The book of Daniel provides key insights into how we can be assured of God’s eternal dominion that shall have no end. This article will examine relevant passages in Daniel to demonstrate the biblical basis for God’s everlasting rule and sovereignty.
God’s Kingdom is Eternal and Cannot Be Destroyed
In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a great statue made of different materials, representing human kingdoms that would rise and fall. But a rock cut out without human hands struck the statue and broke it to pieces, while the rock became a great mountain filling the whole earth (Daniel 2:31-35). Daniel interprets this dream, explaining that the rock represents God’s eternal kingdom which shall never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). The succeeding kingdoms of this world are transitory, but God’s kingdom endures forever.
Later in Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a great tree being cut down, representing his own downfall for his arrogance. The stump being left means his kingdom will be restored after he learns that “Heaven rules” (Daniel 4:26). Again we see God exercising His supreme sovereignty over earthly realms. Nebuchadnezzar ultimately acknowledges God’s dominion, declaring “His kingdom endures from generation to generation” (Daniel 4:34).
God’s Servants Have Eternal Dominion
In Daniel 7, Daniel himself has a vision of four beastly kingdoms contrasts with the Ancient of Days on his flaming throne. The fourth beast is judged and destroyed, while dominion and kingdom are given to “one like a son of man” (Daniel 7:13-14). This points to Christ receiving all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). As His servants, believers in Christ share in His eternal dominion.
This truth is seen in the experience of Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They courageously refuse to worship false gods, declaring their confidence that God will deliver them, while also saying “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…But if not…we will not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17-18). Their faith proves warranted as God manifests His power to deliver them from the furnace. Consequently, King Nebuchadnezzar decrees that no one shall speak against their God, acknowledging Him as the Most High who “does according to His will” (Daniel 3:29; 4:35).
God’s Kingdom Triumphs Over Opposition
Another demonstration of God’s enduring dominion despite opposition is seen in Daniel 6. When jealous officials trick King Darius into signing an edict against prayer, Daniel continues praying to God daily. He is then thrown into the lions’ den as punishment. Yet God shuts the lions’ mouths, protecting Daniel who had trusted in Him (Daniel 6:16, 22). The next morning, King Darius exclaims Daniel’s God is the living and enduring God whose kingdom will never be destroyed (Daniel 6:26). Though enemies tried to destroy Daniel for his faith, God demonstrated His sovereign power to deliver and establish Daniel.
This affirms what Daniel proclaimed to Belshazzar – despite his pride and desecration of the temple vessels, he was weighed and found wanting, because God had numbered his kingdom and brought it to an end (Daniel 5:26-28). Even the most powerful earthly kingdoms cannot thwart God’s purposes and plans. Rather, Scripture says of Christ that “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25).
Final Judgment and God’s Eternal Kingdom
Daniel 7 provides a culminating vision of Christ’s eternal dominion. The prophet sees thrones placed in heaven and the Ancient of Days taking His seat for judgment over the blasphemous horn (Daniel 7:9-10, 26). Then one like the Son of Man is presented before Him and given everlasting dominion. His kingdom will never pass away or be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14, 27). Daniel thus sees beyond the rise and fall of earthly powers to the ultimate establishment of God’s eternal kingdom through Christ’s final triumph.
The book concludes with an angel telling Daniel of a time of great tribulation, followed by deliverance for God’s people and resurrection to eternal life or shame (Daniel 12:1-3). While evil powers may seem to prevail for a season, God promises to shatter them in the end. And He assures believers that those who are wise and lead many to righteousness shall shine in God’s eternal kingdom (Daniel 12:3).
Trusting God’s Plan Despite Present Circumstances
A key theme in Daniel is that God’s people must trust in His sovereign and eternal plan, even when present circumstances seem bleak. When Daniel’s friends faced death for not worshiping idols, they clung to their faith in God’s ability to deliver them, whether miraculously or not (Daniel 3:16-18). When Daniel himself faced lions for continuing to pray to Yahweh, he trusted God over human edicts (Daniel 6:10). And when Daniel studied Jeremiah’s prophecy about Judah’s 70 year exile, he responded with repentance, knowing God keeps His promises (Daniel 9:2-19).
Likewise, believers today may endure various trials due to their faith. God calls us to trust His sovereign control over history and nations, knowing He sets up and deposes kings (Daniel 2:21). No earthly power can thwart God’s plans. Even in seasons of difficulty, we can confidently obey God, pray persistently, and walk uprightly – knowing our eternal citizenship is in God’s forever kingdom. Our light momentary troubles are achieving an eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). God’s kingdom shall surely endure forever, while all rivals will eventually be judged.
In summary, the book of Daniel provides a panorama of human history from God’s perspective. Earthly kingdoms will come and go, but ultimately “The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Daniel 4:32). God’s kingdom shall stand forever, and “those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky” in that eternal kingdom (Daniel 12:3). As Daniel and his friends modeled, we can trust and obey God despite circumstances, knowing His purposes will be fulfilled and His dominion endures forever.
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