Topical Encyclopedia The term "Mene" is most prominently featured in the biblical account of the writing on the wall in the Book of Daniel. This event occurs during the reign of Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, and is a significant moment that underscores the sovereignty of God over the kingdoms of men.Daniel 5:25-28 : "This is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. This is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians." In this passage, "Mene" is repeated twice, emphasizing the certainty and imminence of the divine judgment pronounced upon Belshazzar and his kingdom. The repetition serves to underscore the finality of God's decree. The interpretation provided by Daniel reveals that "Mene" signifies that God has numbered the days of the Babylonian kingdom, indicating that its time is complete and its end is imminent. The context of this event is a lavish feast hosted by Belshazzar, during which he and his nobles, wives, and concubines drank from the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. This act of sacrilege was met with a divine response, as a hand appeared and wrote the mysterious inscription on the wall. The king's inability to understand the writing led to Daniel being summoned to provide the interpretation. The use of "Mene" in this context highlights several key theological themes: 1. Divine Sovereignty: The inscription and its interpretation affirm that God is in control of the rise and fall of kingdoms. Despite the apparent power and might of Babylon, it is ultimately subject to God's will and timing. 2. Judgment: The message of "Mene" serves as a pronouncement of judgment against Belshazzar for his pride and blasphemy. It is a reminder that God holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions. 3. Prophetic Fulfillment: The prophecy contained in the writing on the wall is fulfilled that very night, as the Medes and Persians conquer Babylon, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of God's word through His prophet Daniel. The account of "Mene" in the Book of Daniel serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over all human affairs. It calls believers to recognize the importance of humility, reverence for the sacred, and the certainty of divine justice. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 5:25,26And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. Nave's Topical Index Library The Unseen Watcher Self-Examination Resources Why did Nebuchadnezzar change Daniel's name to Belteshazzar? | GotQuestions.orgWas Daniel made a eunuch in Babylon? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “mene mene tekel upharsin”? What is the meaning of the handwriting on the wall? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |