The Pulpit Commentary — Daniel — Section 216

W o do not attempt to measure the sin of those Orion tal lords by the stnn,hr,l of modem reflne_mont or ~~dor~ religious belief; but judged only by the standard of public consmence preva1lmg JU that age, they stand censured and condemned. The ancient 11ntions, however strong their attachment to their peculiar deities, allowed other peoples to worship their chosen gods, and held it to be the grossest sin to lay violent han<ls on temple furnituro. 'l'hroughout the long reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the gold and silver vessels of J ohovah's temple bad been scrupulously preserved; and the captive Hebrews had alwBys cherished the hope that these precious vessels would again adorn the temple in Jerusalem. 'l'hough Bel_shazzar had now reigned probably eighteen years, he, too, had not ventured to secularize these sacred tbmgs. Nor do we think he would have done so now unless he had been madly inflamed with wine. Sensuality is twin- sister to impiety. II. AN ALABJUN0 OIIEJI. It came in the form of writing. God might have chosen other signs to betoken bis displeasure. An earthquake might have shaken the palace to the ground, and buried these revellers in the dust. Fire from the seven- branched candlestick might have streamed forth, and consumed both king and guests. A voice of thunder might have announced, in unmistakable tones, Jebova.h's anger. But this unveiling of his presence and his indignation implies the ea.Im and undis- turbed patience with which God proceeds. The kings of Babylon had been famous for writing grave decrees. God will show them that a mightier King than they is upon the scene, ond that he too can write decrees in the sight of all. And there was an element of kindness mingled with this judgment. It did not proceed with summary and overwhelming suddenness. Though destruction was near at hand, there was yet time for repentance. But why should king and courtiers be so terrified? Why should they conclude that the portent was unfavourable? Perhaps it was an indication of approaching conquest: tidings that the siege should be raised? Why tremble? What cowardice is here? Why is conscience lashing them with thongs, and afflicting them with such strange alarms? They have just been praising their gods of silver and stone. Will not these protect them now, and recompense their homage with good things? Alas I a sense of sin has fastened itself on them. Self-accusation bas sent its fangs into their inmost souls. In a moment they are like dead men. After all, justice slumbereth not. "Verily, there is a God in the earth!" III. IMPOTENT PBIEBTOBAFT. The astrologers and soothsayers are summoned to the scene. These were the royal counsellors in matters of religion, and professed to know the secrets of the gods. They bad been maintained at the king's expense, and surely should render some proper service in return. But in the hour of urgent need these false supports fail. Ah I better not to lean upon a staff than to lean upon a rotten staff! Better not to trust to a cable in a storm than to have a cable with a faulty link I Every scheme which the king can devise to stimulate these men to attempt the solution is done ; but in vain. He does not upbraid them with their empty pretentiousness. He tempts them with fascinating bribes. They shall be raised to affluence and to honour if only they will relieve the king from this scare of terror. Yet the "oracles are dumb." Stricken with feebleness and silence are all the votaries of idolatry. False religion may serve some temporary advantage as an instrument of worldly government; but when a storm of Divine anger beats upon a man, no refuge nor retreat can false faith furnish. When sharp disease invades the vital parts of the body, it is of unspeakable importance that the medicine should have genuine virtue. But no comparison can fitly set fort.b the momentous urgency of having sterling piety. To be deceived in matters of the soul is to imperil everything-is to lose body and soul everlastingly.-D. Vcrs. 10-16.-Good counsel in perplexity. One had abstained from that scene of insane revelry, and she alone in the royal household was competent to take the helm amid the consternation and panic. Possibly the king had decliued to invite her to the carousal ; he did not, however, decline to receive her judicious counsel. Thi3 queen (or queen-mother) was by far the worthier sovereign, and now used the regal power with regal skill. I. TnUE WISDOM TllEASURES ur TH!s EXPERIENCE OF THE PAST, If we condemn the spendthrift, who has never leornt the value of money, and only wastes it upon 182 'rHE BOOK OF DANmL. [en. v. 1-31.