they could not read the writing] It is probable that the letters were written without distinction, or space between the words, so that they knew not how to put them together, or frame them to make any sense of them. Others say, the Chaldeans knew not God to be one, and to rule mens affaires. Besides, they knew not their own impietie: but said in their heart, There is no God. Wherefore they knew not who should be weighed, specially in the ballance: and touching the Medes and Persians, now their besiegers, they little thought that they should surprize the strong Babel; and bragged, how they were victualled for 20. yeers siege, as Xenophon recordeth.