Daniel 5:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 5:26
26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
Chapter Context
Daniel 5 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, sacrifice, holiness. Written during the Babylonian and Persian periods (c. 605-530 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Demonstrates faithful living under foreign rule during the Babylonian and Persian empires.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Daniel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Daniel 5:26
26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Jeremiah 27:7