A reminder from the Book of Daniel. One of the greatest of all rulers in history, Nebuchadnezzar II, Emporer of the Babylonian Empire, had a problem with pride. God humbled him out of His love for him to get the point across that is important for all of us to learn, especially for great politicians and leaders of all kinds:
This is Nebuchadnezzar's own testimony, after God gave a troubling dream...as God gave him its interpretation...
"You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.
As for the command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules.
Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”
All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.
Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven:
“It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.”
But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever: “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation."
At the same time my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne, and surpassing greatness was added to me.
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
Daniel 4:25-32, 34, 36-37 BSB
BTW, Israel's existence depends on no man
Professional Counselor at "Heart Studio"
1yI see a great disintegration in American society. Today we see “family” and the institution of marriage under attack like never before. I also see a battle being fought on many fronts, partly the result of a great disequilibrium between what is happening at the individual level and at the national and international levels. Many people emigrate to the US precisely because it offers them certain freedoms not experienced elsewhere, but even these seem isolated from the role of the US as a nation, which seems increasingly ambiguous. Biblically speaking, I believe God has blessed the US, but so that it can bring blessing to all nations in the same way “Israel” is God’s Chosen as a blessing to all nations, and not bring the kind of political and economic interference and exploitation that I’ve seen in so many parts of the world. I hear no talk today of the principles on which the great nation of the US was founded.