PRINCIPALITIES AND NATIONS IN PROPHESY

The word, principality has several implications, explained as follows;

1. A specific Power

Different powers of God are also referred to as principalities. For example, the principality of God is peace. Jesus is the prince of peace. It refers to a character with a functionality. The powers of darkness are indeed, also principalities, against which we fight(Eph 6:11.) These were the same principalities expressed as beast in Daniel 7 and 8. Watch how in DanieL 11, the same principalities are referred to as Kings. This is because Kings are the final authority of all principality, they wield the scepter of power, so to say.

2. A territory, Spiritual of physical.

Territories are occupied places of rulers of this world, physical and spiritual. This is irrespective of the stature. For example, while the United Nations Organisation has its territorial influence over all member countries, the individual member countries have their own individual territorial integrity, and within them are provinces, districts, and other local authorities, down to individual members of the community, who rightfully have their own form of integrity as human beings, and their rights as individuals.

Principalities present themselves in prophesies and dreams in various forms, as witnessed by Daniel, John in his revelation, among other prophets. The most common of these forms is that of beasts. It is interesting that even God appears flanked by the same kind of beastly representations as would be the case of Ezekiels vision(chapter 1). The devil is at a point in prophesy also represented as having once been a Cherubim in the garden of God.

The rise and fall of principalities is by the appointment of God, as all power cannot be, unless by Him. God is a God of order, and just because this age is under the rulers of darkness of this world, it is by no means lacking in structure and order, and clear accountability. That is why there is a judgement set for its own day, with God as the ultimate judge, even above all the rulers. For this reason, it is important to understand the times and seasons, and to know the principles set by God, by which even the rulers of this age are bound. This is all hidden in the word of God and understanding only comes from digesting knowledge previously deposited. Sometimes we get entrapped by snares of the devil by simple things like disobedience, which costs nothing other that self, something that should be dead in all Christians anyway. Look at such things as gain instead of as working for salvation. We are to be presented as gold before God and any impurities in the contents are removed by fire. This is one of the functions of a season of war.