Daniel 5:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 5:28
28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Chapter Context
Daniel 5 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, prayer, worship. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 5:28
28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Analysis
Daniel interprets PERES (singular of UPHARSIN): 'Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.' The wordplay on PERES is brilliant—the root means both 'divided' and contains consonants of 'Persia' (Paras). God pronounces judgment while naming the executors. The passive voice 'is given' indicates divine agency—God actively transfers the kingdom. The specific identification of 'Medes and Persians' shows this isn't merely prediction of defeat but revelation of God's sovereign plan. He doesn't merely foresee Babylon's fall; He ordains it and assigns the successor empire.
Historical Context
The Medo-Persian Empire under Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, fulfilling this prophecy. Historical sources (Cyrus Cylinder, Nabonidus Chronicle, Greek historians) document the conquest. The Medes and Persians had formed alliance under Cyrus, combining to defeat Babylon. God's specification of the conquering power demonstrates prophetic precision—this wasn't vague prediction but specific revelation. Archaeological evidence confirms the Persian policy of religious tolerance, allowing Jewish exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 1), fulfilling other prophecies.
Reflection
- How does God's specification of the successor empire demonstrate that He not only knows but controls the rise and fall of kingdoms?
- What does the immediate fulfillment teach about taking God's prophetic word seriously rather than dismissing it as distant or irrelevant?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Daniel 5:31, 6:28, 9:1
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 13:17, 21:2