Divine Sovereignty and Human Kings: Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Cyrus in Biblical Prophecy

What do an Egyptian Pharaoh, a Babylonian king, and a Persian emperor have in common? How did these powerful rulers play crucial roles in fulfilling God’s divine plans? Explore how their stories reveal God’s sovereignty and unfolding of His divine will.

When I go to YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, or any other social media platform, I tend to see the same thing: corrupt politicians spouting lies to the people they report to represent. Wolves in sheep’s clothing, in the form of Pastors and teachers within the faith (Christianity), moving the flock to heretical and blasphemous teachings. Entertainers giving the masses directions to a more “abundant life,” all the while their lives are in shambles. I see these things and wonder, “Why does God allow them a massive platform? Why does he give them so much when they are obviously evil?”

The answer: Sometimes, God will raise a person, group, or even a nation to show his Glory.

With this premise, I will explore three Kings of the Old Testament: Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Cyrus. In each instance, the Bible is clear that God raised them for a purpose, even though they were not His. Let’s begin with Pharaoh.

Pharaoh

The story of Pharaoh in the Book of Exodus powerfully illustrates how God can raise up an individual to demonstrate His own power and reveal that individual’s character. The narrative centers around the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a process that involves a series of confrontations between Moses, God’s chosen leader, and Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.

The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart

From the beginning, God makes it clear that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart to achieve His purposes. This is stated in Exodus 4:21:

“And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go” (KJV).

The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is mentioned multiple times throughout the story, signifying that his resistance is part of God’s plan to showcase His power and glory.

The Ten Plagues

To compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, God sends ten plagues upon Egypt. Each plague not only brings suffering to the Egyptians but also serves as a sign of God’s supreme power over the elements and the Egyptian gods. The plagues are:

Water turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-24)
Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15)
Lice (Exodus 8:16-19)
Flies (Exodus 8:20-32)
Livestock pestilence (Exodus 9:1-7)
Boils (Exodus 9:8-12)
Hail (Exodus 9:13-35)
Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20)
Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29)
Death of the firstborn (Exodus 11:1-12:30)

Pharaoh’s heart grows harder with each plague, demonstrating his stubbornness and refusal to submit to God’s will. His reactions reveal his character—prideful, unyielding, and defiant against divine authority.

God’s Declaration of Purpose

God’s intentions are clearly articulated in Exodus 9:16:

“And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth” (KJV).

God created a stage to display His might to the Egyptians, Israelites, and the world by raising Pharaoh to a position of great power.

The Exodus and Pharaoh’s Downfall

The climax of Pharaoh’s story comes with the final plague, the death of the firstborn, which finally breaks Pharaoh’s resistance. He allows the Israelites to leave Egypt but soon changes his mind and pursues them. This leads to the dramatic parting of the Red Sea, where the Israelites cross on dry ground and the Egyptian army is drowned (Exodus 14:21-31).

Pharaoh’s downfall is complete, and the narrative is a profound testament to God’s sovereignty. It also is a cautionary tale about the perils of pride and obstinacy in the face of divine will.

Pharaoh’s story is a vivid example of how God can elevate an individual to demonstrate His power and reveal their character. Through Pharaoh’s resistance and eventual downfall, God’s supremacy is made evident, and His name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

References

The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 4:21.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 7:14-24.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 8:1-15.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 8:16-19.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 8:20-32.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 9:1-7.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 9:8-12.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 9:13-35.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 10:1-20.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 10:21-29.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 11:1-12:30.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Exodus 14:21-31.

Nebuchadnezzar

The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel is another profound example of how God can elevate an individual to a position of great power to reveal their character and to demonstrate His sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, is a central figure in the first four chapters of Daniel, where his interactions with God and the prophet Daniel provide deep insights into divine authority and human pride.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Rise to Power

Nebuchadnezzar’s reign is marked by significant achievements and the expansion of the Babylonian Empire. God allows Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Jerusalem and bring many Israelites, including Daniel and his friends, into exile in Babylon. This sets the stage for a series of events revealing Nebuchadnezzar’s character and God’s supremacy.

The Dream of the Great Statue

In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream of a colossal statue made of various materials: gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay. None of his wise men can interpret the dream, but Daniel, through divine revelation, explains its meaning. The statue represents successive kingdoms, starting with Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, symbolized by the head of gold. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar,

“Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, strength, and glory” (Daniel 2:37, KJV).

This dream emphasizes that God grants Nebuchadnezzar’s power, foreshadowing earthly kingdoms’ transient nature.

The Fiery Furnace

In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar builds a massive golden image and commands everyone to worship it. Daniel’s friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refuse to comply and are thrown into a fiery furnace. God miraculously saves them, and Nebuchadnezzar witnesses this divine intervention. He praises their God, saying,

“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him” (Daniel 3:28, KJV).

This event demonstrates God’s protection over His faithful followers and reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s recognition of God’s power, although his full understanding of God’s sovereignty is still developing.

