God’s Sovereignty Over Kings and Kingdoms
- Be God's Glory
- Sep 17
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 260 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Daniel. Chapters 4 through 6 of Daniel reveal God’s absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers, His power to humble the proud, and His faithfulness to deliver His people in times of persecution. Nebuchadnezzar learns through humiliation that God alone is the Most High who rules over all kingdoms. Belshazzar experiences judgment when he mocks God and profanes holy things, showing that God’s justice cannot be ignored. Finally, Daniel’s unwavering devotion in the lions’ den displays how God honors those who remain steadfast in faith. Together, these chapters emphasize that kings rise and fall at God’s command, but His kingdom endures forever.
Daniel 4
In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar receives a troubling dream about a great tree that is cut down and left with only a stump. Daniel interprets the dream, explaining that the tree represents the king, who will be humbled and driven to live like a beast until he acknowledges God’s sovereignty. Despite the warning, Nebuchadnezzar’s pride leads him to boast of his power, and immediately God’s judgment comes upon him. For seven periods of time, the king loses his sanity and lives like an animal, eating grass in the field. At the end of the appointed time, Nebuchadnezzar lifts his eyes to heaven, his sanity is restored, and he praises the Most High, declaring that God’s dominion is everlasting and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. The chapter demonstrates that human pride leads to downfall, but humility before God leads to restoration.
Daniel 5
In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar hosts a great feast and desecrates the holy vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem by using them to drink wine and praise idols. Suddenly, a mysterious hand writes words on the palace wall: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin. The terrified king calls for Daniel, who interprets the writing. Daniel explains that God has numbered Belshazzar’s days, weighed him in the balance and found him lacking, and decreed the division of his kingdom. That very night, the prophecy is fulfilled—Belshazzar is killed, and the kingdom of Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians. This chapter emphasizes the seriousness of dishonoring God and the certainty of His judgment against arrogance and sacrilege.
Daniel 6
In Daniel 6, under the reign of Darius, Daniel rises to a position of great influence, which stirs jealousy among the other officials. They conspire against him by convincing the king to issue a decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king for thirty days. Daniel remains faithful to God and continues to pray three times a day, leading to his arrest and punishment in the lions’ den. Despite his grief, Darius is bound by law and has Daniel cast among the lions, but God sends an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and Daniel is unharmed. The next morning, the king rejoices to see Daniel alive, while Daniel’s accusers and their families are thrown into the den and destroyed. The chapter concludes with Darius issuing a decree honoring the living God who rescues, delivers, and rules forever, proving that God’s protection extends even in the face of death.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Daniel comes from the Hebrew Dāniyyēl , which means “God is my Judge.”
Dan = “judge”
El = “God”The name reflects the central theme of the book: that no matter what earthly kings decree, the true Judge and Ruler is God Almighty.
Purpose of the Book:
The Book of Daniel was written to:
Encourage faithfulness among God’s people during exile by showing how God rules over kingdoms and delivers His servants.
Demonstrate God’s sovereignty over history, kings, and nations.
Point to the coming Kingdom of God through prophecies of the Messiah and end times.
It bridges history and prophecy, showing that God’s people can remain faithful under oppression, and that God’s kingdom will ultimately triumph over human kingdoms.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
Traditional View: The prophet Daniel himself wrote the book during the Babylonian and Persian exiles (6th century BC).
Biblical Support:
The book is written largely in the first person (e.g., Daniel 7:15, “I, Daniel, was troubled…”).
Ezekiel twice refers to Daniel as a real, righteous, and wise man (Ezekiel 14:14, 14:20; Ezekiel 28:3).
Jesus affirms Daniel as the prophet and author when He refers to the “abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet” (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14).
Historical Sources:
Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 10, Chapter 11) affirms Daniel’s authorship and influence in Babylon and Persia.
Early Jewish writings such as the Septuagint (LXX) and Dead Sea Scrolls include Daniel as part of Scripture, supporting its authenticity.
Critical Scholarship (alternate view): Some modern scholars argue Daniel was written later (2nd century BC, during the Maccabean revolt), citing the accuracy of prophecies as evidence of “history written as prophecy.” However, this view conflicts with early Jewish tradition and Jesus’ words.
Key People:
Daniel – The central prophet, known for wisdom, visions, and faithfulness to God.
Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), Azariah (Abednego) – Daniel’s friends who remained faithful and were delivered from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).
Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon, who experienced pride, humbling, and a remarkable acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
Belshazzar – Babylonian king who saw the “writing on the wall” before the fall of Babylon (Daniel 5).
