Daniel 5:28
PERES, thy kingdome is diuided, and giuen to the Medes and Persians. Daniel 5:28 (KJV)
This verse is a part of a significant event in the Book of Daniel known as the “Writing on the Wall.” It takes place during the reign of King Belshazzar of Babylon. Belshazzar was holding a great feast and used the holy vessels that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem. During the feast, a supernatural hand appeared and wrote a message on the wall. The king, troubled and unable to understand the writing, summoned Daniel, a Hebrew captive who had gained a reputation for interpreting dreams and visions. Daniel was able to decipher the inscription and deliver its meaning. In verse 27, the hand wrote the word “PERES,” which means “divided” or “broken.”
In verse 28, Daniel interprets the message: “Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
Daniel explains that God had numbered and finished Belshazzar’s kingdom, declaring it to be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. Belshazzar was slain that night (Daniel 5:30‑31). Historically, Babylon fell to the Medo‑Persian forces under Cyrus the Great a few months later, bringing an end to the Babylonian Empire and ushering in the rise of the Medo‑Persian Empire. This verse demonstrates God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about the fulfilment of His prophecies. It also serves as a warning that earthly kingdoms, no matter how powerful, are subject to God’s judgment and can be toppled in an instant. From a spiritual perspective, this passage reminds us of the importance of humility before God. Belshazzar’s arrogance and disrespect for the holy vessels and his failure to heed the warning ultimately led to his downfall. It serves as a reminder to honour and reverence God and not to take His grace and mercy for granted. Overall, Daniel 5:28 highlights the theme of divine judgment, the consequences of pride, and the ultimate authority of God over earthly kingdoms. It encourages us to seek humility, obedience, and reverence in our relationship with God.
