Which other scriptures highlight God's authority in raising and lowering leaders? Psalm 75:7 — The Starting Point “but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.” God is never a passive observer of human affairs. He alone decides who rises and who falls, and He does so according to His perfect wisdom and justice. Old Testament Echoes of the Same Theme • Daniel 2:20-21 — “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” ‑ Daniel praises God for overturning and installing world rulers at will. • Daniel 4:17 — “so that the living may know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.” ‑ Even proud Nebuchadnezzar had to bow to this truth. • 1 Samuel 2:6-8 — “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up… He raises the poor from the dust… and seats them among princes.” ‑ Hannah’s song celebrates God’s power to rearrange status and authority. • Job 12:23-25 — “He makes nations great and destroys them; He enlarges nations, then disperses them.” ‑ Job attributes geopolitical shifts directly to God’s hand. • Proverbs 8:15-16 — “By Me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; by Me princes rule, and all nobles who govern righteously.” ‑ Wisdom personified underlines that every legitimate decision-maker operates by divine enablement. • Isaiah 40:23 — “He brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth meaningless.” ‑ No earthly power can withstand His verdict. • Jeremiah 27:5 — “I made the earth… and I give it to whomever I please.” ‑ God owns the planet and its thrones. • 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 — “You are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from You, and You are ruler over all.” ‑ David hands the crown’s credit back to its true Source. Snapshots from Israel’s Story • Saul: chosen, then rejected when he defied the Lord (1 Samuel 9–15). • David: raised from shepherd to king because God “sought a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). • Nebuchadnezzar: humbled for seven years until he acknowledged God’s rule (Daniel 4:28-37). • Cyrus: named by God long before birth to release Israel (Isaiah 44:28 – 45:1). History repeatedly verifies Psalm 75:7. New Testament Confirmation • Romans 13:1 — “There is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” ‑ Paul roots civic submission in God’s appointing power. • Acts 17:26 — “He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” ‑ Paul tells the Athenians that every nation’s lifespan is on God’s calendar. • Luke 1:52 — “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.” ‑ Mary’s song mirrors Hannah’s centuries earlier. • John 19:11 — “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above.” ‑ Jesus reminds Pilate that even Roman authority is on loan from God. • 1 Peter 2:13-14 — Earthly governors exist “for the Lord’s sake,” underscoring their delegated status. Living in the Light of God’s Sovereignty • Confidence: No political upheaval catches God off guard; He is actively directing outcomes. • Humility: Human leaders hold temporary, borrowed authority and remain accountable to the One who lent it. • Obedience: Because God stands behind legitimate authority, believers honor offices even when office-holders fail. • Prayerfulness: Knowing God installs and removes rulers fuels earnest intercession for wisdom, justice, and righteous governance. |
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