The Sovereign
Daniel 1:1-3
The book of Daniel begins by speaking of two kings and the historical situation in which they come into conflict. King Nebuchadnezzar rules over Babylon, a vast Empire covering much of what we now think of as The Middle East. This Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar’s leadership had recently defeated Egypt when thoughts of conquest turned toward the southern Israelite kingdom of Judah and other nations located near Israel.
Jehoiakim rules over Judah, as an Egyptian puppet, as Egypt had recently gained control of Palestine. This is one reason why Nebuchadnezzar chooses to conquer Judah. Jehoiakim dies just before the Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and carry away articles from the temple, along with other valuables and the forced relocation of people of nobility.
As verse 1 summarizes the reality of the conquering Babylonians, careful readers will realize that the book of Daniel is a book about power. This verse seems to insinuate that Babylon has all the power. Then verse 2 immediately announces who directs the destinies of both kings. It is the Lord who delivers Jehoiakim and all of Judah into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. The strength of Babylon was not the reason that Judah fell. Rather Judah fell through the will and action of the sovereign God.[1] Since Israel holds a special place in God’s redemptive plan as the covenant people and they broke the covenant through rebellion, God holds them to the curses due according to their breaking of the covenant. This leads to exile.
Yet, God is in control! This is the central theme of the book of Daniel. As Daniel, his companions, and the other people from Judah enter into exile, they find the truth that God is in control. The major concern of this book is to show that the sovereignty of God overrules the power of any human.[2] God truly is the King of kings and Lord of lords!
When considering the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the first 6 chapters of this prophetic book, God’s divine guidance and protection is evident. In seeking to understand the prophetic visions in chapters 7-12 of the book of Daniel, God’s sovereign direction over the nations becomes evident. As the people of Israel face exile, God remains, guiding and providing Israel with comfort amidst distress. God remains even when the covenant people deserve exile. God remains even when the powers of this world seek to overcome God’s community.
Like Daniel and his companions, we need to discover the truth: God is in control. We need to rest in God’s sovereignty. Too often we lean too heavily on the powers of this world, powers that are corrupt because of sinful choices. Instead, we need to rely on God. Too often we think following the crowd will get us ahead. Yet, we fall further behind. Instead, we need to follow God, trusting in His plan and direction for our lives. Too often we put our trust in other powers such as money and socially defined versions of success. Instead, we need to find success through God and His guidance in our lives.
Trust in God! Lean on God’s promises! Discover God’s sovereignty in your life and allow God to direct your paths!
Prayer: Loving God, you are Lord of all. You love and care for your creation and each part of the creation. You love and care for all people, seeking to draw them into your sovereign plan. You offer each of us opportunity to lean on you and trust in your direction. Please help me to acknowledge your sovereignty in my life. Draw all peoples into your loving embrace. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen!
[1]
Tremper Longman III, The NIV Application Commentary: Daniel. (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1999), 46.
[2]
Ibid.
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