Sovereignty of God

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings– Daniel 2:20-21

God is sovereign, ruling over all creation. He is not only sovereign in his authority; he is sovereign over all wisdom (knowledge) and might (power).

Power belongs to God and wisdom belongs to God. No one has either unless God grants it to them. The great comfort that Daniel draws from this truth is this: it is God who changes the times and seasons on earth, and it is God who removes and sets up kings according to his pleasure.

We are often tempted to think inaccurately about these world events. We begin to think that the seasons change out of habit, because they have done so for thousands of years. However, this is not so. Because power and wisdom belong to God, even the changing of each season is a result of his active participation and guiding.

We might also, especially in democratic societies, begin to think that rulers are set up or brought down by popular vote, or effective fundraising. But, as Daniel reminds himself, God is the one who casts the deciding vote for or against any ruler. He may allow ungodly rulers into power in order to fulfill his own purposes (as he did in the days of Habakkuk), but he is still good and he is still sovereign.

The sovereignty of God leads Daniel to this exclamation of praise: blessed be the name of God for ever and ever. He is worthy of praise because he owns all wisdom and power, and he is forever worthy of praise because he will always be sovereign.