How does Daniel 3:9 connect with Romans 13:1 on submitting to authority? Setting the Scene in Babylon “ They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, ‘O king, may you live forever!’ ” (Daniel 3:9) • The Chaldeans’ opening words reveal an instinctive acknowledgment of the monarch’s God-given position. • Their salutation echoes the common Near-Eastern formula for honoring rulers, underlining that civil authority is real, public, and to be respected. • Yet, in the very same conversation they will exploit that authority to attack God’s faithful servants. Paul’s Universal Principle “ Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) • Paul affirms that every earthly ruler—pagan, Jewish, or Christian—ultimately receives power from God. • Submission, therefore, is a spiritual duty, not merely a civic convenience. • The verse speaks in sweeping terms: “everyone,” “no authority except,” “appointed by God.” Shared Ground Between the Two Passages 1. Recognition of God-ordained authority • Daniel 3:9: even pagan advisors frame their speech within the king’s rightful status. • Romans 13:1: Paul roots that status in God’s sovereign appointment. 2. Expectation of respectful address • Daniel’s contemporaries demonstrate outward respect (3:9). • Believers are instructed to show “honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). 3. An underlying theological foundation • Both scenes assume that God stands behind the throne, whether Babylonian or Roman (cf. Proverbs 21:1). Where the Narratives Diverge—and Teach Us • Daniel 3 quickly moves from polite words (v. 9) to a command to worship an idol (vv. 4-6). • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse (vv. 16-18), illustrating that submission is never absolute when it contradicts God’s explicit law (Exodus 20:3-5). • Acts 5:29 preserves the same principle: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Thus Romans 13:1 is balanced by the biblical precedent for civil disobedience when obedience would entail sin. Practical Implications for Believers Today • Hold a settled attitude of respect toward governing officials—speak appropriately, pay taxes, pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Recognize God’s providence in the structure of government, even when leaders do not acknowledge Him. • Draw the line where commands contradict Scripture; if compelled to sin, respectfully refuse while accepting any consequences (Daniel 3:18; 1 Peter 4:16). • Maintain integrity: submission is not flattery for personal gain, as the Chaldeans attempted, but sincere obedience to God. • Keep hope anchored in God’s ultimate authority; kingdoms rise and fall, yet “His dominion is an everlasting dominion” (Daniel 4:34). |
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