Ruler of the Nations

O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down (Daniel 5:18-19).

There was a time when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon stood as the most powerful man on earth. His power was so great that the fear of him fell upon the world. Life and death, promotion and demotion, all rested in the palm of his hand. Yet for all the splendor of his throne, there was a danger lurking: pride. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t consider that behind behind the throne of Babylon stood a greater Throne, given to him by the Most High God.

Blinded by pride he believed the kingdom was his by right, that his glory was his own doing. And because of his arrogance, God brought him low…so low that the man who once ruled nations crawled in fields, eating grass like cattle, until he learned what all kings must learn: God rules over the kingdoms of men.

But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses (Daniel 5:20-21).

God Has Not Changed

God still rules in the kingdom of men. What He did in the days of Babylon is echoed through every age and every empire — even today. God does not change. His sovereignty has not weakened. Presidents, prime ministers, kings, and parliaments may rise and fall, but they rise and fall at His command. Though they flex their power, it is God who sits enthroned above the circle of the earth.

When leaders grow arrogant, when nations exalt themselves above God, He humbles them. History has proven it again and again: mighty empires reduced to rubble, once-glorious kingdoms fading into dust. Pride has always been the downfall of nations, and it still is today.

A Warning to the Nations

Our modern world mirrors Babylon more than we’d like to admit. Nations boast of power, technology, and wealth, as if human achievement were the ultimate authority. Leaders act as though they answer to no one. But Daniel 5 reminds us this is not so.

This is a warning. No nation is too strong to fall. No ruler is beyond God’s reach. The same God who humbled Nebuchadnezzar still humbles the proud today. Nations that forget this place themselves in dangerous territory.

And here is where the lesson must hit home for us: it is not enough to repair the surface while ignoring the heart. A nation may fix its economy, reform its schools, and stabilize its politics, but if hearts remain unchanged, if people continue to depend on governments instead of God, then we have learned nothing. Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration only came after repentance. He lifted his eyes to heaven and confessed that God alone rules. Without repentance, any “success” a nation achieves is only a temporary patch over a deeper spiritual wound, and as history has shown, if not healed, that nation will never make it.

Our Response

So how should we live in light of this?

For those who follow Christ, Daniel 5 is an anchor in turbulent times. We do not place our hope in earthly governments. We do not despair when the headlines grow dark. Our God is not wringing His hands — our God sits on His throne. And one day, all kingdoms will bow before Him and declare Him Lord of All.

• Pray for our leaders. Power and authority are a stewardship, not a possession. Pray for all leaders to learn humility, whatever it takes.

• Pursue repentance. True change begins not with governments but with hearts fully turning back to the one true God. Make this a priority in your life.

• Trust in Christ. This is not our home but we have a job to do while here. Keep the right perspective: Governments may fail us, but His kingdom is unshakable. Trust the Word of God.

So do not fear. As we watch the world stage unfold, may we echo the confession Nebuchadnezzar himself learned in his humbling:

“The Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.”

Enjoy this short song: Ruler of the Nations

God Bless You Today,

Carole