>Self proclaimed
Each and Every Leader of Government
As Daniel 5 concludes, this mighty city of Babylon, which was thought to be impenetrable, falls to a new ruler (5:30–31). But Daniel ensures that his readers know that it is the hand of Yahweh who initiates this change, as seen in the literal appearance of the hand of the Lord (5:24–28).
In this day, when kings were defeated, their hands were cut off as a symbol of utter defeat: the fallen king could no longer wield his scepter. Yahweh ensures that the rulers of Babylon know that He has not been defeated; His hand was still active, so much so that His hand determined Belshazzar’s end and Darius’ beginning (5:30–31). In the very words of Daniel: “the most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and…He sets over it whomever He wishes” (Dan. 5:21).
God’s sovereignty encompasses all the leaders of government, no matter how righteous or evil.