1.

While my thoughts were off in Babylon in contemplation deep,
Bel the idol loomed before me and did dine.
He was feasting on twelve measures of fine flour and forty sheep,
And he guzzled down six vessels full of wine.

Chorus:

Daniel smiled, with God’s light beaming,
Looked at Cyrus, eyes a-gleaming,
Then exposed the priests’ dark scheming.
How they panicked when God’s light revealed their guile!

2.

Bel was worshipped by King Cyrus, who gave Daniel this reproof:
“Don’t you see how much he eats and drinks each day?”
“No, O king, it’s a deception, and the priests don’t speak the truth;
Bel’s no living god, but merely brass and clay!”

3.

Through a secret door beneath the table, priests came in each night
To consume the food and drink at nightly feasts.
Daniel scattered ashes on the floor; then in the morning light
He showed Cyrus all the footprints of the priests.

4.

Although Bel has been destroyed—’tis only dust that does remain;
Priests who took the food and drink are long since gone—
Though you’d think the world was freed from all such blatant schemes for gain,
With “the Lord’s work” as the ploy, these things live on.

5.

They seek riches, build for luxury—“It’s for the Lord,” they say—
Although Jesus with but little was content.
Do you think Bel’s in the picture? We will doubtless see one day.
Daniel’s “spotlight” on a visit should be sent.

Written by Johan O. Smith (published in 1937)Composed by James M. BlackText © Stiftelsen Skjulte Skatters ForlagNorway ⋅ F