Daniel 5:28

Afrikaans 1983

‘Verdeel’: u koninkryk is verdeel en aan die Mediërs en die Perse gegee.”

What Does This Mean?

This verse is from the story of Daniel, where a mysterious hand writes on the wall during a king's feast, predicting the fall of the Babylonian kingdom to the Medes and Persians. The writing says 'PERES,' meaning the kingdom is divided and will be given to the Medes and Persians.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a big ice cream cake, and suddenly someone says you have to share it with your neighbors. This verse is like that, but for a king. It means he has to share his big kingdom with others, the Medes and Persians.

Historical Background

The book of Daniel was written during the Babylonian exile, around 530 BCE. It was written for the Jewish people to give them hope and remind them of God's sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms, especially in times of oppression.

Living It Out Today

This verse can remind us that power and authority are not permanent. In a corporate setting, it might mean recognizing when it's time to share leadership with new teams or accept changes in leadership to ensure the company's success.

Topics

• prophecy
• divine judgment
• empire
• leadership
• change
• hope

Related Verses

• Ezekiel 29:17-20
• Isaiah 45:1-6
• Daniel 8:20-22
• Ezra 1:1-4
• Matthew 24:2-3

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PERES mean?

PERES means 'divided' and refers to the Babylonian kingdom being divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

Why was the kingdom divided?

The kingdom was divided as a divine judgment, signaling the end of the Babylonian rule and the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire.

Who wrote the mysterious message on the wall?

The Bible doesn't explicitly state who wrote the message, but it's understood to be a divine message from God, perhaps through an angel.

What can we learn from this verse about leadership?

This verse teaches us that leadership is not eternal and that leaders must be prepared to face changes, recognizing that power is subject to divine will and judgment.