דניאל, פרק ה׳, פסוק כ״ו

The moment of truth arrives for the Babylonian king as the mysterious writing on the wall is finally decoded. The divine message reveals the absolute precision of heavenly judgment and signals the immediate end of a mighty era of rule. Daniel begins by clarifying that he is presenting the true solution and meaning of the matter [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He explains that God has carefully counted and numbered the remaining days of the king's reign [רש״י, יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The original writing featured a repeated reference to counting. One approach explains that this repetition highlights how the divine calculation was performed with extreme care and absolute precision [מצודת דוד]. Another perspective sees this as a reflection of exact justice. The first reference points to the king's own mistaken calculation, as he had incorrectly figured the end of the seventy years of the Babylonian exile. In contrast, the second reference represents God's flawless counting of the king's personal years in power [אלשיך].

The message then seals the king's fate, declaring that God has calculated the end of the royal dynasty and determined that it is completely finished [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This is not a temporary setback where the ruler might be removed only to later reclaim his throne. Rather, it is a final declaration that this is his absolute last year in power [אלשיך].

God's decision to bring the end at this exact time carries a sharp message of faith. Earlier that night, the king had praised blind and deaf idols. The writing on the wall proves that God sees, hears, and knows every action instantly. By delivering His judgment directly, God shows that the idols are entirely worthless. The king is punished and put to death alone at this very moment, even before the broader Babylonian empire falls. This immediate, personal end occurs because his evil and sins crossed every possible boundary, causing him to be cut off from his people without delay [אלשיך].