Daniel 5:25
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL VPHARSIN. Daniel 5:25 (KJV)
Certainly! Let’s dive into a Bible study on Daniel 5:25 from the King James Version (KJV). This verse is part of the narrative known as “Belshazzar’s Feast.” In Daniel 5 we find King Belshazzar, ruler of Babylon, hosting a great feast for his nobles and officials. During the feast he ordered that the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought so that he and his guests could drink from them, an act of disrespect and sacrilege toward the God of Israel. Suddenly a hand appeared and began writing on the wall of the royal palace. The king was terrified, his face turned pale, and none of the wise men in Babylon could interpret the writing. In his desperation the queen mentioned Daniel, a man in whom the Spirit of God resided and who had previously interpreted dreams for Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar’s predecessor. Daniel was summoned and read the words that were written: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.”
Now let us examine the meaning of each word. MENE means “numbered” or “counted,” indicating that God had numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end, a swift conclusion because of his blasphemous actions. TEKEL means “weighed,” implying that Belshazzar had been weighed on the scales and found lacking, highlighting his moral bankruptcy and failure as a leader. UPHARSIN (also rendered PERES) means “divided,” signifying that the kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. The prophecy was fulfilled that very night when Babylon fell to the forces of Darius the Median.
The handwriting on the wall therefore served as a divine message and a stern warning, declaring judgment on Belshazzar and his kingdom for arrogance, sacrilege, and disregard for the holiness of God. The significance of this verse extends beyond its historical setting, reminding us of the consequences of pride, the need for genuine repentance, and the sovereignty of God who holds all earthly powers accountable.