The Dream of the Great Tree

Daniel 4 recounts another significant dream of Nebuchadnezzar, this time of a great tree that provides shelter and sustenance to all creatures but is cut down at the command of a holy watcher. Daniel interprets this dream as a warning to Nebuchadnezzar: his greatness and kingdom are given by God, but because of his pride, he will be humbled and live like an animal until he acknowledges God’s sovereignty. Daniel advises the king to repent and show mercy to avoid this fate:

“Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity” (Daniel 4:27, KJV).

Nebuchadnezzar’s Humbling and Restoration

Despite the warning, Nebuchadnezzar’s pride leads to his downfall. A year later, as he boasts about his accomplishments, a voice from heaven announces the fulfillment of the dream. He loses his sanity and lives like an animal for seven years. After this period, Nebuchadnezzar’s reason returns, and he praises and honors God:

“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation” (Daniel 4:34, KJV).

This transformation highlights God’s ability to humble the proud and shows Nebuchadnezzar’s ultimate recognition of God’s eternal sovereignty.

Nebuchadnezzar’s story in the Book of Daniel vividly illustrates how God can elevate individuals to demonstrate His power and to reveal their character. Through dreams, miraculous events, and personal humbling, God reveals His sovereignty and leads Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge His ultimate authority. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the dangers of pride and the importance of recognizing God’s dominion over all earthly powers.

References

The Holy Bible, King James Version. Daniel 2.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Daniel 3.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Daniel 4.

Cyrus

The story of Cyrus the Great, the king of Persia, is a remarkable example of how God can raise an individual to power for His divine purposes. Cyrus is mentioned in the books of Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezra, where his role in the history of Israel is highlighted as part of God’s plan to restore His people.

Isaiah’s Prophecy

Long before Cyrus was born, the prophet Isaiah prophesied about him, calling him by name and outlining his future role. In Isaiah 44:28, it is written:

“That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid” (KJV).

Isaiah continues in 45:1-3, where God speaks directly about Cyrus:

“Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel” (KJV).

These prophecies emphasize that Cyrus’s rise to power is divinely orchestrated and will play a pivotal role in God’s plan for Israel.

Cyrus’s Conquest and Decree

Cyrus’s conquest of Babylon in 539 B.C. marked a significant turning point. According to historical records and biblical accounts, Cyrus captured Babylon without a battle, and soon after, he issued a decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This decree is recorded in Ezra 1:1-4:

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem” (KJV).

Significance of Cyrus’s Actions

Cyrus’s actions had profound implications for the Jewish people and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy:

Restoration of Jerusalem: Cyrus’s decree allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy of a 70-year exile (Jeremiah 29:10). This return led to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the second temple, as described in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Recognition of God’s Sovereignty: Cyrus’s acknowledgment of the Lord God of heaven in his decree demonstrates that God can use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes and bring about His plans. It underscores the theme of God’s sovereignty over all nations and kings.
Role as God’s Anointed: Isaiah’s reference to Cyrus as God’s anointed (“Messiah”) in Isaiah 45:1 is significant because it shows that God’s anointing is not limited to the people of Israel but extends to those He chooses to fulfill His purposes, regardless of their nationality or religion.

Historical and Theological Impact

Cyrus’s story is not only historically significant but also theologically rich. It illustrates several key themes:

Divine Providence: Cyrus’s rise and decree reflect God’s providential control over history. God orchestrates events and uses individuals to fulfill His divine plan.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The accurate fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, made over a century before Cyrus’s birth, provides a powerful testimony to the reliability of God’s word and the prophetic tradition.
God’s Universal Sovereignty: Cyrus’s role as a Persian king who facilitates the restoration of Israel highlights God’s universal sovereignty. It shows that God’s purposes are not confined to one nation but encompass the whole world.

The story of Cyrus the Great is a remarkable example of how God raises individuals to power to fulfill His purposes. Through Cyrus, God demonstrates His sovereignty, fulfills His promises, and ensures the restoration of His people. Cyrus’s actions prophesied long before his birth, serve as a testament to God’s providential care and the fulfillment of His divine plan.

References

The Holy Bible, King James Version. Isaiah 44:28.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Isaiah 45:1-3.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Ezra 1:1-4.
The Holy Bible, King James Version. Jeremiah 29:10.

Putting it all together

As we reflect on the stories of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Cyrus, we see a common thread of divine sovereignty interwoven through their lives and actions. Despite their initial opposition to God’s people, these rulers were elevated to positions of immense power to fulfill specific purposes within God’s greater plan.

Pharaoh’s hardened heart and subsequent downfall through the Ten Plagues showcased God’s supreme power and His unwavering commitment to liberate the Israelites. Nebuchadnezzar’s journey from prideful ruler to humbled believer demonstrated the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty, as seen through his miraculous humbling and restoration. Finally, Cyrus’s rise to power and his decree to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem highlighted God’s ability to use even foreign kings to accomplish His divine will and fulfill prophecies.

In each case, God used these kings to reveal His glory, teach profound lessons, and advance His divine purposes, reminding us that even those who appear to be against God’s ways are ultimately under His control. As we look at our contemporary world filled with corrupt leaders and false prophets, we can take solace in the fact that God’s sovereignty is unchanging. He remains at work, often in ways we might not immediately understand, using even the seemingly powerful and wayward for His greater glory and purpose.