Daniel 5:26
“This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.”
Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Daniel 5:26 (KJV) says, “This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.”
Historical Context:Daniel 5 records the account of Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, who held a great feast and used the gold and silver vessels that were taken from the temple in Jerusalem. During the feast, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall. The king was greatly troubled and summoned Daniel to interpret the writing.
- The Writing on the Wall:
The writing on the wall consisted of four Aramaic words: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. In this study, we will focus specifically on the interpretation of the word “MENE.”
The Interpretation:Daniel, filled with the Spirit of God, provided the interpretation of the writing on the wall to Belshazzar. Concerning the word “MENE,” Daniel explained that God had numbered the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom and brought it to an end.
Divine Judgment:The word “MENE” represents the divine judgment of God upon Belshazzar and his kingdom. God had assessed the king’s actions and found him to be lacking. The kingdom of Babylon had reached its appointed time of judgment, and the Medes and Persians would soon conquer it.
Lessons for Believers:a. Accountability before God: The story of Belshazzar serves as a reminder that all individuals, including kings and rulers, are accountable to God. Our actions and choices have consequences, and God will hold us responsible for how we live our lives.
b. The certainty of God’s judgments: The interpretation of “MENE” highlights the certainty of God’s judgments. When God determines that a time of judgment has come, it will inevitably happen. This reminds us of the importance of living in alignment with God’s will and seeking His righteousness.
c. The importance of humility: Belshazzar’s pride and arrogance led to his downfall. As believers, we should cultivate humility before God, recognizing our dependence on Him and acknowledging His authority in our lives.
d. God’s sovereignty: The interpretation of the writing on the wall underscores God’s sovereignty over the affairs of nations and individuals. He holds ultimate power and authority, and His purposes will ultimately be accomplished.
Application:
- As we reflect on Daniel 5:26, let us examine our own lives. Are we living with a sense of accountability before God? Are we cultivating humility and acknowledging God’s sovereignty? Let us strive to align our lives with God’s will, seeking His righteousness and trusting in His judgments.
Remember, the Bible is a rich source of spiritual wisdom and guidance. Consider reading the entire chapter of Daniel 5 to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the lessons it offers.

