The arrogance of rulers frequently is given as a reason for God’s judgment upon the nations they rule. Notice first the example of ancient Egypt.
“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt; speak, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of his streams, that says, ‘My Nile is my own; I made it for myself. (Ezekiel 29:2-3)
The Lord prophesied that (ancient) Egypt would become the lowest of the kingdoms (Ezekiel29:14-15). I have a lesson on the prophecies against Egypt in Introduction to Christian Evidences. All of my books are available from the Florida College Bookstore in Temple Terrace, FL (813-988-5131).
Fisherman in the Nile River south of Alexandria, Egypt. (C)FERRELL JENKINS 2008
The book of Habakkuk mentions a time when Edom (descendants of Esau). failed to come to the aid of Jacob (Israel) when they were under attack. Remember that Jacob and Esau were brothers.
When the prophet Habakkuk learned that the LORD was raising up the Chaldeans (the Babylonian Empire) against Edom, the prophet was puzzled that this could happen. In essence he said, “The Chaldeans are more wicked than the Edomites.” The LORD told Habakkuk that he would bring judgment upon the nations that failed to serve Him. That event was called the Day of the Lord (Habakkuk 1:15) or the Day of Jehovah. (ESV) or the Day of the LORD” (NAS, NKJ).
The Day of the Lord is described in highly figurative language in the Bible. It is a day when the mountains shake, when the rivers flood, the sun is darkened and the moon turns to blood. It is not the final judgment, but the judgment of nations. The prophet Obadiah spoke against Edom. Notice these words:
The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the LORD, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” 2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” 4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (Obadiah1:1-4 ESV)
The site of Umm el Biyarah at Petra, Jordan. This was the fortress of the ancient Edomites Photo (c) Ferrell Jenkins.
Homer Hailey, my beloved college professor who first introduced me to the prophets, often said “God judges nations in time and individuals in eternity.”
The LORD used Assyria to punish the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. Through the prophet Isaiah he said that he still held the Assyrians accountable (Isaiah 10:12).
The Assyrians were brought down by the Babylonians who also brought down the Egyptians (Ezekiel 29:17-30).
Am I able to say that a given conflict on this globe is the Day of the Lord? Since I do not have a “thus saith the Lord” in these cases I will not be dogmatic, but I think frequently about this clear biblical teaching.
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