How does Daniel 5:18 connect with Romans 13:1 on God's authority? Setting the Stage Daniel 5 drops us into Belshazzar’s feast, where the writing on the wall warns that a kingdom’s days are numbered. In the middle of Daniel’s interpretation, verse 18 anchors the entire scene in God’s ultimate rule: “O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty, greatness, glory, and honor.” The Key Point in Daniel 5:18 • Authority comes from above, not from human prowess. • Nebuchadnezzar’s “sovereignty” was a gift (“God gave”), underscoring that even pagan kings sit on thrones by divine appointment. • By implication, Belshazzar is accountable to the same God who granted his predecessor’s power. A Parallel Truth in Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” • Paul states universally what Daniel illustrates historically. • The “appointed” (Gk. tasso) matches Daniel’s “gave,” spotlighting one Author behind every throne. Tracing the Line of Authority • Daniel 2:21—“He removes kings and establishes them.” • Psalm 75:6-7—“He brings one down, He exalts another.” • Proverbs 8:15-16—“By Me kings reign.” • John 19:11—Jesus to Pilate: “You would have no authority over Me unless it were given you from above.” These passages weave one seamless doctrine: God delegates, sustains, and can revoke earthly authority at will. Why These Two Verses Fit Together 1. Historical Example (Daniel 5:18) + Doctrinal Statement (Romans 13:1) = Comprehensive view of God’s sovereignty over rulers. 2. Both highlight responsibility: Nebuchadnezzar prospered when he acknowledged God (Daniel 4:34-37); Belshazzar perished when he mocked Him (Daniel 5:22-31). Romans 13 will later warn, “Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad” (v. 3). 3. The connection shows consistency across covenants: from Babylonian courts to first-century Rome, God’s authority pattern never shifts. Implications for Today • Respect and submission to governing authorities stem first from recognizing God’s hand behind them (1 Peter 2:13-14). • Prayer for leaders aligns with acknowledging their divine appointment (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • When human commands clash with God’s, the higher authority prevails (Acts 5:29), yet Daniel models respectful dissent even under pagan rule. • Hope rests not in the stability of earthly governments but in the unchanging King who “rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17). |
    |