The Lord removes kings and raises up kings

We have heard all the time of the suspension of the kings of those times, and not only of those times, but also this is happening at present.

As we can see, we no longer call them kings, but we use another title: president. Even so, the word king is still used in some nations. The truth is that throughout history, men have always placed themselves under the authority of leaders. Some have ruled with justice, others with cruelty, but all of them have had in common the same reality: they are human beings who depend entirely on the sovereignty of God.

If we begin to read the Word of God, we will find countless kings who ruled in ancient times. Among them were men who walked according to the will of the Lord, and others whose evil deeds brought destruction upon their people. These kings controlled nations, commanded armies, and often gave death to anyone who opposed their conquests.

Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and by marriage he allied himself with Ahab.

2 Chronicles 18:1

This verse introduces us to one of the most striking episodes involving two kings: Jehoshaphat and Ahab. Ahab, king of Israel, was a man who repeatedly deviated from the ways of the Lord. The Scriptures tell us that he was deceived by a lying spirit that was allowed to speak through false prophets. These false prophets encouraged him to go to war, assuring him of victory, when in reality God had not given him such approval.

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, accompanied Ahab, but being a man with a more noble heart, he immediately sensed that something was not right. Although dozens of prophets proclaimed success, Jehoshaphat understood that none of them were truly speaking from God. Therefore, he asked if there was still a true prophet in the kingdom through whom the Lord could speak with clarity.

Ahab reluctantly admitted that there was indeed one prophet—Micaiah—but confessed that he disliked him because he “never prophesied anything good” about him. Yet Jehoshaphat insisted that they bring the prophet before them. Micaiah, faithful to the truth, spoke exactly as the Lord had revealed, and not according to what the king wished to hear. This scene teaches us that true authority is not in numbers nor in flattering voices, but in the word that comes from God.

We can say with confidence that all the kings of the earth are placed by God. Their power is not the result of their abilities, social status, or acquired knowledge. It is God who allows rulers to rise, and it is God who also removes them. The Bible is clear about this: “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21). No throne exists apart from His sovereign will.

However, throughout history—and even in our present day—many rulers believe that their position is the result of their own greatness. They boast of their popularity, intelligence, strength, or influence. They make decisions as though they were untouchable, forgetting that their authority is temporary and conditional. They do not understand that there is a higher power above them and that one day they will give an account to the One who sits on the eternal throne.

Today there are presidents, ministers, and leaders who believe that their political strategies or their wealth are enough to sustain their reign. They imagine that no one can remove them. But they are mistaken. The same God who in ancient times established kings like David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Josiah, is the same God who today governs the course of nations. And the same God who humbled Nebuchadnezzar, who allowed Ahab to fall in battle, and who judged the proud kings of Israel and Judah, can also humble any ruler of this present world.

Therefore, when we look at current events, we must remember this eternal truth: no president, no government, no authority stands by itself. God governs the rise and fall of nations. He uses earthly rulers for His divine purposes, even when we do not fully understand those purposes.

Let us not be afraid of what happens in the political world. Let us instead place our trust in the Lord, who reigns forever and whose kingdom has no end. And let us pray for our leaders, that they may recognize the hand of God, walk with humility, and seek righteousness. For blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.