Daniel 5:26
This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Babylon fell the very night of this feast (v. 30). Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Mede took the kingdom. Historical sources describe how Persian forces diverted the Euphrates River, entered Babylon through the lowered river channel, and captured the city with minimal resistance. The writing appeared as the city fell—perfect divine timing. Archaeological evidence from the Nabonidus Chronicle describes Babylon's capture in 539 BC. God's 'numbering' of Babylon's kingdom culminated precisely as predicted.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'numbering' of kingdoms provide comfort that evil regimes have divinely appointed limits and will end at God's predetermined time?
- What does the precision of fulfillment (kingdom ends that very night) teach about God's complete control over historical timetables?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel interprets MENE: 'God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.' The verb 'numbered' (Aramaic: menah) means God has calculated, assessed, and completed Belshazzar's allotted time. The paired verbs 'numbered and finished' emphasize both divine sovereignty (God sets the limit) and completed fulfillment (time is up). God doesn't arbitrarily end the kingdom—He counts out the predetermined time and brings it to appointed conclusion. This reveals that all human kingdoms exist within divine timetables. Political structures don't collapse randomly; they reach divinely appointed ends.