Darius the Mede – King who reluctantly cast Daniel into the lions’ den, later honoring Daniel’s God (Daniel 6).
Gabriel – The angel who interprets visions and brings revelations (Daniel 8–9).
Michael the Archangel – Described as a protector of God’s people (Daniel 10, 12).
The Son of Man – A prophetic figure in Daniel 7:13–14, understood as a Messianic prophecy pointing to Christ.
Conclusion
The Book of Daniel presents God as the ultimate sovereign Judge who rules over human kingdoms and destinies. Through narratives of faith (Daniel and his friends) and apocalyptic visions (future kingdoms and the coming Messiah), Daniel teaches that:
God protects His faithful people even in exile.
Human prideful kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s kingdom is everlasting.
History is moving toward the triumph of the Kingdom of God through the Messiah.
It is both a book of encouragement for believers facing trials and a book of prophecy revealing God’s plan for the future.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Daniel 4
God’s character in Daniel 4 is revealed as sovereign, patient, and merciful. He gives King Nebuchadnezzar a warning through the dream and Daniel’s interpretation, showing His desire for repentance before judgment. Yet when the king’s pride leads to boasting, God humbles him to teach that He alone rules over all kingdoms. God does not destroy Nebuchadnezzar permanently but restores him once he acknowledges God’s authority, showing His grace to the repentant.
In this chapter, Nebuchadnezzar refers to God as the Most High (El Elyon), meaning the supreme God above all rulers and powers. This name highlights God’s unmatched authority and eternal reign. The lesson God teaches is that human power is temporary and fragile, but true greatness is found in humility and submission to Him. We are reminded that pride brings downfall, but honoring God with reverence brings restoration and blessing.
Daniel 5
In Daniel 5, God’s character is revealed as holy, just, and unchanging. He does not overlook sin, especially when Belshazzar profanes what has been consecrated to Him. While Nebuchadnezzar received mercy after repentance, Belshazzar receives swift judgment for mocking God and refusing to honor Him. This shows that God is not only patient but also righteous in bringing consequences when His holiness is disregarded.
No specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, but His character is displayed as the Righteous Judge who weighs human hearts. The lesson is that God will not allow His holiness to be mocked without consequence. For us today, it warns against taking lightly what belongs to God and challenges us to live with reverence and honor toward Him.
Daniel 6
God’s character in Daniel 6 is revealed as faithful, powerful, and protective. He honors Daniel’s steadfast devotion and responds by sending His angel to shut the mouths of the lions. God shows that His authority extends beyond human laws and that He is able to deliver His people even from certain death. Through His miraculous rescue, He demonstrates that He is the living God who acts on behalf of those who trust Him.
In this chapter, no specific Hebrew names of God are given, but His identity as the Living God is declared by King Darius. The lesson God teaches here is that loyalty to Him is worth any risk, and He is able to vindicate His servants in the face of opposition. For us, this encourages faithfulness in prayer, devotion, and obedience, knowing that God is both our protector and deliverer.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does God demonstrate His sovereignty over kings in Daniel 4–6?
What do these chapters reveal about God’s response to human pride versus humility?
How does God’s patience and mercy toward Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 show His desire for repentance?
In what ways do we see God’s justice displayed in Belshazzar’s downfall in Daniel 5?
How does God’s protection of Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6) highlight His faithfulness to those who trust Him?
Why is it important that God is called the Most High and the Living God in these chapters?
How do these stories collectively teach us that God’s character never changes, regardless of who is ruling on earth?
Questions About Themes:
How is the theme of pride and humility emphasized in Nebuchadnezzar’s story in Daniel 4?
What warning does Daniel 5 give about dishonoring what belongs to God?
How does Daniel 6 highlight the theme of faithfulness under pressure?
What role does God’s sovereignty play across all three chapters?
How does the contrast between earthly kingdoms (Babylon, Persia) and God’s eternal kingdom drive the message of these stories?
How does God’s ability to humble kings and exalt the faithful reinforce the central theme of His control over history?
What do these chapters teach about the cost and reward of standing firm in faith?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride, and how can Nebuchadnezzar’s story challenge you to walk in humility?
Belshazzar ignored God’s holiness and faced judgment—what does this teach us about honoring God with what He has entrusted to us?
How can Daniel’s commitment to prayer, even when threatened, inspire your own prayer life today?
What does it mean for you personally to acknowledge God as the Most High who rules over your life?
When facing trials or opposition for your faith, how can you remain steadfast like Daniel?
Where do you need to trust God’s deliverance, even when the situation seems impossible?
How do these stories encourage you to live with courage and conviction in a world that often pressures you to compromise your faith?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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