The story of 'The Writing on the Wall' is central to the book of Daniel, and dates from Maccabean times. The historical setting is precise—the night of the fall of Babylon in 539 BCE. Gen. 11 describes the founding of Babel (Babylon) and Dan. 5 the destruction of the same city. Both stories depend on a confusion of languages: all can see God's writing, but only Daniel has the insight to interpret it. The structure of Dan. 5 and the use of word-plays are similar to Gen. 11. Belshazzar's promises to reward Daniel are as proud and useless as the Tower of Babel itself.
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