The Grand Theme of the Bible

 Political Powers Appear

In Babylon there appeared features of human society that developed in defiance of Jehovah's sovereignty.  One of these was political.  As mankind multiplied,  other ambitious  humans followed Nimrod's example in seizing power.  Man began to dominate man to his injury.  (Ecclesiastes 8:9)   During the days of Abraham, for instance, Sodom, Gomorrah and nearby cities fell  under the control of kings from Shinar and other far-distant land. (Genesis 14:1-4) Eventually, military and organizational geniuses carved out huge empires for their own enrichment and glory. The Bible refers some of these, including Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. 

Jehovah tolerated the existence of those political powers, and his people rendered  relative obedience to them when they lived in lands  under their control.  (Romans 13:1. 2)   Sometimes, political authorities even served for the furtherance  if God's purposes or as a protection for his people.  (Ezra1:1-4; 7:12-26; Acts 25:11, 12; Revelation 12:15, 16)   Nevertheless,  many political rulers have viciously opposed true worship, showing themselves to be part of the seed of Satan. - 1 JOHN 5:19. 

For the most part, man-rule has failed miserably to bring happiness to us humans  or to solve our problems.  Jehovah has permitted mankind to experiment every form of government, but he does not approve of corruption, or the way governments have misruled the people.  (Proverbs 22:22, 23)  Revelation portrays  oppressive world powers as making up a proud and monstrous wild beast.  - REVELATION 13:1, 2. 

Next time: The Grand Theme of the Bible - Selfish Commercial Traffickers

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