In the Old Testament, the reigns of four powerful kings – Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus the Great – stand out as significant symbols during the 70-year captivity of Israel in Babylon. Although each of these kings came from pagan backgrounds, all were ultimately used as instruments in the hands of God. Each king brings life to the struggle God’s people still face today. The enemy is in a full-frontal attack, but God teaches us how to survive and thrive with His masterful plan of redemption.

The Seduction of Pride

When Israel sinned by not allowing the land to rest every seven years as God had commanded, they were disciplined by captivity in Babylon. Israel had forsaken God’s command for 490 years and now must spend one year for each of their seventy transgressions. King Nebuchadnezzar was their first oppressor, and he continually struggled with pride. We have all struggled with pride a time or two, and Satan lies in wait to seduce us. When we are prideful, God must correct us, but if we look to Him for help, He restores us. 

The Stubbornness of Pride

Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, had plenty of evidence, but he didn’t learn anything from it. He knew what had happened in his family, yet he never applied it to his life. What’s the deal here? It’s the same thing that happens in the lives of many people. They know about God, but they don’t turn their ‘will’ toward Him.

The Deceit of Pride

The only way Satan can move us toward bondage is by getting us to believe his lies. We are most like him when we walk in pride. Insecurity is at the root of all pride and allows deception to slither in. King Darius was an insecure man because of his heritage. In a culture of shared power, he was a lowly Mede rather than a lofty Persian. If King Darius had not been so insecure and prideful, he would not have been deceived into thinking that he was on the same level as God.

The Reversal of Pride

In Isaiah 44:28, Daniel discovered the passage, “Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd …'” This verse was written 150 years before Cyrus was born. When Daniel revealed this verse, Cyrus recognized and believed God knew him personally and had a plan for his life. When Pride is reversed in you, God begins to work His purpose in your life.