What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Daniel 7:5? Setting the scene “ ‘And behold, another beast, which was like a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And it was told, “Arise, devour much flesh.” ’ ” (Daniel 7:5) Unpacking the imagery • A powerful bear—picture unmistakable strength and ferocity. • Raised up on one side—imbalance that hints at God-ordained dominance of one part over another. • Three ribs in its mouth—evidence of past conquests already accomplished under divine permission. • Commanded to “Arise, devour”—the beast’s advance is not random; it moves only after it is “told.” Seeing God’s sovereignty • God initiates the vision; Daniel is merely the observer (Daniel 7:2). • The beast’s every detail—appearance, posture, prey—is revealed, limited, and directed by heaven. • Kingdoms rise only when the Lord decrees: “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). • Even destructive powers cannot operate apart from divine command, echoing Proverbs 21:1 and Revelation 13:5-7. Connecting the dots 1. Supreme Controller—Psalm 103:19 affirms, “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” Daniel 7:5 illustrates that rule in real-time history. 2. Boundaries on evil—Though told to “devour,” the beast is still on a leash; it moves only as far as God allows (Job 1:12). 3. Predictive precision—Centuries before the empire represented by the bear emerged, God detailed its exploits, underscoring Isaiah 46:9-10: “I declare the end from the beginning.” 4. Purpose in judgment—The command to devastate is part of a larger redemptive plan that culminates in the eternal kingdom of the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14). Living it out • Trust: The same God who set limits on the bear sets limits on today’s turbulent powers. • Perspective: World events, however chaotic, unfold under the watchful eye of the Ancient of Days. • Confidence: Because history is scripted by God, we can serve faithfully, knowing His kingdom will prevail. |
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