After decades of observing feckless congressional representatives and arrogant executive branch leaders, I think it’s time to implement required reading for aspiring politicians. These requirements might include the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers, and the Bible, especially Daniel 4:28-37.
These verses from Daniel serve as a warning to the powerful and prosperous about the dangers of pride and ruin. King Nebuchadnezzar II was the ruler of the Babylonian Empire from 605 to 562 B.C. Known for his military prowess, history records him as one of the greatest Babylonian kings thanks to his geographical conquests and elaborate building projects. But like many powerful figures, Nebuchadnezzar had a pride problem.
At the beginning of Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar describes a frightening dream which no advisor but Daniel could interpret. Initially confounded by the dream, Daniel eventually explained its meaning to the king through God’s divine revelation. Nebuchadnezzar was highly exalting himself, so the Lord would take Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom and allow him to live as a feral man amongst the animals for seven years until he looked to Heaven to acknowledge God’s supremacy. Daniel exhorted the king, “Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed,” advising that repentance might move the Lord to grant Nebuchadnezzar an extension of his prosperity.
Nebuchadnezzar unwisely disregarded Daniel’s urgings to repent. Instead, 12 months later, he was walking on the roof of his royal palace, congratulating himself on his considerable accomplishments. He took credit for his enormous success, proclaiming that his own glory, power, and majesty reigned supreme.
Prophecy fulfilled. For the next seven years, the once great Nebuchadnezzar grazed with the beasts of the field, acting like a madman rather than a rich, powerful ruler.
There is nothing new under the sun, so we should not be surprised when the politicians, kings and rulers of this world incessantly proclaim their greatness to us little people. In a 2025 Tonight Show interview with Jimmy Fallon, everyone’s favorite global villain, Bill Gates, declared we’re on track for artificial intelligence (AI) to eventually rule the world. Yep, seems we serfs have a small window of valuable time left before we’re replaced. When Fallon asked if humans would be needed for much of anything, Gates responded, “Not for most things – we’ll decide.”
I highly doubt his “we” includes you or me.
In the latest episode of “President Trump horrifies his base,” Trump posted a controversial AI rendering of himself looking messianic and healing a man. It was lambasted by many Christians who regularly support the president. After his vulgar Easter post, what looked like Trump comparing himself to Christ was beyond excuse. His staff obviously informed him of the backlash, so he removed the post, offering a ridiculous excuse that it was a picture of him portraying a doctor seeking to heal America. Regardless, the image was completely lacking in humility.
These are just a few examples of the arrogance we often encounter from our elected leaders and self-proclaimed global decision-makers.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” early 20th-century philosopher George Santayana once said. It seems very few U.S. politicians have read the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, for our congressional representatives are quick to self-congratulate and tout political victories without mentioning God, while presidential administrations are full of empty promises and inconsistent concern for the common man. Humility is deficient, hubris is overflowing.
We learn in Daniel 4:34 that after seven years, Nebuchadnezzar finally looked to Heaven and the Lord restored his sanity. Then the king praised God, honored Him, and glorified Him for His goodness. He worshipped God, proclaiming, “His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing….”
What can we glean from this? There are no self-made men or women. Intellect, athleticism, wisdom, strength and wealth – all are God-given so that no one should boast. We would do well to remember that and so would world leaders. They like to play fast and loose with money that doesn’t belong to them. They trivially offer to send precious lives into harm’s way for profit (looking at you, Sen. Lindsey Graham). If they possessed any wisdom, they would seek the God of heaven and earth and determine if they are truly honoring Him or are about to be put out to pasture.
Kristin Landers is a substitute teacher and freelance writer. Landers’ previous work includes serving as Communications Director for the Alabama Policy Institute and working for Citizens Against a Legalized Lottery (CALL) to defeat legalized gambling in the state of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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