Daniel 5:6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed… More trouble comes to men from their thoughts than from all other sources put together. Let us consider: I. THE REASON FOR THE KING'S TROUBLED THOUGHTS. 1. A visible cause. Mystery not necessarily fearful. The princes wondered, the king was in terror. 2. A cause in the king himself. (1) He had led a wicked life. (2) He had just been guilty of a pointed insult to God. Men interpret events in the light of their own thoughts. Events mean different things to different persons. Especially is this true in case of conscious guilt. A policeman enters a school-room — many wonder, one turns pale. Fear God and be brave. 3. The reality back of the appearance: "God hath numbered thy kingdom," etc. II. THE KING'S CONDUCT. 1. More anxiety to have the writing interpreted than to humble himself before God. 2. He seeks interpretation from all others before Daniel. Then he flatters him and offers reward. The world will flatter those who interpret the truth to suit them. Balak and Balaam. Daniel interpreted fearlessly. Facts not changed by false interpretation. Interpret for the honour of God. III. THE BIBLE IS STILL THE GREAT TROUBLER OF MEN'S THOUGHTS. There is a conscience in man which makes him feel that the Bible speaks to him. There is a reality back of this word, both of the promise and the warning. (H. R. Parmeles.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. |
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