How does Daniel 5:19 connect with Romans 13:1 on authority? Setting the Two Verses Side by Side “Because of the greatness that He gave him, all peoples and nations and languages trembled in fear before him. Whomever he wished he killed, and whomever he wished he kept alive. Whomever he wished he raised up, and whomever he wished he humbled.” “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” God as the Ultimate Source of Authority • Both verses explicitly trace rulership back to God. • Daniel 5:19 shows Nebuchadnezzar’s sweeping power “because of the greatness that He gave him” — authority is a divine gift. • Romans 13:1 makes the principle universal: “there is no authority except from God.” Human Rulers Are Delegated, Not Autonomous • Nebuchadnezzar’s might was real, yet entirely derivative. • Paul echoes that truth for every ruler, whether emperor, president, mayor, or judge. • Other confirming texts: – John 19:11 — Jesus to Pilate: “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above.” – Proverbs 8:15 — “By Me kings reign and rulers enact just laws.” God’s Sovereignty Over Promotion and Removal • Daniel records how Nebuchadnezzar could “raise up” or “humble,” but only until the Most High decided to humble him (Daniel 4:31-37). • Romans implies the same: the God who institutes authorities also reserves the right to depose them (cf. Psalm 75:6-7). Implications for Daily Life • Respect for government is, at its root, respect for God’s ordering of society. • Submission never requires endorsing sin (Acts 5:29), yet the baseline posture is honor and obedience. • Prayer for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) flows naturally from recognizing their God-given role. Encouragement from the Connection • In Daniel, God worked through a pagan king to accomplish His purposes; in Romans, God sets the pattern for every age. • Even flawed authorities are under God’s hand, reassuring believers that no human power outranks the Almighty who appoints and judges all rulers. |
    |