Daniel 5:26

KJV

This [is] the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {H1836} is the interpretation {H6591} of the thing {H4406}: MENE {H4484}; God {H426} hath numbered {H4483} thy kingdom {H4437}, and finished {H8000} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is what it means: 'M'ne!'- God has counted up your kingdom and brought it to an end.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.

American Standard Version

This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and brought it to an end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 5:26 presents Daniel's divinely inspired interpretation of the first mysterious word, "Mene," inscribed on the palace wall for King Belshazzar. This profound declaration reveals that God has meticulously calculated and brought to a definitive conclusion the reign of Belshazzar's Babylonian kingdom, signaling its imminent and divinely ordained end due to the king's pride and blasphemy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 5:26 is the pivotal moment where the enigma of the "handwriting on the wall" begins to unravel. The preceding verses ([Daniel 5:1-5](/daniel/5-1-5 "Daniel 5:1-5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Mysterious Hand")) set the scene with King Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast, where he impiously uses the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple. The sudden appearance of the disembodied hand writing on the wall ([Daniel 5:5](/daniel/5-5 "Daniel 5:5 - The Hand Writes on the Wall")) plunges the court into terror. After his wise men fail, Daniel is summoned. Before offering the interpretation, Daniel delivers a scathing rebuke to Belshazzar ([Daniel 5:18-23](/daniel/5-18-23 "Daniel 5:18-23 - Daniel Rebukes Belshazzar")), reminding him of God's judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar's own failure to humble himself. This verse, therefore, marks the beginning of the direct divine judgment pronounced through Daniel, leading directly to the dramatic and swift fall of Babylon later that very night ([Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30-31 "Daniel 5:30-31 - The Fall of Babylon and Darius the Mede")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Daniel 5 occur during the final days of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was facing the rising power of the Medo-Persian Empire. Historically, Belshazzar was likely co-regent with his father, Nabonidus, who was often away from Babylon. The use of the sacred temple vessels was not merely a party trick but a profound act of blasphemy, directly challenging the God of Israel and desecrating items dedicated to His worship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, omens, dreams, and divine signs were taken very seriously, and the inability of Belshazzar's own wise men to interpret the writing would have been a significant blow to his authority and a sign of divine displeasure. The feast itself, held in a time of impending siege, highlights Belshazzar's hubris and lack of awareness or concern for the dire geopolitical situation, contrasting sharply with the divine awareness of the kingdom's numbered days.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 5:26 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations and rulers. He is the one who "changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")), and here, He actively "numbers" and "finishes" a kingdom. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Accountability of Rulers** before God. Belshazzar's judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of his pride, blasphemy, and refusal to learn from the humbling of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling")). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Babylon's end had been foretold by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, and this divine declaration marks the culmination of those prophecies, bringing an era to a divinely appointed close.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **interpretation (Aramaic, _pᵉshar'_):** (H6591) This Aramaic term signifies the unveiling or explanation of a hidden or mysterious matter, particularly a dream or divine message. In this context, it emphasizes Daniel's unique ability, granted by God, to reveal the true meaning of the seemingly indecipherable writing, making clear what was otherwise obscure and terrifying.
* **numbered (Aramaic, _mᵉnâʼ'_):** (H4483) This word conveys the act of counting or reckoning. Here, it implies a precise, divine calculation of time. It's not merely an estimation but a definitive accounting, indicating that God has meticulously measured the lifespan of Belshazzar's kingdom, determining its exact duration and signaling that its appointed time has now run out.
* **finished (Aramaic, _shᵉlam'_):** (H8000) This Aramaic word means to complete, to bring to an end, or to restore. In Daniel 5:26, it signifies the definitive termination of the Babylonian kingdom's reign. It implies that God has brought the kingdom's appointed course to its full conclusion, leaving no room for extension or continuation. The completion here is one of judgment and cessation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the interpretation of the thing:"** Daniel authoritatively declares that what follows is the divinely revealed meaning of the mysterious writing. This phrase establishes the immediate context as an unveiling of truth, not mere human conjecture.
* **"MENE;"** This is the first of the Aramaic words written on the wall. Its placement here signifies that Daniel is directly addressing and explaining this specific term, which means "numbered" or "counted."
* **"God hath numbered thy kingdom,"** This clause attributes the action directly to God, emphasizing His sovereignty. It reveals that the "numbering" is not random but a divine act of precise measurement, indicating that the days of Belshazzar's rule, and indeed the Babylonian Empire, have been meticulously counted by the Almighty.
* **"and finished it."** This final clause provides the devastating consequence of the numbering. The kingdom has not merely been counted, but its time has been brought to a definitive end. It signifies a complete cessation, a divinely ordained termination of its power and existence.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 5:26 is rich in literary devices that amplify its impact. The most prominent is **Prophetic Interpretation**, as Daniel, guided by divine insight, unveils the hidden meaning of the mysterious writing, transforming an indecipherable omen into a clear declaration of judgment. This interpretation functions as **Divine Speech**, where God's will and decree are communicated directly through His chosen prophet, highlighting His active involvement in human affairs. The inscription itself, and Daniel's explanation, serve as **Symbolism**; the "handwriting on the wall" becomes a universal symbol for impending doom or a clear sign of an inevitable outcome. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Belshazzar is feasting and reveling, seemingly oblivious to the precise, numbered end that God has already determined for his kingdom, which is revealed to the audience (and now to him) in this verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 5:26 powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and human history. It reveals that no empire, no matter how powerful or seemingly invincible, operates outside of God's divine decree and timing. The "numbering" of the kingdom signifies not just foreknowledge but active determination and judgment, underscoring that God is the ultimate arbiter of human destiny and the one who holds all rulers accountable. This verse serves as a stark reminder that pride and blasphemy against God inevitably lead to divine reckoning, and that earthly power is fleeting in the face of eternal divine authority.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Humbles")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 5:26 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that all earthly power, wealth, and influence are temporary and ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God. For those in positions of authority, it serves as a sobering call to humility, righteousness, and a recognition that their power is delegated and they are accountable to the Almighty. For individuals, it reinforces the truth that God is in control, even when the world seems chaotic or unjust. Our days, too, are "numbered" in the sense that our time on earth is finite, urging us to live with intentionality, faithfulness, and a deep reverence for God. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for pride, self-sufficiency, or any form of irreverence, and to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on the One who truly holds all things in His hands. The ultimate justice of God, though sometimes delayed, will always prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God over kingdoms, as seen in Daniel 5:26, shape our perspective on current world events and political leaders?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted towards pride or self-sufficiency, and how can the judgment against Belshazzar encourage humility and dependence on God?**
* **Knowing that our "days are numbered" in a spiritual sense, how does this verse challenge us to live with greater intentionality and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why was Belshazzar's kingdom "finished" at this specific time?**

