This is the last part of Daniel's interpretation of the strange writing (Daniel 5:5) which appeared during Belshazzar's blasphemous feast (Daniel 5:1–4). The phrase "mene mene tekel and parsin" was formed by disembodied fingers. The first three words meant King Belshazzar, and Babylon, had been measured and found lacking, according to God (Daniel 5:25–27).

The root word for parsin implies a division, a split, or a separation. This was used as the name of a half-coin. The writing on the wall used a plural noun, but Daniel subtly changes it here to a singular: peres, which sounds very much like the name for Persia, which was Paras. When Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream many years prior, he predicted that a "lesser" nation would come after Babylon (Daniel 2:39), characterized as a chest and arms of silver (Daniel 2:32). This echoes the nature of the Medo-Persian Empire which came when Babylon fell. Cyrus the Great was associated with Persia, and Darius with the Medes. The Persians were the most powerful part of the Medo-Persian empire, although Darius the Mede was the first to become the ruler of Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way to acknowledge that God rules and gives power to whomever He chooses (Daniel 4:32, 34–35). Belshazzar had felt secure; historians suggest this wild party may have happened during a siege of the well-defended and fortified capital city. Belshazzar did not realize that God's hand of judgment would tear apart his false sense of security. His kingdom was about to fall to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel 5:17–28 reveals Daniel's humility, his loyalty to the Most High God, and his courage. Daniel read and interpreted the handwriting. God is judging Babylon: the empire will be defeated and split among the Medes and Persians. Though Daniel said he wanted no payment, his interpretation prompts the rewards from Belshazzar, which were likely as short-lived as he was (Daniel 5:29–30).

After Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, a succeeding ruler, Belshazzar, fails to learn the proper lesson. During a drunken party, he brings out Jewish objects to use in idolatry. The celebration is interrupted by disembodied fingers leaving strange markings on the wall. Daniel is summoned when no one else can read or interpret these. After boldly rebuking Belshazzar's immorality, Daniel explains the event as a prophecy of doom. That same night, Belshazzar dies, and the kingdom eventually comes under a new leader.

The first four chapters of Daniel occur under the rule of Babylon's king, Nebuchadnezzar. This chapter falls between his reign and when the Medo-Persians conquered in 539 BC. This chapter focuses on Belshazzar, who may have ruled Babylon concurrently with his father Nabonidus. This was probably from 553 BC until his death in 539 BC, when the city was captured. After this, Daniel serves under Darius and / or Cyrus.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.

Accessed 11/21/2024 10:10:48 AM

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