Daniel 5 teaches children that God is in charge of every king and every kingdom, even when people think they are in control. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with a story, a memory verse, a short Bible reading, and a few activities.
Big Idea
God is the King over all kings. Nobody can hide from Him or push Him out of charge, and He always knows what is happening, even when we do not.
Memory Verse
Daniel 5:21
He was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he will.
(WEB)
Have children place both hands flat on the table, then slowly lift them up and set them down as they say the verse together. Lift is for “the Most High God rules,” and the set-down motion is for “over the kingdom of men.” Repeat it three times, getting slightly quieter each time.
The Story: Daniel 5 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named Belshazzar was ruling the city of Babylon. He threw a big party for a thousand of his most important friends. There was plenty of food and plenty of wine, and everyone was having a loud and happy time. Belshazzar wanted to show off, so he sent for the gold and silver cups that had been taken from God’s Temple in Jerusalem. He and his guests drank from those holy cups while they praised their idols made of gold, silver, wood, and stone.
Suddenly, a hand appeared out of nowhere and started writing words on the wall, right beside the lamp. The king saw the hand and became terrified. His knees knocked together, and he could not stop shaking. He shouted for his wise men to come and read the writing. He promised that whoever could read it would get fine purple clothes, a gold chain, and a high place in his kingdom. But none of the wise men could read the words.
The queen remembered a man named Daniel. She said Daniel had God’s wisdom and had helped the king’s father before. So Daniel was brought in. The king offered him the same rewards if he could read the writing. Daniel told the king he did not need the rewards, but he would read the words anyway.
Then Daniel reminded Belshazzar of something important. God had given his father, King Nebuchadnezzar, a kingdom, but when that king became proud, God humbled him and took his throne away for a while. Daniel said, “You knew all this, but you did not humble your heart. You have praised gods that cannot see or hear, and you did not honor the true God, who holds your very breath in His hand.”
Daniel then read the words on the wall. The writing meant that God had counted the king’s days and ended them, that the king had been weighed and found too light, and that his kingdom would be divided and given to others. That very night, King Belshazzar was defeated, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom.
Read It Together
Daniel 5:23
But have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.
(WEB)
Point out that Belshazzar had seen God’s power in his own family but chose to praise false gods instead. Ask children what it looks like to honor the true God with our words and choices every day.
Daniel 5:26-28
26 “This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE: God has counted your kingdom, and brought it to an end. 27 TEKEL: you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting. 28 PERES: your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
(WEB)
Show children how Daniel explained the meaning of the writing one word at a time. Help them see that God was keeping track of the king’s choices and that the message was clear to anyone willing to listen.
Daniel 5:29
Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(WEB)
Point out that Daniel was honored for telling the truth, even though he had turned down the rewards before he read the writing. Explain that doing the right thing does not depend on getting a prize.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the king’s wise men could not read the writing on the wall, but Daniel could?
- What do you think Belshazzar should have done when he saw the hand writing on the wall?
- How can we remember that God is in charge when things around us feel scary or out of control?
- What are some ways we can show God honor in the way we talk, play, and treat others?
- Why did Daniel refuse the gold chain and the purple clothes at first, and what does that teach us about being honest?
Activity Ideas
Mystery Handwriting Craft
You will need white paper, a yellow crayon or a white candle, and watercolor paint or thinned blue paint. Have children write a simple message on the paper with the crayon or candle, something like “God is in charge.” Then have them paint over the paper with the watercolor. The crayon will resist the paint, and the hidden words will appear, just like the writing on Belshazzar’s wall. Talk about how God’s messages can seem hidden until we look closely.
Stop and Stand Game
Gather the children in an open space and choose one child to be the “king.” When the king calls out “Hand on the wall!” everyone must freeze in place. Then call out a simple command, like “Clap three times” or “Touch your nose.” The king gives the orders, but after each game, remind children that God is the true King over every ruler. Let different children take turns being the king.
Take-Home Kingdom Card
You will need an index card, markers, and a pencil. Have each child write Daniel 5:21 in simple words on one side, such as “God rules over every kingdom.” On the other side, have them draw a crown or a throne. Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it each day, like on the fridge or by their bed, and say the words together at dinner or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over all earthly power, including the rulers who seem most secure. Belshazzar mocked the holy things of God and trusted in idols, yet God had numbered his days. The chapter also shows that God’s people can speak truth to those in power with courage and humility, and that God’s ways are not controlled by wealth or status.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the frightening parts or suggesting that God only punishes people for their mistakes. Keep the focus on God’s power, his faithfulness to the truth, and the way Daniel honored Him. Children should walk away feeling reassured that God is in charge, not afraid of the king’s party or the writing on the wall.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You are the King over every king. Help us to honor You with our words and our choices, and help us to trust You when things feel scary. Thank You for always knowing what is happening and for being in charge of everything. Amen.
