Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
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vast majority of the people. Wickedness, blasphemy, and corruption
prevailed. The kingdoms that followed were even more base and
corrupt; and these sank lower and still lower in the scale of moral
worth.
The power exercised by every ruler on the earth is Heaven-
imparted; and upon his use of the power thus bestowed, his success
depends. To each the word of the divine Watcher is, “I girded thee,
though thou hast not known Me.”
Isaiah 45:5
. And to each the words
spoken to Nebuchadnezzar of old are the lesson of life: “Break off thy
sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the
poor: if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.”
Daniel 4:27
.
To understand these things,—to understand that “righteousness
exalteth a nation;” that “the throne is established by righteousness,” and
“upholden by mercy;” to recognize the outworking of these principles
in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth
up kings,”—this is to understand the philosophy of history.
Proverbs
14:34
;
16:12
;
Proverbs 20:28
;
Daniel 2:21
.
In the word of God only is this clearly set forth. Here it is shown
that the strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in the
opportunities or facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not
found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity with
which they fulfill God’s purpose.
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