By Joseph Ametepe
"The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men" (Daniel 4:17b).
This scripture is a good reminder for believers. It reminds us that God is in control of the nations. He is in charge. The upheavals in the nations today, especially in the Middle East countries, have not taken God by surprise. He is calmly and confidently in charge of the destiny of the nations. And He will bring history to an end exactly as He has predicted in His Holy Word! Praise be to His glorious name!
The name "Most High" is 'Alyah' in Aramaic. It refers to the Supreme God, the Highest One. It occurs nine times in the Book of Daniel (Dan. 3:26; 4:2, 17, 24, 25, 34; 5:18, 21; 7:25). Also the word "ruler" is "shalliyt." It is also an Aramaic word meaning powerful, having power over something, or the power to do anything.
The Bible is simply saying here that the One who controls the nations of the world is the Highest One, who has power to do anything. He has power to rule the nations. He has power to bestow it on whomever He wishes. He has power to direct the course of history. And He has power to bring human history to an end at His appointed time. Indeed, God has power over all. This should cause believers in Jesus Christ to trust God firmly and fully. Why? No matter what is happening in the world today, God is on His throne. God is reigning supreme. God is on top of things. He hasn't lost control. May we allow the Holy Spirit to express this confident conviction in our God that others who are fearful and frightened of the future may be drawn to Him!