promised afore

Romans 1:2-3 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Which he had promised afore
by his prophets in the holy scriptures

Introduction to Covenants

In Paul’s introduction of Romans, he refers to that which had been promised afore, by the prophets, to the fathers with particular reference to David. Though this chapter ends in dealing with a certain aspect of David’s mention, the majority of this chapter will cover the various covenants made to and with the fathers, in behalf of the nation of Israel. Understanding of and scriptural distinction between these covenants are vital in grasping the argument idea of God justifying the circumcision ‘by faith’ and the uncircumcision ‘through faith’.

The covenants, that will be briefly, but concisely shown, are the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, the New Covenant and the Davidic Covenant. These covenants, contained in prophecies and scriptures, that relate one way or another to the Lord Jesus, are promises that could and should have been understood by the Jew in Jesus' time. The counter chapter, to this chapter, ‘kept secret’, are prophecies and scripture that were obscured to the Jew.

A little background must be laid before addressing the covenant made with Israel’s first father, Abraham.

Man’s Dominance in Creation

Adam and Eve

God created man with intent that man would have dominion over the earth.

Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth
subdue it
have dominion
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air
and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth

Man’s Dominance After the Flood

Noah

Around 1,600 years later, God put same responsibility upon Noah after the flood.

Genesis 9:1-2 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.

Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth
the fear of you
the dread of you
shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea
into your hand are they delivered

Notice how similar the instructions are to Noah, as was with Adam. Fear and dread was to fall upon the rest of God’s breathing creation; into the hands of man were they delivered.

A Man’s Prominence Before all Families of the Earth

Abrahamic Covenant

In Genesis 12, the LORD calls Abram to leave his country with promise of making him a great nation, along with all the families of the earth to be blessed. Included in these promises was land that would be inherited, by his seed, throughout their generations (Gen 13:15-17; 15:7, 18; 17:8; 24:7; 26:2-5; 28:4, 13-14; 35:11-12; 48:4; Ex 6:1-8; 13:5).

Let it be carefully noted that not only a great nation was to come forth from Abraham, along with all families of the earth to be blessed, but cursing was to fall upon those that would curse him.

As with Adam and Noah, a supremacy was put in place upon Abraham and his seed.

Genesis 12:1-3, 7 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

unto a land that I will shew thee
I will make of thee a great nation
I will bless them that bless thee
and curse him that curseth thee
in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed
Unto thy seed will I give this land

Genesis 15:18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

the LORD made a covenant with Abram
saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land

Abraham’s lineage progressed through his son Isaac, Isaac’s son Jacob and Jacob’s twelve sons, which landing this great nation in Egypt, waiting for deliverance by the hand of Moses.

One Nation’s Dominance Before all Nations

Mosaic Covenant

The continual formation of this great nation was based on promise made to the fathers and was the argument used to persuade Moses, in leading Israel out of bondage, for deliverance to this Promised Land.

Exodus 6:2-6 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob
I have also established my covenant with them
to give them the land of Canaan
I have remembered my covenant

The elevation that this great nation would have, among all nations upon entrance to this land, is seen in the covenant made with Israel upon entering the land. Her prominence is seen in the fact that she was to be a peculiar treasure and a kingdom of priests before the LORD above all people on earth.

Exodus 19:5-6 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people
for all the earth is mine
ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests
an holy nation

It is important to note the relationship that two separate covenants would have to each other. The one covenant, made with the fathers regarding a seed and land, and the other covenant, which would be made with that seed upon entering the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 7:6-12 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. 11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. 12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth
The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people
But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations
Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them
Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers

The Abrahamic Covenant covenanted a seed and land to that seed. The Mosaic Covenant covenanted for righteousness. The two must not be jumbled, for in so doing there will be confusion and contradiction! The contract God made with the children of Israel, through Moses, was that as long as the Israelites were obedient to the commandments, they agreed to keep (Exodus 19), they would prosper in the land covenanted to Abraham. Disobedience to these commandments, would lead to persecution and expulsion from the land. This is how a ‘by faith’ relationship worked from the beginning of creation! And make no mistake… the Abrahamic Covenant is yet to be fulfilled to the fathers!

Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

many shall come from the east and west
and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob
in the kingdom of heaven

Is there any other explanation that can be given for the survival of that small nation surrounded by a world that hates it? It has been said that one of the greatest evidences, of the existence of God, has been the survival of Israel to this point in history.

