PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians." PERESThe final term in the writing, Peres, meaning “divided” and resembling the name of the Persians, announced God’s verdict against Belshazzar and Babylon. The kingdom that had exalted itself in pride and dishonored the vessels of God’s temple would not endure. 1Sa 15:28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom… means that your kingdom has been divided Babylon’s fall fulfilled the judgments proclaimed in Isaiah 13 and Jeremiah 51. Its outward strength could not preserve it from God’s decree, especially after generations of idolatry, violence, and defiance of divine authority. Mat 12:25 Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself… and given over to the Medes and Persians.” Babylon fell in 539 B.C. to the Medo-Persian forces, and Belshazzar was killed that same night (Daniel 5:30–31). Cyrus later permitted the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem, fulfilling God’s promised restoration (Ezra 1:1–4; Isaiah 45:1). Earthly empires rise and fall under God’s rule, while His kingdom will never be destroyed (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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