I think it originates from an episode in the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament, but I'm hopeful that someone can definitively confirm or augment.
2006-07-20 04:29:16 · 5 answers · asked by Steve S 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is from the Book of Daniel at the Kings party. A hand appears and starts to write on the wall. Daniel 5:5
2006-07-20 04:32:46 · answer #1 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The story is in Daniel Chapter 5.
Basically King Belshazzar is giving a great banquet, and suddenly a hand starts writing words on a wall. No one knows what it means. But God (who did it) gives the interpretation through Daniel.
Basically the words were a warning of the king's future destruction because of sin. That night the king was killed and the kingdom was taken over (thus fulfilling the warning or prophecy).
So when people say "you can read the handwriting on the wall" it's an expression that means Warning, something is not right, and some bad consequence is comming.
2006-07-20 04:33:21 · answer #2 · answered by Consuming Fire 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you are correct. King Belshazzar and his grandees were the first to see the handwritting on the wall. (Daniel 5)
2006-07-20 04:36:05 · answer #3 · answered by Vanessa B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I confirm it.. it did came from a episode of the book of daniel.. when i first read your questions i knew i read that somewhere.... and its true you are right..
2006-07-20 04:34:24 · answer #4 · answered by boricua_2290 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meaning - A sign of impending disaster or danger.
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/416550.html
2006-07-20 04:36:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
isn't it just the writing on the wall?
2006-07-20 04:34:27 · answer #6 · answered by raj 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