The prophecy about and then descent into King Nebuchadnezzar’s mental chaos, as recorded in Daniel 4, provides timely insight into how disciples of Jesus Christ might approach the turbulent and uncomfortable election season in which we currently find ourselves. Consider the following:
Daniel 4 reveals a king consumed with a profound measure of pride. “Is this not great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” declares King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:30). It is because of this self-absorption that the Most High God confronts King Nebuchadnezzar, three times affirming that “the Most High rules the kingdoms of men and gives it to whom he will” (Dan. 4:17, 25, 32). And then, to underscore this eternal truth, God strikes the king with a mental disorder known as boanthropy, wherein the king, at least for a season, behaves like a bull living in the fields (do not overlook the irony that King Nebuchadnezzar’s primary focus of worship was a pagan deity named Marduk, commonly depicted as a bull). After seven years lost in this mental fog, King Nebuchadnezzar finally got his wits about him and “lifted [his] eyes to heaven” (Dan. 4:34), at which time God returned him to power and blessed him beyond measure.
Even a simple reading of this striking chapter offers three applications relevant for us Christ-followers in today’s political chaos. These applications can be summed up best in three rhythmic words: rely, request and respect.
We must rely on the fact that the Most High God is the one who raises up leaders and deposes them. As Christians living in the United States we have the tremendous privilege of casting a ballot. We must do this, and do this with as much attention to biblical values as we reasonably can. But when all is said and done it is not our ballot that establishes the president, or other leaders, but it is the providence of the Most High God. His word is crystal clear, and we must rely on it: the Most High rules the kingdoms of men and gives it to whom he will. Period. Nothing is accidental, or beyond God’s reach. Even should we not like the appointment God gives, we must believe God knows what he is doing. The Most High God rules the kingdoms of men and gives it to whom he will.
We must request of God in prayer that whomever is God’s choice as leader of our nation—whether it be Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump or someone else to be revealed—lift her or his eyes to Heaven. There is no reason we cannot pray that our next president would follow King Nebuchadnezzar’s lead and turn his or her eyes toward God. This is not a statement regarding the current spiritual status of either of the main candidates; rather, it is a statement of aspiration. Regardless of where each one stands today before God, may it be that as time unfolds each one would lift her or his eyes toward Heaven, humble herself or himself before God, and lean into God for the wisdom and strength to lead our land. As disciples of Jesus we ought to be the first ones to request this of God.
We must respect the one whom God chooses. Period. If we really rely on God’s Word, which tells us that the Most High is the one who establishes leaders and deposes them, then we must offer the utmost respect and honor to the one God raises up. King Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most brutal tyrants in human history. Daniel himself says of the king that whom “he would kill, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled” (Dan. 5:19). And yet, this tyrannical king received from Daniel genuine respect; so much so that when he heard of the prophetic dream that spoke to King Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall, Daniel’s natural response was to be dismayed and to desire that such a downfall be for King Nebuchadnezzar’s “enemies” (Dan. 4:19). If anyone had reason to despise a leader, it would be Daniel. Instead, he dignified him. Daniel respected the king.
And so must we respect our leaders. The vitriol and venom that is so common in our political season ought not be falling from the lips of Christ-followers. That is not to say we cannot honestly assess personalities and platforms and political parties. Even Daniel offered King Nebuchadnezzar a strong dose of reality (see Dan. 4:27), telling the king to “break off [his] sins by practicing righteousness.” But there is never a hint from Daniel of disrespect and there should not be from us. If respect and honor are to be prevalent in the midst of our tumultuous politics, let it begin with the house of God.
With the presidential election still six months away it is impossible to know if our new president will be Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, or, as some hope, another candidate yet to be determined. But what I do know is that we must rely on the fact that God will raise up him or her whom he determines, according to his own divine prerogative. We must request of God that he or she be one whose eyes readily turn toward Heaven. And we must respect the one of God’s choosing, giving “respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (Romans 13:7).
Ed . . . .
Thanks for your good and honest question. Where I must land when thinking about your particular question is simply with what the Scriptures tell us. Daniel 4 is unequivocal: “the Most High rules the kingdoms of men and give it to whom he will” (Dan. 4:17, 25, 32). When thinking about this even as it applies to King Nebuchadnezzar, who is the focal point of the history of Daniel 4, I am reminded that Nebuchadnezzar was in his own right a brutal, death-cultish tyrant who ranks up there with the Hitlers of the world. And yet, God makes it clear to Nebuchadnezzar that he is on the throne because of God’s providence. Moreover, the Apostle Paul underscores this thinking in Romans 13:1, saying, “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Both Old Testament and New Testament are congruent: God is the one who raises up rulers and deposes them.
That said, was it wrong to stop Hitler? Absolutely not. Actually, in Daniel 5, we see the prophet Daniel square off against one of Nebuchadnezzar’s descendants, a man named Belshazzar. Interestingly, it is the only time we see Daniel be “testy” in his dealings with these awful pagan monarchs—the idea being, perhaps, that compared to the others, Belshazzar’s brazen ways was just beyond evil. Daniel confronted him, scolded him, and spoke of his imminent death. To the extend, within that particular context, that Daniel sought to “stop” Belshazzar, I think the text is clear. Indeed, that very night Belshazzar was killed and Daniel actually elevated to greater prominence in the land.
Rest assured, I wrestle with the tensions that prompt your excellent questions. Ultimately, I have to rest on the Word of God which tells me in Daniel 4:35, “all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and God does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?'”
I hope this helps. Thank you again for asking!
Do you believe that God “raised up” Hitler or chose him to rule? If so was it wrong to stop him? Thanks in advance to your response. I’m trying to understand this theology.
Thank you, Dave.
Thank you for this Biblical insight, perspective, and charge.
Amen! Thank you, Julie!
I rest in the knowledge that He does indeed raise up kings and He deposes them. Whatever comes, He remains on the throne and is sovereign over the affairs of men. Can’t tell you how many times I have reminded myself of this very thing in the past few weeks.
Thank you so much, Kathy!
Thank you, my friend!
Words of wisdom from God’s unchanging Word! Thanks.
Great reminder/advice! Thank you.