Made you look… but I got your attention. 😊

Authority, even among the nations, is ultimately governed by God. Proverbs 21:1 says that the king’s heart is like a river. God can turn it at His will.

That doesn’t mean every kingdom is righteous. God’s sovereignty over a ruler does not mean approval. The Bible tells us that David, Nebuchadnezzar, and Pharaoh all committed great evil.

King David — Man of God

In 2 Samuel 11, David coveted his friend’s wife, Bathsheba. Lust, adultery, deception, and murder followed. David thought his sins had gone undetected. That is, until God sent Nathan the Prophet to expose them. David repented with great humility, ultimately writing Psalm 51, one of the most moving passages in the Old Testament.

Nebuchadnezzar — God’s Man

In the book of Daniel, we read that Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon when the Israelites were taken into captivity. His encounters with Daniel gave him a healthy respect for the God of Israel. Still, he credited himself with Babylon’s glory. In Daniel 4, God struck him with madness, and he wandered like a wild animal for seven seasons. Ultimately, he humbled himself, praising and honoring God as ruler of all.

Humility? Are we seeing a pattern?

Pharaoh — God’s Vessel

Pharaoh ruled Egypt, while the Israelites lived as slaves. In Romans 9:17-22, Paul explains that Pharaoh was raised up as a vessel to show God’s power. Yet, each time Moses demonstrated that power, Pharaoh hardened his heart and resisted God. Had Pharaoh humbled himself and released the Israelites, God might have spared Egypt further trouble.  

David, Nebuchadnezzar, and Pharaoh: three imperfect leaders with great power. Only two found mercy.

The question isn’t merely, “Is God using this leader?” but “Is this leader willing to humble himself before God?”