Upharsin
Summary
Part of the mysterious inscription 'Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin' that appeared on the wall during Belshazzar's feast, interpreted by Daniel as meaning 'divided.'
☩The Writing on the Wall
Upharsin appeared as part of the supernatural inscription written by a disembodied hand on the wall of Belshazzar's palace during his impious feast using the vessels from Jerusalem's temple. The word is the plural form of 'peres' with the conjunction 'u' (and) attached. Daniel interpreted it as meaning that Belshazzar's kingdom had been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
☩Interpretation
Daniel's interpretation revealed divine judgment: 'PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.' The word contains a double meaning, referring both to division and playing on the name 'Persia.' That very night Belshazzar was slain and Darius the Mede received the kingdom.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Upharsin," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Upharsin," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).