handwriting on the wall” is a figure of speech used for ages.

It comes from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, as most people know, and refers to apparent signs that something bad is about to happen.

Question: Does the Book of Daniel hold any meaning for America today?

As most will recall a disembodied hand appears as if by magic as King Belshazzar of Babylon is hosting a party (probably an orgy as there were women present and women didn’t attend public functions as a rule, if we’re right in our interpretation) – and writes words on a wall.

This occurred because Belshazzar brought out some expensive vessels taken from the Israeli temple after Jerusalem fell to Babylon decades earlier under Belshazzar’s grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar.

The vessels had been reserved for religious purposes by the Jews.

Drank Wine From Holy Jewish Vessels

Belshazzar served wine to his guests from the Jewish drinking vessels.

At that point the hand appears and writes these words on the wall – “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.”

Belshazzar went white as a sheet when the writing appeared and called on his wise men to come in and interpret the meaning.

None of the Babylonians could decipher the meaning.

The Queen Mother comes to the rescue and tells Belshazzar of Daniel who was known for his ability to prophesy. He gained fame for the ability after he was taken from Israel as a youngster and eventually became an important official in Babylon due to his honesty and ability. He’s the same guy who the king threw into the lions’ den – a ruse of jealous officials who tried to destroy him.

The old-timers of that age never forgot him surviving being thrown in the dungeon with hungry lions and surviving without a scratch.

But that’s a whole “nother” story.

Anyway, Daniel, who was now an old man (in his 80s) was summoned and Belshazzar offered him expensive gifts if he could interpret the words.

Daniel refused the gifts but did interpret the words.

He said the mene, mene (apparently doubled for emphasis) meant that God had numbered the days of the kingdom and tekel meant that Belshazzar had been weighed and found wanting (for his failure to honor the God of Israel) and that the kingdom would be overtaken.

In fact, the Medes and the Persians took over Babylon that evening despite its 300-foot high walls.

The armies of Medes and Persians diverted the water from the Euphrates River and walked in through the river openings in the walls while the water was low and took complete control of Babylon, which was the leader in science and knowledge for that time.

Does “The Handwriting on the Wall” have any meaning for America today and, if so, is it directed at any one political party?

There is no doubt America has drifted far from its moral beginnings – efforts to remove any vestige of Christianity from public life is just one example.

What’s Your Take?

Those on opposite sides of the political spectrum will probably interpret any part of the story they see relevant to today to their advantage. if they believe any of it.

One thing seems certain: It is no time to take for granted that the problems of today will solve themselves.

It is going to require citizens to take a stand this election year if the current dilemma is to be fixed.

There will be plenty of hard work and decision making between now and election day in November.

Personal note: We voted for President Trump to be the Republican candidate Tuesday. So did 98 percent of Kingfisher County Republicans and 93 percent of state Republican voters.

While Biblical stories may seem outdated, there is nothing new under the sun. Just about every problem in the world today has been faced by others before us. That’s why history, much of it biblical, is so important, if we hope to avoid making the same mistakes.

Stock Show Observations

A couple of things we noticed in the county’s spring livestock show:

A Berkshire gilt, exhibited by Jentry Squires of Kingfisher FFA, was named grand champion of the swine show. We don’t remember that happening before. Having raised and shown Berkshires as an FFA member many years ago that caught our eye. We never had any that matched the quality of Miss Squires’ pig.

The other thing that caught our attention was that Cade Charmasson, a fourth grade 4-H member from Hennessey, won both the grand and reserve grand trophies with his ewe lambs.

What an accomplishment that is and what a future that portends.

One more thing we always see at these events: great young people working and learning. Each participant deserves credit for their efforts.

Great character begins with such activities.