AND HABITS

WHICH LEAD TO POLITICAL PROSPERITY,

RELIGION AND MORALITY

ARE

INDISPENSABLE SUPPORT.

IN VAIN

WOULD THAT MAN CLAIM THE TRIBUTE OF PATRIOTISM

WHO SHOULD LABOR

TO SUBVERT THESE GREAT PILLARS.

George Washington

1796

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GOD AND STATE

We have to realize that God’s hand is in everything. He gives us every heartbeat and every breath we breathe. His spirit within us is the only reason we are alive. He raises up kings and sets them down again. If we could just realize this important truth and live our lives as though we believed it, there would be a lot less heartache and bloodshed in this world.

There is an interesting note on “Knowing The Right Times,” in the CEV Word In Life Bible on page 600. It in part says, “People of faith are called to be people of wisdom and discernment. That requires an understanding not only of Scripture, but also of the world in which Scripture must be applied.” It wouldn’t hurt if the rest of the world would understand this because there are a lot of civil wars fought because someone is bent on doing wrong or simply want things their way.

This is a very deep and complex subject because God has even used really bad people to bring judgment upon His people when they do really bad things. People that think of themselves as God’s people aren’t just going to sit there and get beat up, so they go to war to defend their rights. If that judgment is from the hand of God and in the form of captivity, anyone fighting for their freedom could be needlessly killed. The book of Jeremiah deals with this subject very well. He was called a traitor because he advised his people to go into captivity for 70 years instead of fighting for freedom and dying for a lost cause.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells us there is a time and a season for everything. There is even a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to love and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace.

The following scriptures are very important because they show the world’s relationship with God whether they know it or not.

Separation of Church and State is of absolute importance. Separation of God and State is an absolute impossibility. Benjamin Franklin said to George Washington: "Sir, I have lived a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see that God still governs in the affairs of men." There is no STILL about it, He always has and will always be in charge. If this isn't the way it is, how could Stalin and Roosevelt sit down and carve up Europe and have it last so many years? The following scriptures will point this out very clearly.

When our national morality dips below that which God is willing to tolerate, He will give us the government and all other services (news media, car mechanics, lawyers, etc.) we deserve.

KEY SCRIPTURES: Daniel 4:17, Romans 13:1-7.

Genesis 15:12-16

12. And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14. And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. 16. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
Before Israel was a nation (12) God knew they would go into Egyptian captivity (13). He also knew of the exodus from that land (14) and that they would be used to bring judgment on the Amorites (16) in the future. As the Bible terms it; They will be vomited out of the land, Lev. 18:25.

Genesis 41:25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he (God) is about to do.
God gave the dream to Pharaoh because he was in a position to do something about it.

Genesis 41:55-57

55. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. 56. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. 57. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Here is another example of the people being brought under the power of the state. Had they planned ahead, they could have avoided "selling" themselves to the state to survive. I believe the church is going to be in the same situation in the tribulation. Many are counting on not being here, via the "rapture" so they are not taking the admonition from Mat. 25:1-13 and setting aside that which is needed and therefore will have to wear the mark of the beast if they are to "buy or sell." If they steal to survive they will be classed in the Pro. 30:8-9 category of taking the name of the Lord in vain. It's kind-of-like praying to God for good health and then going out to buy health insurance.

When the Egyptians saw Joseph gathering one-fifth of their grain, they should have also done it, knowing (here is the secret) and believing (through the Holy Spirit) that the famine was coming as evidenced by the prosperous years.

This is what Luke 21:36 is saying to us today in the spiritual sense - for physical survival (Philadelphia). Governments oppress people that deserve to be oppressed. Moreover, the people put themselves under bondage to the government and turn around and complain about how oppressed they are.

Genesis 47:12-26

12. And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families. 13. And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 14. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. 15. And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. 16. And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail. 17. And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year. 18. When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands: 19. Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate. 20. And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's. 21. And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof. 22. Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. 23. Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land. 24. And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones. 25. And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. 26. And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part, except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's.
I believe the church is going to be provided for (vs. 12-13) in the tribulation just as Israel was provided for in the land of Goshen during the seven year famine. I believe money will fail and/or the antichrist will institute the universal "mark" system and everyone will stand in line to be placed under his power (vs. 15-26).

Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
By all means, don't revile the government you deserve. It will only serve to stir God's wrath.

Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
This shows the power judges have. This was written to Moses but applies to anyone in positions of power.

Deuteronomy 2:30-31

30. But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. 31. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.

Deuteronomy 11:23 Then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.

Deuteronomy 28:49-50

49. The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; 50. A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:

Judges 3:1,8,12-14

1. Now these are the nations which the LORD left to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan. 8. Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. 12. And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord. 13. And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees. 14. So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

Judges 4:2,3,23

2. And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. 3. Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. 23. So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel.

Judges 6:1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Judges 10:7 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.

