THEIR FAITH SURVIVED THE CRUCIBLE; Chapter Five

SHOULD your devotion be directed to God or to the land in which you live?  Many would answer by saying, 'I pray homage to both. I worship God according to the dictates of my religion; at the same time, I pledge allegiance to my homeland.'

The line between religious and patriotism might seem blurred today, but in ancient Babylon it was virtually nonexistent.  Indeed, the civil and sacred were so entwined that that they were at times indistinguishable.  "In ancient Babylon," writes Professor Charles F. Pfeiffer, "the king served as both High Priest and civil ruler. He performed sacrifices and determined the religious life of his subjects."  

Consider King Nebuchadnezzar.  His very name means "O Nebo, Protect the Heir!"  Nebo was the Babylonian god of wisdom and agriculture. Nebuchadnezzar was a deeply religious man.  As noted earlier,m he built and beautified the temples of numerous Babylonian gods and was especially devoted to Marduk,to whom he credited his military victories.  It also appears that Nebuchadnezzar relied heavily upon divination to formulate his battle plans. -Ezekiel 21:18-23.

Next time: Conclusion of THEIR FAITH SURVIVED THE CRUCIBLE, Chapter Five

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999