Daniel 5:28

Daniel 5:28 delivers the final and most direct part of Daniel's interpretation of the mysterious handwriting on the wall for King Belshazzar: "PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians." This declaration sealed the fate of the Babylonian Empire, announcing its imminent collapse and the transfer of power to a new world empire.

Context

This verse is the climax of Daniel's interpretation of the divine message written on the wall during King Belshazzar's impious feast. The king, in a display of arrogance and disrespect, had ordered the sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem by his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, to be used for drinking wine and praising pagan gods. This act of blasphemy provoked divine judgment, manifested by the appearance of a hand writing an cryptic message: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" (Daniel 5:25). Daniel, known for his wisdom and connection to God, was the only one able to decipher the words, revealing a prophecy of the kingdom's downfall. Verse 28 specifically interprets the final word, PERES (or Upharsin), leaving no doubt about Babylon's destiny.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over human kingdoms and history. Belshazzar's kingdom was not merely conquered by human armies, but "divided, and given" by divine decree, a direct consequence of his pride and sacrilege. This echoes the theme of God setting up and removing kings found elsewhere in Daniel.
• Consequences of Pride and Blasphemy: Belshazzar's disregard for God and his sacred things led directly to his swift destruction. His failure to humble himself, despite knowing how God had dealt with Nebuchadnezzar, sealed his fate. This serves as a stark warning against spiritual arrogance and disrespect for the divine.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Daniel's interpretation was not just a warning but an immediate pronouncement of judgment. The very night this message was delivered, Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians, precisely as foretold. This highlights the certainty and precision of God's prophetic word.
• Transition of World Powers: This verse marks a significant moment in biblical prophecy and world history—the end of the Babylonian Empire and the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire, consistent with the visions Daniel received earlier (e.g., the statue in Daniel 2 and the beasts in Daniel 7).

Linguistic Insights

The word PERES (from Upharsin in the full phrase) is a crucial linguistic play. It is derived from the Aramaic root meaning "to divide" or "to split." However, it also sounds very similar to Paras, the Aramaic word for "Persia." Thus, the single word carries a powerful double meaning: the kingdom would be both divided and given to the Persians (and Medes).

Practical Application

Daniel 5:28 serves as a timeless reminder of several enduring truths:

• God is ultimately sovereign over all earthly powers and nations. No human kingdom, however mighty, can stand against His will.
• Pride and rebellion against God, especially when manifested through blasphemy or profaning what is holy, invite divine judgment. Humility and reverence are essential.
• God's word, including His prophecies, is always true and will be fulfilled. This provides assurance for believers in His promises and warnings.
• We are called to recognize God's authority in our own lives and societies, avoiding the arrogance that led to Belshazzar's downfall.