Judges 11:21-24,29

21. And the Lord God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country. 22. And they possessed all the coasts of the Amorites, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and from the wilderness even unto Jordan. 23. So now the Lord God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it? 24. Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the Lord our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess. 29. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.

Judges 13:1,5,25

1. And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years. 5. For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. 25. And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

1 Samuel 2:6-10.

6. The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 8. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them. 9. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 10. The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

1 Samuel 8:1-6

1. And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. 3. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. 4. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5. And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord.
They thought they could get better government if they had a change. We think the same thing in this country today. We keep a Republican for a while and then switch to a Democrat thinking that they will do a better job. If we could just understand that it isn't the form of government we have - its the quality of the people. If the people are righteous, the government will be righteous. This should be especially true in this country. We are a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Our government literally comes from the people. If this is true, and it is - why is the government so far removed from the people? I think you can blame it on the judgment of God.

1 Samuel 11:7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.
The fear of the Lord is the all important thing here. He handles the invisible strings that give power to governments and loyalty to its subjects. Cuba, under Castro, is a prime example of this. They have lived in poverty and third world squalor that would cause any normal person to over-throw the leaders and get on with a better life. Yet the people, even though more and more are grumbling, are still by-and-large, loyal to Castro.

1 Samuel 12:6 And Samuel said unto the people, It is the Lord that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
God's hand on their forefathers was a well-known truth.

1 Samuel 14:45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.
As powerful as kings are, they can still be swayed when the people are saying something in unison. The king can also use that (peoples protest) as an excuse for going back on an oath if it's what he really wants. He should however take note of his oath because it matters to God.

1 Samuel 26:19 ...If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD;...
There are two kinds of trouble. Trouble from troublemakers, at the hand of God, and trouble from troublemakers because they are troublemakers.

2 Samuel 2:1,7-8

1. And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. 7. Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. 8. But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
This shows the maneuverings of man in front of the scenes, in comparison to God behind the scenes.

2 Samuel 7:14 I shall be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
This is the formula for success.

2 Samuel 24:1 And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
Here is a case where God used the king to bring a curse unto the people.

1 Kings 11:14,23,25

14. And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was the king's seed in Edom. 23. And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:... 25. And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

1 Kings 12:14,15,24

14. And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 15. Wherefore the king harkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 24. Thus saith the LORD, ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is of me...

1 Kings 16:2-4

2. For as much as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins; 3. Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house; and will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 4. Him that dieth of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the fields shall the fowls of the air eat.

1 Chronicles 5:26 And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Rubenites, and the Gadites...unto Halah...unto this day.

1 Chronicles 6:15 And Jehozadak went into captivity, when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14

13. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; 14. And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

1 Chronicles 29:24 And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.
When a leader is blessed, the Lord will make his rule smooth. David is a good example of God's “ruler” not having an easy (smooth) time.

2 Chronicles 1:8,11

8. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. 11. And God said unto Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:...

2 Chronicles 10:15 So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the Lord might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

2 Chronicles 11:3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 4. Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam.
God is not shy about accepting credit for something that most of us might not endorse.

2 Chronicles 12:1-2

1. And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. 2. And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the Lord,

2 Chronicles 12:7-12

7. And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. 8. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. 9. So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made. 10. Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house. 11. And when the king entered into the house of the Lord, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber. 12. And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well.
They were forgiven but they paid the price. If we could just see that the powers that be, come and go at God's hand - including Communism under Russia and China; we would be more humbled today.

2 Chronicles 14:6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.
Even though they had peace they didn't drop their defenses. Verse (7) says they built walls, and towers, gates, and bars, because they sought the Lord their God, and because they sought Him, he gave them rest on every side. They built defenses and prospered.

2 Chronicles 19:6-7

6. And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. 7. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
If we get the government we deserve - that also includes judges. The further they get from God and knowledge of Him, the more corrupt they will become and the worse their decisions will be. This will also include the news media which will make the news not just report it.

2 Chronicles 20:6 And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

2 Chronicles 21:16-17

16. Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians: 17. And they came up unto Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.

2 Chronicles 25:8 But if thou wilt go, do it; be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

2 Chronicles 36:17,23

17. Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand. 23. Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.

Ezra 1:1-4

1. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2. Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.

Ezra 5:12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.

Ezra 6:22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Ezra 7:26-27

26. And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. 27. Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:...

Nehemiah 1:8-9

8. Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9. But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

Nehemiah 2:19-20

19. But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? 20. Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 9:7-8

7. Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; 8. And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
Human rights come from God. If you deserve them you'll have them. If not, you could or will be overrun by whomever the Lord chooses. When I look back over history I marvel how one nation stomped over another. Poland, for instance, has lost its borders three times in the last one thousand years. The intruders could not have done it without God's permission.

Nehemiah 9:27-37

27. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. 28. But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; 29. And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. 30. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. 33. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: 34. Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them. 35. For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works. 36. Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: 37. And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

Job 9:24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where and who is he?