Answer: Belshazzar's kingdom was "finished" at this precise moment due to his egregious pride and blasphemy, specifically his sacrilegious act of using the sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple for his drunken feast. Daniel explicitly rebukes him for not humbling himself despite witnessing God's judgment on his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar ([Daniel 5:22-23](/daniel/5-22-23 "Daniel 5:22-23 - Belshazzar's Blasphemy")). This act was the final straw, signifying that Babylon's appointed time for judgment, long foretold by prophets, had arrived, and God's patience had run out.

**What is the significance of the word "Mene" being repeated in the full inscription (Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin)?**

Answer: While Daniel 5:26 interprets only the first "Mene," the full inscription on the wall ([Daniel 5:25](/daniel/5-25 "Daniel 5:25 - The Mysterious Writing")) includes "Mene" twice. The repetition of "Mene" (meaning "numbered" or "counted") serves to emphasize the certainty and finality of the divine decree. It's not just that the kingdom has been counted, but it has been counted and re-counted, confirming with absolute certainty that its time is irrevocably determined and has now expired. This doubling underscores the divine precision and the undeniable nature of the impending judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 5:26, with its declaration of a kingdom's days being "numbered" and "finished" by God, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate sovereignty of Jesus Christ. While earthly kingdoms rise and fall under God's divine decree, Christ's kingdom is eternal and unshakable ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). He is the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He alone has the power to number the days of all human empires and bring them to their appointed end. Furthermore, the concept of "finished" resonates deeply with Christ's work on the cross. When Jesus declared "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), He signified the completion of the work of salvation, the definitive end of the power of sin and death, and the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies concerning atonement. Unlike Belshazzar's kingdom, which was "finished" in judgment, Christ's work "finished" the path to redemption, ushering in an eternal kingdom where sin and death are ultimately defeated ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, Daniel 5:26 foreshadows the ultimate King who truly numbers all things and brings all things to their perfect, redemptive, and eternal conclusion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 27:7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

Isaiah 47:1

¶ Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Isaiah 47:15

Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, [even] thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.

Jeremiah 25:11

And this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

Jeremiah 25:12

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 50:1

¶ The word that the LORD spake against Babylon [and] against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

Jeremiah 50:46

At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.