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.
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.
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.
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.
DanielA Jewish prophet and interpreter of dreams and visions, who was called to interpret the writing on the wall for King Belshazzar.
3.
Medes and PersiansThe empires that conquered Babylon. The Medes and Persians were prophesied to take over the Babylonian kingdom, fulfilling God's judgment.
4.
BabylonThe powerful empire that was known for its grandeur and idolatry, which fell to the Medes and Persians as prophesied.
5.
The Handwriting on the WallA 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 PrideBelshazzar'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 WitnessDaniel 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 JudgmentThe 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 and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Daniel 5:28?
2. How does Daniel 5:28 illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers?
3. What lessons can we learn from Belshazzar's downfall in Daniel 5:28?
4. How does Daniel 5:28 connect with God's judgment in other Bible passages?
5. How can we apply the warning of "divided" in our personal lives today?
6. What actions can we take to ensure we honor God in leadership roles?
7. What does "Peres" mean in the context of Daniel 5:28?
8. How does Daniel 5:28 reflect God's sovereignty over nations?
9. Why was Babylon divided and given to the Medes and Persians?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 5?
11. Why does Daniel claim Darius the Mede ruled Babylon when no such person is known in history?
12. How does the account in Daniel 6 reconcile with other biblical or historical narratives about the transition of power from Babylon to Persia?
13. How does Isaiah 13:17’s mention of the Medes align with historical records indicating Babylon’s capture by the Persians under Cyrus the Great?
14. Why does the Book of Daniel describe events from the 6th century BCE inaccurately, suggesting it was written later?What Does Daniel 5:28 Mean
PERES“PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:28)
• One stark word from the mysterious handwriting spells out God’s verdict. Like the “finger of God” that wrote the tablets in Exodus 31:18, this finger declares judgment—undeniable, unalterable.
• The same chapter notes, “the hand was sent from Him” (Daniel 5:24), underscoring divine authorship.
• This moment parallels earlier warnings Nebuchadnezzar received in his dream (Daniel 2:31-37) and in the tree vision (Daniel 4:24-25). God had been patient, but His patience had limits.
means that your kingdom• The message is personal: “your kingdom.” God addresses Belshazzar directly, affirming that earthly rule is a stewardship granted by Him (Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1).
• Belshazzar’s sacrilegious feast (Daniel 5:2-4) revealed contempt for the God who had loaned him authority. This echoes Saul’s presumption that cost him his throne (1 Samuel 15:26-28).
has been divided• “Divided” signals an immediate, irreversible split—no negotiation, no partial loss. Similar verdicts fell on Solomon’s line (1 Kings 11:11-13) and upon nations that opposed Israel (Joel 3:2).
• Jesus later affirmed the principle: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). God Himself enforces that truth here.
and given over• The Lord doesn’t merely remove; He reallocates. Daniel had already proclaimed, “He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21).
• Centuries earlier God had “given” many lands to Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 27:5-6). Now He gives Babylon away, demonstrating absolute sovereignty over world affairs.
to the Medes and Persians• Isaiah, writing 150 years before, foretold that God would “stir up the Medes” against Babylon (Isaiah 13:17).
• Jeremiah echoed it (Jeremiah 51:11, 28), and Daniel’s own earlier vision spoke of a silver chest and arms representing “another kingdom inferior” to Babylon (Daniel 2:32, 39).
• That very night, “Darius the Mede received the kingdom” (Daniel 5:30-31), fulfilling the prophecy to the letter.
summaryDaniel 5:28 is the divine verdict delivered in one decisive sentence. God exposes Belshazzar’s pride, removes the kingdom from him, and hands it to the Medo-Persian alliance exactly as foretold. The episode underscores that every throne is on loan from the King of heaven, who rewards righteousness and brings swift justice upon arrogant defiance.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
PERESפְּרֵ֑ס (pə·rês)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6537: To break in twomeans that your kingdomמַלְכוּתָ֔ךְ (mal·ḵū·ṯāḵ)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdomhas been dividedפְּרִיסַת֙ (pə·rî·saṯ)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6537: To break in twoand given overוִיהִיבַ֖ת (wî·hî·ḇaṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3052: To give, to put, imperatively, cometo the Medesלְמָדַ֥י (lə·mā·ḏay)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4076: Medes -- descendants of Japheth, also their landand Persians.”וּפָרָֽס׃ (ū·p̄ā·rās)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6540: Persians -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon
Links
Daniel 5:28 NIVDaniel 5:28 NLTDaniel 5:28 ESVDaniel 5:28 NASBDaniel 5:28 KJV
Daniel 5:28 BibleApps.comDaniel 5:28 Biblia ParalelaDaniel 5:28 Chinese BibleDaniel 5:28 French BibleDaniel 5:28 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Daniel 5:28 PERES (Dan. Da Dn) 
