The answer is: Belshazzar

Dan 5:30

Belshazzar’s story is one of those remarkable tales that pack in both drama and deep reflection. If we rewind a bit, he’s the last king of Babylon, and during a lavish feast, he makes a grave mistake: using sacred vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. That very act signifies a disrespect not just for Israel’s God, but also for the historic events linking these vessels to divine presence and blessing.

When that mysterious hand writes words on the wall—“Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin”—it’s a serious moment. The chaos of the party turns to dread as Belshazzar’s wise men cannot decipher the message. What’s super fascinating here is that the arrival of Daniel, a Jewish figure with unusually strong spiritual insight, highlights the idea that true wisdom often comes from unexpected sources. Daniel tells him the chilling meanings: his days are numbered! Babylon’s grandeur will fall.

Speaking of trivia, did you know that historians consider Belshazzar to be a somewhat elusive character for a time? While there was debate over his existence and status in Babylon, he’s proven to be a real figure, which archeological finds have confirmed.

So, as the walls of the great city trembled and the night descended, internal darkness loomed large—a reminder that pride and excess often lead to downfall. It's fascinating how this story echoes both personal and collective themes found throughout scriptures, challenging readers to consider the fate that awaits those who belittle what is sacred.