What does Daniel 5:18 teach about humility before God's given authority? Setting the Scene • Belshazzar throws a lavish feast using the sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 5:1–4). • In the midst of revelry, a mysterious hand writes on the wall, terrifying the king (5:5–6). • Daniel is summoned to interpret the writing; before doing so, he recounts how God dealt with Belshazzar’s predecessor (5:17–21). Daniel 5:18 “O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and honor.” Key Observations on Authority • Authority is not self-generated; it is a gift: “the Most High God gave.” • God grants not only position (“sovereignty”) but also the public esteem that accompanies it (“greatness and glory and honor”). • By addressing Belshazzar through Daniel, God reminds every ruler—and every hearer—that authority is always on loan. Humility: The Missing Ingredient • Nebuchadnezzar learned humility only after being stripped of his throne (Daniel 4:28-37). • Belshazzar ignores that lesson, treating holy things as party props (5:22-23). • Pride blinds us to the borrowed nature of our status, resources, and influence. • Humility begins when we see every platform—family, workplace, church, government—as a stewardship from God, not a personal entitlement. Lessons for Today • Recognize the Source: Whatever authority you hold—parental, vocational, civic—exists because God allows it. • Resist Entitlement: The higher the platform, the greater the temptation to forget its Giver. • Reflect God’s Character: Authority exercised with humility points others to the true King. • Remember Accountability: Just as handwriting confronted Belshazzar, God will one day call every leader to account (Hebrews 4:13). Supporting Scriptures • Romans 13:1—“There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:5—“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” • Proverbs 3:34—“He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.” • Luke 14:11—“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
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