At the intersection of religion and politics is influence. Specifically, can the righteous influence unrighteous leaders? Of course, there are all kinds of religious interest groups attempting to influence policy one way or the other. But what about individual influence?

At the time of this posting, the United States is a largely Christian nation founded on Judeo-Christian principles – a nation “under God”. There is a sitting Vice President in Mike Pence who openly professes his faith and belief in Jesus Christ and who most would describe as spiritual and even pious.

Yet, he works for and serves at the pleasure of a President in Donald Trump that has had, to be generous, a “checkered past”. He is unapologetic, prideful and a notorious womanizer. Many Christians openly object to him based on their own moral principals, accurately pointing to behavior that is difficult if not impossible to justify spiritually.

Only God can know the heart of individuals. He is the ultimate arbiter of anyone’s righteousness or unrighteousness before Him. Yet, from the outside looking in, the Trump-Pence spiritual dynamic does seem at odds. Does Scripture reveal any similar dynamics involving the righteous influence of unrighteous leaders/rulers/kings?

how Scripture answers "Can the righteous influence unrighteous leaders?"

an answer short on commentary and long on Scripture as footnoted1 | please contribute with your comment at the bottom

Scripture documents several instances of the righteous influence of unrighteous leaders1,2,3,4,5,6,7. In most cases, we don’t know of the personal influence they may have had on the leader1,3,4,5,6,7 but we are told of the policy influence1,2,3,4,5,6. In at least one case, we can see the influence and effect they had on the leader personally2.

In all cases, we confidently know though Scripture’s testimony of the righteousness of the influencer. God was at work1,2,3,5 through the pure hearts of Joseph, Daniel, Ezra, Esther, Nehemiah and Paul.

Conversely, we don’t know the spiritual condition and state of those they influenced. Did they turn their hearts in the end? We don’t know, and like today, we won’t know until that Day. But, it’s not implausible to think that the great Nebuchadnezzar himself awaits us in heaven2. Wouldn’t that be something?

the answer above is based on and footnoted with the following passages and their BSF application


And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, Bow the knee! Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.

The Egyptian Pharaoh installed Joseph as his right hand and gave him power and authority in Egypt second only to himself.

Joseph has gone from slave, to prisoner, to second in Egypt.  He was recognized by Pharaoh for interpreting two dreams (with God’s help) that foretold a great famine in the land.  Joseph’s appointment included setting policy and making provision for the famine that would allow the rest of his household to find solace and prosper in the land.  This lasted until “there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8)
How does it inform?

The security and prosperity of God’s people was directly tied to Joseph’s time in office and his influence. When a new king arose that didn’t know Joseph, the people were enslaved.

Does it apply? Yes


Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. The king answered and said to Daniel, Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery. Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.

King Nebuchadnezzar honored Daniel and acknowledged his God as the God of all gods and ruler of kings.  He gave him gifts and made him ruler over the province and put in charge over all the wise men.  Daniel was also to appoint his three friends into positions over the province, while Daniel remained in king Nebuchadnezzar’s court.

With God’s help, Daniel is able to interpret a dream of Nebuchadnezzar’s that nobody else was able to interpret. It was of an image made of different alloys that each represented kingdoms, starting with Nebuchadnezzar’s and ending with a kingdom that God will establish, lasting forever (vs 44).

How does it inform?

Daniel (and his friends) position in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom was influential. We don’t have specific record of policies or reforms, but given the public stand this ‘group of four’ has made at other times (chap 1 – not eating the kings diet, chap 2 – his friends not bowing down to the image Nebuchadnezzar had erected) it would be more than reasonable to assume they used their influence to move the nation toward God.

Does it apply? Yes



Darius set 120 satraps over the kingdom and over them three presidents including Daniel.  Over time, Daniel distinguished himself about all presidents and satraps so that the king planned to set him over the entire kingdom.

The Babylonian empire has been overthrown by the Medo-Persian empire as is remarkably chronicled in the immediately preceding verses (chapter 5).  Daniel apparently was not active in the court of Nebuchadnezzar’s son and had been somewhat forgotten (5:13).  Nevertheless, Daniel is again viewed as an essential asset with the new Persian regime.

How does it inform?

Whether this Darius is another name for Cyrus, king of Persia or if he was himself a co-regent for the area with/under Cyrus (and Darius in vs 1 isn’t the same as “the king” in vs 3) is unclear. What is clear is that Daniel was given immense authority in the Persian empire just as he had in the Babylonian empire under Nebuchadnezzar.

Does it apply? Yes



The king gave Haman’s position to Mordecai, sealed with his signet ring.  And Queen Esther set Mordecai [her uncle] over Haman’s house/possessions.

Xerxes (aka Ahasuerus) is king in Persia and he has taken Esther as queen.  Haman had been installed as his ‘right-hand’ (
Esther 3:1-2
How does it inform?

About fifty years and four kings after Daniel served king Cyrus, Esther and her uncle Mordecai find themselves with power and influence in king Xerxes kingdom.  In fact, not only do they expose a plot to have all the Jews in the land exterminated, they instituted a national holiday with an edict from the king (Esther 9:29-32).

Does it apply? Yes



Ezra was a scribe in Babylonia.  He was skilled in the law of Moses and the king showed him favor, granting whatever he asked because God was with him.

Probably around 458BC.  Ezra is a Jewish exile in Persia and Artaxerxes I is on the throne.  We don’t know any official position Ezra held in his government, but the king was obviously familiar with Ezra and Ezra had influence over the king.  Ezra asked to return to Jerusalem and the king granted his request and sent him with provisions, security and a letter from the king.

How does it inform?

We don’t know Ezra’s position in the government, but we see the great influence he had with the king and the authority bestowed on him once he arrived in Jerusalem (Ezra 7:21).  Furthermore, we see Ezra attributing God’s working in all of this (Ezra 7:27-28).

Does it apply? Yes


Now I was cupbearer to the king.

[Nehemiah] was the king’s cupbearer.

Probably around 444-445 BC and Artaxerxes I is on the throne.  Nehemiah prays to God and uses his position and favor with the king to petition for his return to Jerusalem.  His petition is granted and the king provides a letter sealed by the king.  Nehemiah will be the 3rd group of exiles to return to Jerusalem.

How does it inform?

Nehemiah’s previous position in the Persian government and the influence he garnered while there is pivotal in his success in facing down political opposition in Jerusalem and leading civic (rebuilding the wall), social and religious reform.

Does it apply? Yes



Felix and his Jewish wife Drusilla sent for Paul to hear him speak about faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control and the coming judgement.  Felix was alarmed by the message and sent him away but continued to meet with him as he had other motives of getting a bribe from him.

Paul has been arrested upon a return trip to Jerusalem and is being held by the Roman governor, Felix.

How does it inform?

This isn’t quite the same as situations we see in governments preceding Rome. Paul has no state position or title, quite the opposite. However, he does have access and opportunity for influence over the authority for the region at that time. Also unlike the Old Testament examples, we are not told if Paul efforts were effective over the two years (vs 27) at either a personal change in Felix or at any policy matters.

Does it apply? Somewhat

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If you know of some other verses or you have something to add to the verses already listed for this question please leave a comment below! We welcome the public discussion and will incorporate your input into the Framework above. We have nothing to hide and invite your help in considering all that God’s word has to say.

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