Examples of Man’s Exalting Himself Above God

Mankind’s mandate to take dominion is only legitimate “under God.” The reign of Nebuchadnezzar is a type of the reign of Man exalting himself above God . His dominion was given by God. He exalted himself in disobedience. When he was restored by God’s grace, he exalted the God of Heaven.

Belshazzar’s reign is a type of the reign of the Flesh. He obtained his kingdom as a result of death. He desecrated the holy vessels. He worshipped the gods of gold, of silver and of precious stones. His judgment is pronounced thus: “MENÊ’- God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it”. Numbering indicates a soon end. God forbad the numbering of his people except they bring a ransom for their souls, (Exod. 30:12-14). Every soul that was numbered was under “mortgage” to God. That is, they were under oath, or sworn, and must be redeemed or ransomed from death. Therefore, the numbering meant that it was appointed or destined to die.

“TEKEL- Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” The weighing indicated the payment of a price. Flesh and blood have no value great enough to satisfy a sin debt. The price weighed was not enough.

“PERES- Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians – .” A divided kingdom cannot stand. Therefore the kingdom of the Flesh, (usurped by satan), cannot be established because it wars against the Spirit, causing the schism which brings its own downfall.

Therefore, the nation of “Kings and Priests unto God and his Father” is a kingdom under God, united in the Spirit, overcoming the Flesh.