Israel’s Re-gathering

Trusting that the reader has some knowledge, of Israel’s history of dispersal, persecution and recognition as to once again being a nation today, leads us into the next covenant.

The New Covenant

Ezekiel 36:21-29 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. 22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. 23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.

For I will take you from among the heathen
and gather you out of all countries
and will bring you into your own land
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you
A new heart also will I give you
a new spirit will I put within you
I will put my spirit within you
cause you to walk in my statutes
ye shall keep my judgments
ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers
and ye shall be my people
and I will be your God

It is important that we clearly identify the various facets of this prophecy:

Israel will be delivered from among the heathen being gathered out from all countries
Israel will be brought back into their own land as covenanted to the fathers
Clean water, symbolizing a purification, will be sprinkled upon Israel
A new heart and a new spirit will be given Israel
God’s spirit (my spirit) will be put in them
Israel will be caused to walk in God’s statutes (my statutes)
Israel will keep God’s judgments (my judgments)
Israel will be God’s people (my people)
God will be Israel’s God (your God)

This package finds its climax after the return of Israel’s Messiah and Israel being once again established as a kingdom of priests.

The New Covenant is established at the return of Christ and not before then!

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

the days come, saith the LORD
that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah
this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD
I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts
and will be their God, and they shall be my people
they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD
for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD
for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more

This prophecy is referenced in the book of Hebrews with special notation, at the end, that is missed in most commentaries.

Hebrews 8:8-13 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord
I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old.
Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away

There is coming a time when all Israel will know the Lord and from the view point of the Jewish Christians, at the time of the writing of Hebrews, they were caught in transition from one covenant to the other covenant… 'now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away'. This point is critical in understanding what was taking place during the Acts period!

If there is any doubt as to whether this will ever come to past and that God is through with the nation of Israel, here are the words of the LORD, to Israel, that the church today ought to believe also!

Jeremiah 31:35-37 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: 36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. 37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar
If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever
Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD

Daniel’s Prophecies on Earth’s Kingdom Dominion

There is one other covenant, yet to be considered, that falls within the theme of dominion and ties directly to the gospel of God and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to prophecy.

The Davidic Kingship Covenant

Following is a remarkable passage for consideration. The prophet Nathan informs of the LORD’s intent to David, to establish the throne of his kingdom forever through David’s seed. It also references the Abrahamic Covenant, that covenanted for land, as well as the ins and outs of the Mosaic Covenant, that covenanted for righteousness, conditions for remaining in the land.

2 Samuel 7:10-16 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel
and will plant them
that they may dwell in a place of their own
and move no more
neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime
when thy days be fulfilled
and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers
I will set up thy seed after thee
which shall proceed out of thy bowels
and I will establish his kingdom
He shall build an house for my name
I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever
If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the children of men
But my mercy shall not depart away from him
thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee
thy throne shall be established for ever

As this final covenant is considered, this last passage clearly demonstrated the effects of two clearly defined separate covenants and how failure in living up to one doesn’t annul the other! This is a huge mistake made by many in trying to argue away any future existence, of the nation of Israel, as a physical ruling nation once again.

In fulfilling the covenant made to Abraham, God is going to remedy both the rebellion issue, as well as a dominance role in which we are now turning to. Discussed already, was as to how God was going to deal with the sin issue, when establishing the New Covenant with Israel.

Daniel’s Prophecies

For the most part, the book of Daniel concerns prophecy starting out with Israel’s history under Babylonian captivity when taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. The sole purpose for inclusion of following passages is to give biblical definition, from God’s perspective, of the domain in which God entrusted to man. There is no intent here to give detail explanation other than to call attention to the relationship between the God of heaven and the domain of man on earth. Between divorcing Israel (Northern ten tribes) and simply putting up with Judah (Southern two tribes), kingship didn’t simply dissolve, but came under dominion of varied prophesied earthly kingdoms.

Daniel 2:18-21 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

the God of heaven
the God of heaven
he changeth the times and the seasons
he removeth kings
and setteth up kings

Recall that God created man to have a ‘by faith’ relationship to the God that created and placed man on the earth with purpose to have dominion. As demonstrated in other chapters, the God of heaven reacted to man’s unbelief and disobedience. Up to this point, God has expelled man from the Garden of Eden, wiped out His creation with a flood and now chastising a nation that was supposed to be a holy nation and kingdom of priests unto all nations!

