The answer is: God has given your kingdom to the Medes and Persians

Daniel 5:26-28

In Daniel 5, we enter an extraordinary tale that pulls back the curtain on power, pride, and divine retribution. The infamous “writing on the wall” appears during a lavish banquet hosted by King Belshazzar. He is throwing a party with wine, bravado, and even using sacred vessels from the Jerusalem temple to toast to his own deities. Talk about a cringe-worthy choice!

When it comes to the cryptic words, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin," they aren't just fancy gibberish. Each term spells out God's judgment on the boastful Babylonian king. "Mene" means God has numbered the days of Belshazzar's reign; "Tekel" indicates the king has been weighed and found wanting; and "Upharsin," or "Peres," signifies that the kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians.

The transition of power reflected in these words isn’t just political drama; it’s a stark reminder that human glory is fleeting. Interestingly, while the Medes and Persians are mentioned many times throughout biblical stories, their rise and dominance would foreshadow the birth of some revolutionary changes, including the advent of more tolerant governance practices, especially towards conquered peoples—something that contrasts sharply with Babylon's previous oppression.

This event's tone is ominous, almost comical, as earthly rulers brush aside moral boundaries right before being brought low. It's a lesson about humility for us all: no matter our heights, vanity can lead to our swift decline.