When Belshazzar foolishly used the vessels of the temple while honoring his gods, the Lord's anger was aroused. He wrote a message on the wall for the king, words which could only be interpreted by Daniel.
1. The charges are brought against the king, vv. 17-23. Rather than learning from his father's errors, Belshazzar's heart was filled with pride. He refused to humble himself before the Lord even though he knew what the Lord did to Nebuchadnezzar. He praised his gods of gold, brass, iron, wood and stone and had no interest whatsoever in the God who held his life in the palm of His hand.
2. The dream is interpreted, vv. 24-29. This was the end of Belshazzar's reign. The Lord had weighed him on the scales of justice, and he was found wanting. His kingdom would be given to someone else. Note the king's reaction to the message. Instead of crying out for mercy to the Lord of glory, he congratulated Daniel for the interpretation and gave him a promotion in the kingdom. Even the message of judgment had no real effect upon the king.
3. The king is killed and Darius took over the kingdom, vv. 30-31. Belshazzar went out into eternity to meet the God he refused to worship. He had been weighed against absolute righteousness and had come up short. There is but one way to balance out with perfect righteousness, and that is to have the righteousness of the Lord Jesus which is bestowed upon every believer.