Day 13 - He Is Over Our Heads!
- Pastor b.Side
- May 12
- 3 min read
“You, O king, [are] a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory…” - Daniel 2:37
World history demonstrates that there have been exceptionally powerful and influential men and women. It confirms that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Ancient Babylon, was one of those figures. He reigned for 43 years, the longest tenure of any king in the Babylonian Empire, one of the most powerful empires in world history. Yet, despite Nebuchadnezzar's great power, history reveals that he was still just a man. He had weaknesses, flaws, and fears. One of those fears is documented in scripture and was instigated by the God Most High.
“You, O king…”
The context of Daniel 2:37 presents the prophet Daniel addressing Nebuchadnezzar as he prepared to interpret a disturbing dream the king was experiencing. Before describing and interpreting the dream, Daniel, the Jewish exile and prophet, acknowledged that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was an exceptional ruler. He held tremendous authority, unmatched by any ruler up to that time. He governed the Babylonian Empire with great power, earning the respect of everyone in his kingdom and instilling fear throughout the rest of the world. He was indeed a king above all others known in world history up to that point.
“For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom…”
However, Daniel made it clear that Nebuchadnezzar’s power did not come from himself. Nebuchadnezzar held authority over a kingdom because the God of heaven and earth bestowed it upon him. God’s kingdom is greater. Despite all the power that Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar possessed, God was the source of their strength, making the God of Israel far superior! Without the supremacy of God’s kingdom, there would not have been a Babylonian Empire for Nebuchadnezzar to rule. If it were not for the God of heaven…
“Power, strength, and glory…”
God granted Nebuchadnezzar his power, strength, and glory. His physical and mental abilities were a result of God’s will. The honor he held among his people stemmed from God as well. God demonstrated this through the dream He placed in the king’s mind. The scriptures record that the king’s spirit was deeply disturbed by this dream, preventing him from sleeping or resting. God not only had authority over the material concerns of Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom, but He also had the power to weaken and torment the king through dreams during his sleep! It wasn’t until the prophet Daniel came with the Word of God that Nebuchadnezzar's mind was put at ease, leading him to fall at Daniel's feet to honor God. The king of the world at that time was humbled and brought to his knees to acknowledge the supremacy of the God of Israel. Who but God is able to transcend human authority to this degree?
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, we see testimonies like this in scripture and should be humbled in awe by Your power and authority! You are truly the God Most High! Help us to remember that You are always seated high above all rulers and authority figures in this world so that we have the boldness and courage to serve Your purposes in this world like Daniel did, no matter what. Thank You for exercising Your glory to encourage and equip us as Your servants rather than destroying us for our sinful nature. We thank You and desire to honor You as the KING of kings in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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