Ancient Babylon

An illustration of this truth is found in the history of ancient Babylon. To King Nebuchadnezzar the true object of national government was represented under the figure of a great tree whose height “reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. The leaves were lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all.” Under its shadow lived the beasts of the field, and among its branches the birds of the air had their nests. Daniel 4:11, 12. This representation shows the character of a government that fulfills God’s purpose, a government that protects and upbuilds the nation.TEd 105.5

God exalted Babylon that it might fulfill this purpose. Prosperity attended the nation until it reached a height of wealth and power that has never been equaled—fitly represented in the Scriptures by the inspired symbol, a “head of gold.” Daniel 2:38.TEd 106.1

But the king failed to recognize the power that had exalted him. Nebuchadnezzar, in the pride of his heart, said: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30.TEd 106.2

Instead of being a protector of its people, Babylon became a proud and cruel oppressor. The words of Inspiration picturing the cruelty and greed of rulers in Israel reveal the secret of Babylon’s fall and of the fall of many other kingdoms since the world began: “With force and cruelty you have ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:3, 4.TEd 106.3

To the ruler of Babylon came the sentence of the divine Watcher: King Nebuchadnezzar, “to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you!” Daniel 4:31.TEd 106.4

“Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,
The beauty of the Chaldees’ pride,
Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.”
Isaiah 13:19.TEd 106.5