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Chapter 19—History and Prophecy
The Bible is the most ancient and comprehensive history that
exists. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and through-
out the ages a divine hand has preserved its purity. It lights up the
far-distant past where human research seeks in vain to penetrate. In
God’s Word only do we behold the power that laid the foundations
of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here only do we find
an authentic account of the origin of nations. Here only is given a
history of our race unsullied by human pride or prejudice.
In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise
and fall of empires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess
of mortals. The shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be
determined by human power, ambition, or caprice. But in the Word
of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we see, behind, above, and
through all the play and counterplay of human interests and power
and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently
working out the counsels of His own will.
The Bible reveals the true philosophy of history. In those words
of matchless beauty and tenderness spoken by the apostle Paul to
the sages of Athens is set forth God’s purpose in the creation and
distribution of races and nations: “From one ancestor He made all
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nations to inhabit the whole earth, and He allotted the times of their
existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so
that they would search for God and perhaps grope for Him and find
Him.”
Acts 17:26, 27
, NRSV. In the creation it was His purpose that
the earth be inhabited by beings whose existence should be a blessing
to themselves and to one another, and an honor to their Creator. All
who choose to may identify themselves with this purpose. Of them it
is spoken, “This people have I formed for Myself; they shall declare
My praise.”
Isaiah 43:21
.
God has revealed in His law the principles that underlie all true
prosperity both of nations and of individuals. “This is your wisdom
and your understanding,” Moses declared to the Israelites of the law
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