MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN

Title: MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Daniel 5:25-28 
Supporting Texts: Daniel 5:1-31, Psalm 75:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Galatians 6:7-8

INTRODUCTION 
The phrase "Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin" is one of the most profound and mysterious messages delivered by God in the Bible. It appeared as a divine handwriting on the wall during King Belshazzar’s feast, marking the end of his reign and the fall of the Babylonian Empire. These words carry a deep warning about divine judgment, accountability, and the consequences of arrogance, pride, and sin. In this sermon, we will explore the meaning of each word and how it relates to our lives today. God is still writing messages for us, and we must pay attention before judgment comes.

1. UNDERSTANDING "MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN"
The phrase comprises four distinct words that have symbolic and spiritual significance:

a) Mene – "Numbered" 
Mene means that the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom had been numbered and were now at an end. This shows that every life, every kingdom, and every opportunity is limited in time. God numbers our days (Psalm 90:12). Just like Belshazzar, we are accountable for how we use the time and opportunities given to us.

b) Tekel – "Weighed" 
Tekel means "weighed on the scales and found wanting." This reveals that God measures our actions, motives, and decisions. If we are found lacking in righteousness, we face divine consequences. 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us to examine ourselves, to ensure we are in the faith and not wanting in God’s eyes.

c) Upharsin/Peres – "Divided" 
Upharsin means that Belshazzar’s kingdom was divided and would be given to the Medes and Persians. This division was a result of judgment. When we live in sin and rebellion against God, division and destruction follow. God’s judgment is real, and what we refuse to submit to Him can be taken from us.

2. LESSONS FROM KING BELSHAZZAR

a) Pride Leads to Destruction 
Belshazzar was arrogant and defiant, even using the sacred vessels from God’s temple to drink wine at his feast (Daniel 5:3). His pride led to his downfall. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." We must guard against pride and remember that everything we have comes from God.

b) Ignoring God’s Warnings 
Belshazzar knew the history of his predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled by God. Yet, he ignored the lessons of the past and continued in sin. In the same way, when we ignore God’s warnings and continue in disobedience, judgment is inevitable (Hebrews 10:26-27).

c) God’s Judgment is Swift and Sure 
The judgment on Belshazzar came suddenly. One moment, he was feasting, and the next, the kingdom was taken from him. This teaches us that we should not take God’s patience for granted. When the time of judgment comes, there is no turning back. We must live in constant readiness and repentance.

3. APPLICATION OF "MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN" TODAY 

a) Our Days are Numbered 
Just as God numbered Belshazzar’s days, our lives are also measured. We do not know how much time we have on earth, and we must live with an eternal perspective. Psalm 90:12 tells us to "number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Are you using your time wisely for God’s glory?

b) We Will Be Weighed 
God weighs our motives, actions, and character. We must ask ourselves: Are we living according to God’s standards, or are we found wanting? Galatians 6:7 says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Our lives must align with God’s Word.

c) Division as a Consequence of Sin 
Sin brings division and separation, both spiritually and physically. Just as Belshazzar’s kingdom was divided, sin divides us from God’s presence, blessings, and purpose. Sin also brings division in relationships, families, and communities. We must live in repentance and holiness to avoid the division caused by sin.

4. HOW TO AVOID THE FATE OF BELSHAZZAR 

a) Humility Before God
We must humble ourselves before God, recognizing His sovereignty over our lives. James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Pride leads to destruction, but humility opens the door for God’s grace and mercy.

b) Heed God’s Warnings
When God speaks, we must listen and respond in obedience. Whether through His Word, the Holy Spirit, or life’s circumstances, God is constantly giving us warnings. Belshazzar ignored the lessons from Nebuchadnezzar’s life. We must not make the same mistake. Hebrews 3:15 says, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."

c) Live a Life of Righteousness and Repentance 
To avoid being "weighed and found wanting," we must live according to God’s righteousness. Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial. 1 John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us be quick to repent and seek God’s forgiveness.

d) Stay Spiritually Alert 
We must stay alert, knowing that judgment can come unexpectedly. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:42 to "keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Spiritual alertness means staying connected to God, walking in obedience, and being ready for His return at any moment.

5. THE MESSAGE OF HOPE IN "MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN"

a) God’s Sovereignty
The story of Belshazzar reminds us that God is in control of the nations and of our lives. He sets kings up and brings them down (Psalm 75:6-7). No matter how chaotic the world may seem, God’s sovereignty remains unchallenged. We can trust Him to bring justice and righteousness.

b) God’s Grace Through Repentance 
Though the message of "Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin" is one of judgment, it also contains an invitation to repentance. God does not delight in the death of the wicked but desires that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). As long as we have breath, we have the opportunity to turn to God and receive His grace.

c) The Ultimate Victory of God’s Kingdom 
Though Belshazzar’s kingdom was divided and destroyed, God’s kingdom remains unshaken. In the end, it is God’s kingdom that will stand forever (Daniel 2:44). As believers, we are part of this eternal kingdom, and we can find security and hope in God’s ultimate victory over sin and evil.

CONCLUSION 
The message of "Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin" is a powerful reminder of God’s judgment, sovereignty, and call to righteousness. Just as Belshazzar’s days were numbered, so are ours. We will all be weighed by God, and we must live with an awareness of His standards. Let us heed the warnings of God, live in humility, and seek His grace while we still can.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to recognize the brevity of life and live with an eternal perspective.

2. Lord, forgive me for any pride or arrogance in my heart—help me to walk in humility.

3. Father, weigh my heart and actions and align me with Your will, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, let me never ignore Your warnings but always respond in obedience and repentance.

5. Father, give me the grace to live a life that is pleasing to You, free from sin and rebellion.

6. Lord, I break every division caused by sin in my life—restore my relationship with You.

7. Father, I receive Your grace and mercy—cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

8. Lord, help me to stay spiritually alert and ready for Your return at all times.

9. Father, establish Your kingdom in my life, and let it reign over every situation.

10. Lord, I thank You for Your sovereignty and trust in Your perfect judgment and grace.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. I declare that every limitation in your life is being removed—your days of blessing are here.

2. I prophesy that you will walk in the fear of God and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

3. I declare that your life will not be found wanting—you are aligned with God’s purpose.

4. Every form of rebellion or sin in your life is broken, and you are restored to righteousness.

5. I declare that you will heed every divine warning, and you will walk in God’s obedience.