Old Testament
Daniel 5:26
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And here is what it means: MENE — God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end.
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This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
What Daniel 5:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, a divine message is delivered to King Belshazzar through mysterious writing on the wall. The word 'MENE' signifies that God has taken a close look at Belshazzar's reign. He has counted the days of his kingdom and determined that it is time for it to end. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how powerful a ruler may feel, their authority is ultimately subject to God's will. Belshazzar's arrogance and disregard for God led to this judgment. The message serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing that every action has consequences. It highlights the importance of humility and respect for divine authority. The fate of Belshazzar's kingdom illustrates that earthly power is temporary and can be taken away at any moment. This moment in history teaches us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make, reminding us that we are accountable for our actions before a higher power. It encourages us to live wisely and with purpose, recognizing the fleeting nature of our time.
How to apply Daniel 5:26 to your life
Reflect on your own life and the choices you make daily. Consider how you treat others and whether you acknowledge a higher purpose. Remember that your time is limited, and strive to live with intention and integrity. Embrace humility and seek to make a positive impact in the world around you. Your actions matter more than you think, so choose wisely each day.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5:1–31)
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Daniel
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 5:26 mean?
Daniel 5:26 conveys a divine message to King Belshazzar, indicating that God has counted the days of his reign and decided to bring it to an end. This serves as a reminder of God's authority over earthly kingdoms.
What is the meaning of 'MENE' in Daniel 5:26?
'MENE' signifies that God has numbered the days of Belshazzar's kingdom, indicating that it is time for his rule to conclude. It emphasizes the idea that no ruler's power is permanent.
How does Daniel 5:26 relate to accountability?
Daniel 5:26 illustrates accountability by showing that Belshazzar's actions led to a divine judgment. It reminds us that we are responsible for our choices and will face consequences.
What lessons can we learn from Daniel 5:26?
From Daniel 5:26, we learn the importance of humility, the recognition of a higher authority, and the need to live with intention. It teaches that our time is limited and our actions have lasting impacts.
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