PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians." PERESThe term "PERES" is a form of the word "Parsin," which is part of the mysterious writing on the wall interpreted by Daniel. It is a play on words, as "Peres" sounds like the Aramaic word for "divided" and also resembles the name of the Persians. This dual meaning underscores the divine judgment and the impending division of the Babylonian Empire. The use of wordplay is common in biblical texts to convey deeper meanings and divine messages. 1Sa 15:28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom… means that your kingdom has been divided This phrase signifies the end of the Babylonian Empire's dominance. Historically, the Babylonian Empire was a powerful entity, but its fall was prophesied in earlier scriptures, such as Isaiah 13 and Jeremiah 51. The division of the kingdom is a fulfillment of these prophecies, demonstrating the sovereignty of God over nations. The division also reflects the internal corruption and moral decay within Babylon, as seen in the narrative of Belshazzar's feast. Mat 12:25 Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself… and given over to the Medes and Persians.” The Medes and Persians, led by Cyrus the Great, were the rising powers destined to conquer Babylon. This transfer of power was not only a historical event but also a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in Isaiah 45:1, where Cyrus is mentioned by name as God's chosen instrument. The Medo-Persian Empire would later play a significant role in the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem, as decreed by Cyrus. This transition of power also prefigures the ultimate sovereignty of Christ, who will establish an eternal kingdom, as prophesied in Daniel 2:44. Jer 51:11 Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused… Persons / Places / Events 1. BelshazzarThe last king of Babylon, who held a great feast and saw the mysterious handwriting on the wall. His reign ended with the fall of Babylon. 2. Daniel A Jewish prophet and interpreter of dreams and visions, who was called to interpret the writing on the wall for King Belshazzar. 3. Medes and Persians The empires that conquered Babylon. The Medes and Persians were prophesied to take over the Babylonian kingdom, fulfilling God's judgment. 4. Babylon The powerful empire that was known for its grandeur and idolatry, which fell to the Medes and Persians as prophesied. 5. The Handwriting on the Wall A divine message written by a mysterious hand during Belshazzar's feast, interpreted by Daniel as a judgment against Babylon. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all kingdoms and rulers. No earthly power can stand against His will. This should encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when worldly events seem chaotic. The Consequences of Pride Belshazzar's pride and disregard for God led to his downfall. Pride is a dangerous sin that can lead to destruction. Christians are called to humility and reverence for God. The Importance of Faithful Witness Daniel remained faithful to God and was used as His instrument to deliver a difficult message. Believers should be prepared to stand firm in their faith and speak truth, even in challenging circumstances. The Certainty of God's Judgment The fulfillment of God's judgment against Babylon serves as a reminder that His promises and warnings are sure. This should motivate believers to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fall of Babylon in Daniel 5:28 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human kingdoms, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?2. In what ways can pride manifest in our lives today, and how can we guard against it, drawing lessons from Belshazzar's example? 3. How can Daniel's faithfulness in delivering God's message inspire us to be bold in sharing our faith, even when it is unpopular or risky? 4. What parallels can we draw between the fall of Babylon and the prophetic imagery in Revelation 18, and how does this shape our understanding of God's ultimate plan for the world? 5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced God's judgment or discipline. How did it affect your relationship with Him, and what steps can you take to align more closely with His will? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 13 and 21These chapters prophesy the fall of Babylon, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to raise and depose kings. Jeremiah 51 This chapter also predicts Babylon's downfall, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment against pride and idolatry. Revelation 18 The fall of Babylon is echoed in the New Testament, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.
People Babylonians, Belshazzar, Belteshazzar, Daniel, Darius, Micah, Nebuchadnezzar, PersiansPlaces Babylon, JerusalemTopics Cut, Divided, Kingdom, Medes, Micah, Peres, Peresperes'-your, PersiansDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 5:17-28 5257 civil authorities Library Mene, Tekel, Peres'Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another: yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18. O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: 19. And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Scales of Judgment "So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. " Human Government. Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King. Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter Sovereignty of God in Administration Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee. The Eternity of God That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan There is a Blessedness in Reversion The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, The Harbinger The Greater Prophets. Meditations Before Dinner and Supper. The Chorus of Angels Daniel Links Daniel 5:28 NIVDaniel 5:28 NLT Daniel 5:28 ESV Daniel 5:28 NASB Daniel 5:28 KJV Daniel 5:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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