Commentary on Daniel 5:28
Bible Verse: "PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."
Introduction
The account in Daniel 5 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Babylon, where the handwriting on the wall serves as a prophetic judgment against King Belshazzar. This verse succinctly concludes the interpreting of the mysterious writing, delineating the fate of a kingdom that has strayed from the righteousness of God.
Context of the Passage
This event occurs during a great feast hosted by Belshazzar, where he uses sacred vessels from the Jerusalem Temple to drink wine and praise false gods. The ensuing handwriting serves as a divine message wrapped in judgment. The setting is one of moral and spiritual decline, reflecting the broader themes in the Book of Daniel regarding God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.
Interpretation of "PERES"
Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry illustrates that "PERES" signifies both the act of dividing and a prophetic announcement of the fate awaiting Babylon. The term 'PERES' serves dual functions—denoting judgment and indicating the impending handover of power.
Albert Barnes' Notes: Barnes emphasizes that the use of 'PERES' indicates a division that transcends mere loss of territory; it marks a judicial division imposed by divine authority. Its application here illustrates that God’s governance includes the rise and fall of kingdoms.
Adam Clarke's Commentary: Clarke points out that ‘PERES’ not only indicates division but also contains the prophetic aspect of the transfer of authority to the Medes and Persians. This duality is essential to understanding the historical and theological implications of the event.
Theological Implications
- Divine Sovereignty: This verse underscores the sovereignty of God over human affairs, and it vividly depicts how God utilized the Medes and Persians as instruments of His divine purpose.
- Judgment Against Pride: The events signal the consequences of Belshazzar’s pride and sacrilege. Dialogue in the text brings attention to the presumption of human power in defiance of divine laws.
- Covenantal Context: The passage reflects God's fidelity to His covenant with Israel, illustrating that no empire can oppose His plans without facing inevitable consequence.
Historical Significance
Henry alludes to the transformative historical moment that the fall of Babylon represents. It is a turning point that shifts the trajectory of the Jewish people leading towards their eventual restoration and return from exile.
Barnes notes the historical setting that reflects the symbolic end of an era in which the Jewish exiles were oppressed under the Babylonian captivity.
Practical Applications for Today
- Reflection on Authority: The verse invites believers to reflect on the nature of power—both divine and earthly—and to recognize the transient nature of human dominion.
- Warning Against Idolatry: In practice today, this serves as a warning against the idolatrous practices that characterize contemporary society, emphasizing the importance of reverence towards holy things.
- The Role of Righteousness: Christians are admonished to uphold righteous conduct, knowing that divine justice prevails against unrighteousness, just as it did in Belshazzar's time.
Conclusion
Daniel 5:28 encapsulates a solemn proclamation of God's judgment against sin, underscoring His ultimate control over history. The combined insights from public domain commentaries reveal the richness of its meaning—and how past events carry lessons for faith and interpretation today.
Summary of Insights
- Divine intervention as a theme: God's clear action against unrighteousness.
- The interplay of prophetic announcements and their historical fulfillment.
- Call for reflection on human pride and the need for humility before God.
