Belshazzar’s reign comes to an unceremonious, if not predictable, end. What is striking about it is it’s harsh swift application. As the scriptures say, it happened within that night. Sometimes God takes a long time to bring his judgment. This is often the case with those who don’t know enough to place their faith in him specifically. It can also be dependent upon the wickedness of a people. Nevertheless, it can be sure and swift. In many other cases, we see God waiting great spans of time to enact judgment, just to allow every last person an opportunity for salvation. Belshazzar and Babylon had already had these opportunities. It had been close to 70 years and the lessons were not passed on. Though Nebedchednezzar had finally worshipped, as predicted, his kingdom could not be redeemed. God wouldn’t let Babylon fall without ensuring that the next king had easy access to his glory. Even in the judgment against Babylon, Daniel ends up being elevated back into the kings court and ready to bring God’s message to another king. Even though the judgment was swift, it was not without patience, cunning or tactics. It was measured, reserved and just for all parties. As predicted, Babylon had fallen, but God’s kingdom would endure forever.