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Key Text
"Righteousness
exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." Proverbs
14:34
"It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established
by righteousness." Proverbs 16:12 |
The Bible and History (Page
2 of 4)
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 of God. "It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your
life." Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:47. The blessings thus assured to Israel
are, on the same conditions and in the same degree, assured to
every nation and every individual under the broad heavens.
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 tranquility." 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" (Proverbs 14:34;
16:12; 20:28); to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation
of His power who "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2: 21),--this
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; 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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