John Calvin Commentary Daniel 5:24

"Then was the part of the hand sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed." — Daniel 5:24 (ASV)

Some stress must be laid upon the adverb באדין, badin, “at that time,” because God’s wrath, or at least its denunciation, was now ripe. Daniel, therefore, shows how very patiently God had endured King Belshazzar by not instantly taking up arms and inflicting punishment; but he now begins to come forth as a judge and to ascend his judgment seat, for the haughtiness was now desperate, and the impiety no longer tolerable.

We observe with what emphasis the word then is used; as if he had said, You cannot complain of the swiftness of the penalty, as if God had exacted it before the time. You cannot here complain of God’s swiftness in punishing you; for think and consider in how many ways, and for how long a time, you have provoked his anger.

And with regard to your last crime, you certainly had arrived at the height of impiety when that hand appeared to you. God, therefore, now drags you to punishment in proper time, since he has until now endured you and your sins. After this forbearance, what remains to prevent his destroying you, because you have so proudly insulted him, and are utterly hardened, without the slightest hope of amendment.

He says also, from himself; for Belshazzar need not inquire from where the hand proceeded, as it came from the presence of God; that is, this hand is a witness to the wrath of heaven. Do not consider it as a specter which will vanish away, but see in this appearance a proof of God’s displeasure at your wickedness; and because you have arrived at your last extremity, your punishment is also ready for you.

And this writing, says he, has been marked; as if he had said, The eyes of King Belshazzar were not deceived, since this was really God’s hand, being sent from his sight as a certain testimony of his wrath. He afterwards adds—