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The Truth About Angels
for lo! a bloodless hand is tracing mystic characters on the wall over
against him. The revelers discern the curious and, to them, unintelligi-
ble writing. The exciting merriment dies away, and a painful silence
falls upon the throng. The king’s thoughts troubled him, “the joints
of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.”
Trembling with alarm, he “cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the
Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the
wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me
the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed in scarlet, and have a chain
of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” But
these men are no more able to interpret the mystic characters traced
by the hand of an angel of God than they were to interpret the dream
[141]
of Nebuchadnezzar.—
The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881
.
There was a witness ... in Belshazzar’s palace at that festival....
The angel on that occasion traced the characters over against the walls
of the palace.—
The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 517
.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Daniel prayed unto his God three times a day. Satan is enraged at
the sound of fervent prayer, for he knows that he will suffer loss. Daniel
was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent
spirit was in him. Fallen angels feared his influence would weaken
their control over the rulers of the kingdom.... The accusing host of
evil angels stirred up the presidents and princes to envy and jealousy,
and they watched Daniel closely to find some occasion against him
that they might report him to the king, but they failed. Then these
agents of Satan sought to make his faithfulness to God the cause of his
destruction. Evil angels laid out the plan for them, and these agents
readily carried it into effect. The king was ignorant of the subtle
mischief purposed against Daniel.
With the full knowledge of the king’s decree he [Daniel] still bows
before his God, “his windows being open.” He considers supplication
to God of sufficient importance to sacrifice his life rather than to
relinquish it. On account of his praying to God he was cast into the
lions’ den. Evil angels accomplished their purpose thus far. But Daniel
[142]
continues to pray, even in the den of lions.... Did God forget him there?
Oh no; Jesus the mighty Commander of the host of heaven, sent His