Kingdom of Heaven Versus Kingdom of God

Before looking at other passages in chapter 2, let’s call attention to much confusion over the usage of the terms ‘kingdom of heaven’ and ‘kingdom of God’, found in the 4 Gospels. Other than rejecting the KJB, as God’s authority for biblical interpretation and not rightly dividing the word of truth, not understanding the two aspects of God’s realm has created this confusion.

At least two spheres are realized in creation; the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1). God, is God of both and reacted to the rebellion within each. The expression ‘kingdom of God’, is an all-inclusive term including both spheres, whereas the expression ‘kingdom of heaven’, is reference to man’s domain in relationship to the kings God sets up and removes! The terms can and are used interchangeably, but when the expression ‘kingdom of heaven’ is used, in the gospel of Matthew, the KJB is putting particular emphasis on that day when that righteous King, from the prophesied lineage of David, rules in the domain of man… ‘Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven’.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
in earth
as it is in heaven

Thy kingdom come... Thy will (as it is in heaven) be done in earth... In other words, as the God of heaven removeth kings and setteth up kings according to His will, so be it in the establishment of the final earth kingdom!

The expression ‘kingdom of heaven’, is used 32 times in Matthew’s gospel, whereas ‘kingdom of God’, only 5 times. Here are the number of times both expressions are used in the four Gospels:

4 Gospels:

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Kingdom of heaven

Kingdom of God

Abramhamic Covenant A

Mosaic Covenant A

New Covenant A

Davidic Covenant A

Kingdom of Heaven A

Kingdom of God A

Using the term ‘kingdom of heaven’, in a gospel dedicated to presenting Christ as Israel’s Messiah, allows distinction to be made whereas distinction would be almost impossible, if just one or the other expression is used.

To further drive above point home and challenge the reader and student of the scriptures to think, consider the following. Jesus told Nicodemus, that except a man be born again, he cannot see or enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). Yet, in Matthew 25 and Revelations 20, nations are both entering and exiting the kingdom of heaven (Millennial reign of Christ) with obvious evidence of neither no rebirth or physical change, resulting from a 'rapture'? More on this under chapter titled, 'Gentiles'. Also, Jesus told the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God came without observation (Lk 17:20) and yet, in Matthew 24, warned of ‘all these things’ to come to pass before His return (Mt 24:16, 33).

Daniel’s Interpretations and Visions

Daniel is responding to interpreting a dream of Nebuchadnezzar regarding Nebuchadnezzar’s current role in man’s domain upon the earth; the kingdom of heaven. Driven home here is the fact that God has always destined and designated for somebody to be in charge even if rule was divided among numerous nations! We all pay taxes to some form of government… correct? Well, most everyone.

Notice exactly what is being conveyed in this dream Daniel is interpreting as to how rule over men, beasts and the fowls of the heaven, are included as in the original instructions given to both Adam and then Noah.

Daniel 2:37-39 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

Thou, O king, art a king of kings
for the God of heaven
hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory
And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven
hath he given into thine hand
hath made thee ruler over them all
And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee
and another third kingdom of brass
which shall bear rule over all the earth

There has always been a ‘kingdom of heaven’, in that the God of heaven has allowed either man or nations to rule on earth. A sequence of this rule was laid out in Daniel’s interpretation, including a prophesied last kingdom.

Daniel 2:44-45 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven
set up a kingdom
which shall never be destroyed
and the kingdom shall not be left to other people
but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms
and it shall stand for ever

Opportunity is given in this passage to give definition to the term ‘kingdom of heaven’, as declared by John the Baptist… “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:2).

KJB Definition: Kingdom of heaven – God’s appointed king set up on earth that will never be destroyed or left to other people.

Daniel interpreted several of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, as well as for Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson, Belshazzar. The following passages deal with and around Nebuchadnezzar’s and Belshazzar's experiences relating to those dreams. The intent here is in continuing to show God’s relationship and involvement in the domain in which man is allowed to rule. This will help set the stage for when pages are turned to Matthew’s gospel in beginning to lay out the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to prophecy, pointing back to David’s prophetic lineage.

