Definition and Origin:
The term "Menemene" refers to the mysterious writing that appeared on the wall during the feast of King Belshazzar of Babylon, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, chapter 5. The phrase is part of the Aramaic words "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin," which were inscribed by a disembodied hand, signifying divine judgment upon the Babylonian kingdom.

Biblical Context:
The account of Menemene is found in Daniel 5:1-31. During a lavish banquet hosted by King Belshazzar, the king and his nobles, wives, and concubines drank from the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem. As they praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, a hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace.

Interpretation by Daniel:
The king's wise men were unable to interpret the writing, causing great alarm. The queen suggested that Daniel, known for his wisdom and insight, be summoned. Daniel was brought before the king and offered rewards for interpreting the writing. Daniel declined the rewards but proceeded to interpret the message, emphasizing that the writing was a divine pronouncement against Belshazzar's pride and blasphemy.

Daniel explained the words as follows:

· Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
· Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
· Peres (Upharsin): Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel 5:26-28 states: "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."

Historical Significance:
The prophecy was fulfilled that very night when Belshazzar was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom (Daniel 5:30-31). This event marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire, aligning with the prophetic visions earlier in the Book of Daniel.

Theological Implications:
The account of Menemene serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. It illustrates the principle that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they act in pride and defiance against Him. The account underscores the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of men.

Cultural Impact:
The phrase "the writing on the wall" has entered common parlance as an idiom indicating an impending doom or inevitable misfortune, derived from this biblical narrative. The account of Menemene continues to be a poignant illustration of divine intervention and judgment in human history.Menemene (1 Occurrence)

Daniel 5:25
And this is the writing which was recorded, Mene, tekel, peres.
(See NAS)

Menemene (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Menemene (1 Occurrence). Daniel 5:25 And this is the
writing which was recorded, Mene, tekel, peres. (See NAS). ...
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Menelaus

/m/menelaus.htm - 9k

Menestheus

/m/menestheus.htm - 6k

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