Daniel Perek 5: The Hand Leaves the Wall (Part 3)

Text Covered: Sefer Daniel, Perek 5, Pesukim 26–31.In this concluding segment of Perek 5, Rabbi Gavriel Levin decodes the terrifying message written on the palace wall, signaling the immediate end of Belshatzar’s reign. We explore the tragic final moments of the King of Bavel, examining various Midrashic accounts of his death and the swift, supernatural fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy. The shiur wraps up with the rise of the Medo-Persian empire under Daryavesh and Koresh, drawing powerful parallels between the suddenness of the ancient downfall and our own anticipation of the final Geulah.Key Takeaways:Deciphering the Decree: An explanation of the three words—Mene, Tekel, and Peres—and how they represented the literal weighing and counting of Belshatzar's actions in the eyes of Hashem.No Surprise Necessary: A philosophical look at why Hashem warns His enemies, demonstrating that Divine power does not rely on the "element of surprise" common in human warfare.The Dawn of a New Empire: Understanding the transition of power from Bavel to the hands of Daryavesh and Koresh, and how this set the stage for the eventual rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash.