Woops. I need to correct myself. A reader reminds me that the phrase “numbered days” harkens back to the phrase “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin.” Which of course was the original “writing on the wall,” written by the finger of God, and seen by Belshazzar. The story is chronicled in the Book of Daniel. Translations differ slightly but it means essentially: “God has numbered your days. You have been weighed in the eyes of God and been found wanting. Your kingdom has been divided.” Please, no emails with different translations.

The scene is captured in my absolute favorite painting, “Belshezzar’s Feast” by Rembrandt. I’ve had a framed copy of that painting on my wall for years.

So, I’ve got to say, in this case the use of the phrase for Saddam is perfectly appropriate.