What is the meaning of Daniel 5:19? Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him • Daniel reminds Belshazzar that Nebuchadnezzar’s stature was not self-made; “the Most High God gave him sovereignty, greatness, glory, and honor” (Daniel 5:18; cf. Daniel 2:37-38; Jeremiah 27:6). • Every earthly throne is delegated authority (Romans 13:1); when God “bestows” greatness, He retains the right to remove it (Daniel 4:25-32). • This truth grounds history in the sovereignty of God, not in human skill or chance (Psalm 75:6-7). The people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him • Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon stretched from Egypt to Persia, embracing countless ethnicities and tongues (Daniel 3:4). • The phrase recalls the awe Israel’s God intends for Himself among all peoples (Psalm 96:7-10), showing that even pagan rule can foreshadow His universal dominion (Revelation 11:15). • Their trembling illustrates the reach—and limits—of human power: outward submission can never change the heart as only the Lord can (Isaiah 45:22-23; Philippians 2:10-11). He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished • Absolute monarchs held life-and-death power (Daniel 2:12-13; Jeremiah 52:10-11). Nebuchadnezzar’s word determined survival or execution (Daniel 3:29). • Scripture records specific moments of his lethal authority to underscore how fragile human life is under earthly rulers—and how secure it is under God’s care (Deuteronomy 32:39; Matthew 10:28-31). • Belshazzar needed the sober reminder that the God who once permitted such sweeping power would soon weigh his own life in the balances (Daniel 5:26-30). He exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished • The king promoted Daniel (Daniel 2:48), then the three Hebrews (Daniel 3:30), demonstrating his capacity to elevate. • He also “humbled” others—sometimes cruelly—until God humbled him, proving that the Lord alone “raises up and brings down” (Daniel 4:37; 1 Samuel 2:7-8). • Human promotions and demotions are temporary; 1 Peter 5:6 calls believers to wait for the “proper time” when God’s exaltation is permanent. summary Daniel 5:19 testifies that the Most High grants earthly authority, allows it vast scope, and yet holds every ruler accountable. Nebuchadnezzar’s towering power—bestowed, feared, lethal, and selective—reveals both the reach of God’s providence and the vanity of human pride. The verse warns successors like Belshazzar, and us, to honor the One who gives greatness, governs nations, directs destinies, and finally exalts the humble. |
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