Daniel 4:1-3 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

Nebuchadnezzar the king
unto all people, nations, and languages
that dwell in all the earth
How great are his signs!
and how mighty are his wonders!
his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom
his dominion is from generation to generation

Daniel 4:16-17 Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. 17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

to the intent that the living may know
that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men
and giveth it to whomsoever he will
and setteth up over it the basest of men

Daniel 4:24-25 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: 25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

till thou know that the most High ruleth
in the kingdom of men
and giveth it to whomsoever he will

Daniel 4:29-32 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. 30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power
there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee
until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men
and giveth it to whomsoever he will

Daniel 4:34-37 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: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven
I blessed the most High
whose dominion is an everlasting dominion
and his kingdom is from generation to generation
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing
and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth
the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me
and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven

Daniel 5:22-28 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; 23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: 24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. 25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this
But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven
God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it
Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians

Before continuing this line of thought and demonstration in the book of Daniel, here are a couple of comments. How many governments are run by men that the average man questions as to how they ever rose to such position… ‘and setteth up over it the basest of men (4:17)’? Perhaps we should pray more for those who are in authority, as Paul exhorts, then continually criticize, though criticism seems justifiable at times? The reasoning behind many governmental decisions today is madness that makes us yearn even more for a righteous King! Also, did you notice distinction given between the inhabitants of earth and army of heaven (4:35)? This gives illustration of the two realms that God is in charge of. Jesus expressed it well in Luke 10:21... In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth...

We can now define the term 'kingdom of God', used 55 times in the gospels and 15 times elsewhere in the NT. We will stick with terminology found in Daniel as he references God as the 'King of heaven, 'Most High' and 'Lord of heaven'.

KJB Definition: Kingdom of God – The Most High's (King and Lord of the heaven) authority over the heavens and earth.

The following passages, taken from visions of Daniel, again are selective for sole purpose in yet demonstrating God’s planned intervention in the domain of man, upon the earth, in preparing for that King from David’s linage.

Daniel 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

And there was given him dominion
and a kingdom
that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him
his dominion is an everlasting dominion
and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed

Daniel 7:21-27 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Until the Ancient of days came
judgment was given to the saints of the most High
the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom
The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth
which shall be diverse from all kingdoms
and shall devour the whole earth
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise
and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings
he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High
But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion
to consume and to destroy it unto the end
And the kingdom and dominion
and the greatness of the kingdom
under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High
whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom
and all dominions shall serve and obey him

The undeniable and indisputable emphasis of this kingdom, being under heaven and on earth, is seen throughout the book of Daniel!

Paul’s Romans’ Introduction According to Prophecy

Before closing this chapter with Paul’s introduction’s mention of David, in accordance to the Gospel of God, listed are the four (4) covenants prophesied and made on behalf of the Nation of Israel:

The Abrahamic Covenant covenanted for a seed and land.
The Mosaic Covenant covenanted for righteousness.
The New Covenant covenants for future righteousness.
The Davidic Covenant covenants for Kingship.

It didn’t take long for Israel to go astray after entering the promised land. After a period of time, in which Judges who kept rescuing the nation out of bondage and persecution from neighboring nations, Israel began to plead for a king.

1 Samuel 8:1-5 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together
And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways
now make us a king to judge us like all the nations

This led to the selection of Saul, as Israel’s first king, in spite of the warnings of what this king would bring.

Paul's Introduction of David

Made of the Seed of David

What I really want the reader to take away with understanding, in having read this chapter, is the distinctive foundation on which Paul starts off with, in the book of Romans, in tying the Lord Jesus Christ to David... " Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:" Romans 1:3-4

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord
which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness
by the resurrection from the dead

As ironic as these closing paragraphs may seem, due to shortness in contrast to the length dedicated in looking at prophesy from Israel’s perspective, they serve as a serious foundation for contrast. It would be impossible to move forward, in the book of Romans, without first establishing what Jesus’ linkage to David did look like, other than from the direction Paul was now going to take it.

We just focused on the dominion of man, upon this earth, and how the LORD sets up and removes kings at His will. Looked at was covenant promises, to the fathers and David, that had Israel anticipating the return of the kingdom under their Messiah’s rule. Though there was a stumbling block, created by the cross, prophesies verified Jesus’ death and resurrection and the Apostles ran with it, proving Jesus was now both Lord and Christ. Prophesied resurrection proved His kingly lineage to David!

In Romans, the distinctive counterpart, to the preaching of the Son of God according to prophecy, with tie to David, is the preaching of Jesus Christ according to mystery. Paul’s tie, of Jesus to David, starts with resurrection and there’s NO suggestion of kingly lineage! Paul mentions David three (3) times in Romans, all coming from a different angle than what was stressed in the gospels and early Acts period by the Apostles. The significance of David, as presented in Romans, is discussed in chapter titled, 'David'.

Regardless of which section, in the scriptures are read, always take into consideration the who, why, what, where and when of the context before seeking spiritual, practical and doctrinal application.