Daniel 5:25-28
“And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
King James Version
Daniel's reading of the handwriting on Belshazzar's wall, foretelling Babylon's fall to the Medes and Persians that very night.
Fulfillment References
Daniel 5:30-31 Isaiah 13:17 Jeremiah 51:11 Isaiah 21:9
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalGod numbers and ends kingdoms by His decree; the one God who judged Babylon reigns over all history.
JewishThe fall of Babylon as judgment on the king who profaned the Temple vessels; read of God's justice and the limits of empire.
CatholicGod weighing and finding the proud king wanting — a warning against sacrilege and pride.
ProtestantA vivid fulfilled prophecy: Babylon fell to Cyrus's forces (539 BC) the night it was spoken; taken as historical.
OrthodoxDivine judgment on impiety; the kingdom numbered and ended by God's decree.
DispensationalA literal short-range fulfillment confirming Daniel's prophetic authenticity.
AcademicCritical scholars note historical tensions (Belshazzar was co-regent, not Nebuchadnezzar's literal son; 'Darius the Mede' is disputed) and read the tale as didactic; conservatives cite the confirmation of Belshazzar's historicity (Nabonidus Chronicle) in the account's defense.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.