How does Daniel 5:28 illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers? Scripture Focus “PERES: Your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:28) Setting the Scene • Babylon’s King Belshazzar hosts a profane feast, using vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 5:1–4). • A mysterious hand writes on the wall; Daniel interprets the message (vv. 5–17, 24–28). • Within hours, Babylon falls to the Medo-Persian coalition (vv. 30–31). Key Observations from Daniel 5:28 • “Your kingdom has been divided” – God declares not simply defeat, but an irreversible partition. • “Given over” – Babylon’s transfer is God-initiated; the Medes and Persians are instruments, not accidental conquerors. • Immediate fulfillment – History records the city taken that very night, underscoring God’s precise timing (cf. Isaiah 46:10). How the Verse Showcases Divine Sovereignty 1. God determines the lifespan of empires. • Daniel 2:21: “He removes kings and establishes them.” • Psalm 75:6–7: “Exaltation comes… God is the Judge; He brings one down and exalts another.” 2. God judges arrogant rulers. • Belshazzar’s blasphemy meets swift retribution (Daniel 5:23). • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction.” 3. God uses pagan nations to accomplish His purposes. • Isaiah 45:1 calls Cyrus “His anointed,” even before his birth. • Romans 13:1 affirms: “There is no authority except from God.” 4. God’s word is certain and literal. • The inscription’s fulfillment validates prophetic precision (cf. Numbers 23:19). Tracing the Thread in Daniel • Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2) and madness (Daniel 4) taught the same lesson: “The Most High rules the kingdom of men” (4:17). • Belshazzar knew these accounts yet ignored them (5:22), proving God’s justice when He ends his reign. Implications for Believers Today • Nations rise and fall, but God’s kingdom endures (Daniel 2:44). • Confidence: current events never slip from the Lord’s control. • Humility: power, position, and prosperity are temporary gifts from God. • Faithfulness: when earthly systems shift, allegiance to God’s unshakeable kingdom remains our anchor (Hebrews 12:28). Summary Daniel 5:28 is a vivid snapshot of God’s absolute rule: He evaluates rulers, sets their limits, and reallocates authority at will. Earthly thrones change hands, but the throne in heaven never does. |
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