What other scriptures emphasize God's role in appointing leaders? The anchor verse: Isaiah 22:23—God drives the peg “I will drive him like a peg into a firm place, and he will become a throne of honor for the house of his father.” • Eliakim’s promotion is not luck or politics; it is the LORD fastening a chosen servant into leadership. • The image of a firmly-driven peg sets the pattern: when God appoints, the position is secure until He decides otherwise. God raises and removes—Daniel’s testimony • “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” (Daniel 2:21) • “…that the living may know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes.” (Daniel 4:17) • “…the Most High God is ruler over the kingdom of men and sets over it whom He wishes.” (Daniel 5:21) Daniel’s repeated refrain: every throne on earth sits under the higher throne of heaven. Universal principle—New Testament clarity • “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) • “Jesus answered, ‘You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above…’” (John 19:11) • “From one man He made every nation… He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” (Acts 17:26) Earthly leaders—whether Pilate or modern officials—hold delegated authority. Wisdom literature echoes the theme • “By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; by me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.” (Proverbs 8:15-16) • “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.” (Psalm 75:6-7) Prophetic confirmations • “This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed…” (Isaiah 45:1) – God names a pagan king decades before birth. • “By My great power… I give it to whomever I see fit. Now I have placed all these lands into the hand of My servant Nebuchadnezzar.” (Jeremiah 27:5-6) – Even conquering emperors serve divine purpose. Historical snapshots • 1 Samuel 16:1, 13 – The LORD tells Samuel to anoint David; “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” • 1 Chronicles 28:4 – David recounts, “the LORD… chose me… and chose Solomon my son to sit on the throne.” God’s hand is visible in every dynasty shift recorded in Scripture. Living under God-appointed authorities • Leadership placement—whether Eliakim’s peg or today’s officials—is an act of divine sovereignty. • Because appointments are His, respect, prayer, and discernment (1 Timothy 2:1-2) are always fitting responses. |
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