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History and Prophecy
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of God.
Deuteronomy 4:6
. The blessings thus assured to Israel are,
on the same conditions and in the same degree, assured to every
nation and every person under the broad heavens.
Only God Can Give Power to Rulers of Nations
The power exercised by every ruler on the earth is Heaven-
imparted, and success depends on the use of the power thus be-
stowed. To each the words spoken to Nebuchadnezzar of old are
the lesson of life: “Break off your sins by being righteous, and your
iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a
lengthening of your prosperity.”
Daniel 4:27
.
To understand these things, to recognize the outworking of these
principles in the manifestation of His power who “removes kings,
and raises up kings” (
Daniel 2:21
), is to understand the philosophy
of history.
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, nor
is it found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity
with which they fulfill God’s purpose.
Ancient Babylon
An illustration of this truth is found in the history of ancient
Babylon. To King Nebuchadnezzar the true object of national gov-
ernment was represented under the figure of a great tree whose height
“reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the
earth. The leaves were lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it was food
for all.” Under its shadow lived the beasts of the field, and among
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its branches the birds of the air had their nests.
Daniel 4:11, 12
.
This representation shows the character of a government that fulfills
God’s purpose, a government that protects and upbuilds the nation.
God exalted Babylon that it might fulfill this purpose. Prosperity
attended the nation until it reached a height of wealth and power that
has never been equaled—fitly represented in the Scriptures by the
inspired symbol, a “head of gold.”
Daniel 2:38
.