HYMN #0432 SSS #432 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #432: At the feast of Belshazzar

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

At the feast of Belshazzar and a
thousand of his lords,
While they drank from golden vessels,
as the Book of Truth records:
In the night, as they revelled in the
royal palace hall,
They were seized with consternation
—’twas the Hand upon the wall!
Tis the hand of God on the wall! ...
’ Tis the hand of God on the wall! ...
Shall the record be—" Found wanting!"
Or shall it be—"Found trusting!"
While that hand is writing on the wall? ...

See the brave captive, Daniel, as he
stood before the throng,
And rebuked the haughty monarch
for his mighty deeds of wrong;
As he read out the writing—’twas the
doom of one and all,
For the kingdom now was finished—
said the Hand upon the wall!

See the faith, zeal, and courage, that
would dare to do the right,
Which the Spirit gave to Daniel—
’twas the secret of his might;
In his home in Judea,
or a captive in the hall,
He understood the writing of
his God upon the wall!

So our deeds are recorded—there’s a
Hand that’s writing now:
Sinner, give your heart to Jesus—to
His royal mandate bow;
For the day is approaching—it must
come to one and all,
When the sinner’s condemnation will
be written on the wall!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "At the feast of Belshazzar"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #432 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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