Job 12:10-25

10. In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. 11. Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat? 12. With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. 13. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. 14. Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. 15. Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. 16. With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his. 17. He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. 18. He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle. 19. He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty. 20. He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged. 21. He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty. 22. He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death. 23. He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. 24. He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. 25. They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.

Job 34:24-30

24. He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. 25.Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26. He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; 27. Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: 28. So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. 29. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: 30. That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

Job 36:7-12

7. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne: yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. 8. And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; 9. Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. 10. He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

Psalms 12:8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
This is what happens when we exalt Elvis, JFK, etc. We have other warnings about calling the wicked, good, and the good, wicked. We do not value the true heroes of this world. Until we repent, it can only get worse.

Psalms 22:28 For the kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor among the nations.

Psalms 33:10,16

10. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. 16. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalms 45:6 Thy throne, O God is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Psalms 46:7-8

7. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8. Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

Psalms 50:1-23

1. The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. 2. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. 3. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. 4. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. 5. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. 6. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. 7. Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God. 8. I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings to have been continually before me. 9. I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. 10. For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 11. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. 12. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. 13. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? 14. Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: 15. And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. 16. But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? 17. Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. 18. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. 19. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. 20. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. 21. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. 22. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. 23. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

Psalms 56:4,11

4. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. 11. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
This theme is carried out in the New Testament in Mat.10:28 and Heb. 13:6.

Psalms 66:7 He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.

Psalms 67:4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

Psalms 74:17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.

Psalms 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Psalms 76:12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.
The kings of the earth should most certainly fear God, because he indeed gives not only them, but all of us, every breath of life we breathe. I think if people really believed this they would walk a little more carefully in this life.

Psalms 89:11 The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.

Psalms 89:38-44

38. But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed. 39. Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground. 40. Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin. 41. All that pass by the way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbours. 42. Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice. 43. Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle. 44. Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.
Why? Because He is a temperamental tantrum thrower? No! Because we sin against Him and His laws.

Psalms 95:4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

Psalms 96:5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.

Psalms 113:7-8

7. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 8. That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
A nation's leadership comes from God. He can choose whomever He will.

Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that built it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
National defense is a giant waste of resources if God is against you.

Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 8:15-16

15. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

Proverbs 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

Proverbs 20:2,8,26

2. The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. 8. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. 26. A wise king scatterteh the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

Proverbs 21:1 The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Proverbs 22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Proverbs 24:21-22

21. My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 22. For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

Proverbs 25:2-5

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 5. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in rigteousness.

Proverbs 27:24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Usually not, but they could be if the people would be righteous. There are always ups and downs in the course of a nation. A nation will survive and flourish if they stay with God.

Proverbs 28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
The sad part is; we have “many are the princes thereof” built right into the Constitution of the United States thanks to the Republicans.

Proverbs 29:2,4,8,26

2. When the righteous are in authority, the people will rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 4. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. 8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. 26. Many seek the ruler's favour, but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

Ecclesiastes 8:2-5

2. I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. 3. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. 4. Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, what doest thou? 5. Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

This ties in very well with Romans 13:1-1

Isaiah 1:7,9,20

7. Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. 9. Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. 20. But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Isaiah 10:5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
If there is any doubt, “mine,” is God.

Isaiah 40:23 ...That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

Isaiah 41:2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him to rule over kings? he gave them to the dust of his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.

Isaiah 44:24,28

24. Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;... 28. That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, thou shalt be built; and to the temple, thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 45:1-5

1. Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;... 2. I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 3. And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. 4. For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5. I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Isaiah 48:14-15

14. All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? the Lord hath loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans. 15. I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

Jeremiah 1:10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Jeremiah 18:6-10

6. O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. 7. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; 8. If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; 10. If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then will I repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.

Jeremiah 25:9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 27:5-8

5. I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me. 6. And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. 7. And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him. 8. And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

Jeremiah 51:7,20,53

7. Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. 20. Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; 53. Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from me shall the spoilers come unto her, saith the LORD.

Lamentations 1:5 Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the Lord hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.

Lamentations 2:17 The Lord hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused thine enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.
Concerning 1:5 and 2:17: The Lord is in control of everything that has to do with the powers that be and the afflictions that come upon us.

Ezekiel 21:13 Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord God.
The New KJV says it a little different: "Because it is a testing, and what if the sword despises even the scepter? The scepter shall be no more." We saw the ruling class take a fall in Russia in 1917.

Ezekiel 22:4 Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.

Ezekiel 25:4,7

4. Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: and shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk. 7. Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 29:18-20

18. Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet he had no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: 19. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be wages for his army. 20. I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord God.

Ezekiel 30:12,21-26

12. And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken it. 21. Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword. 22. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand. 23. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. 24. And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh's arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded man. 25. But I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt. 26. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 39:23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore I hid my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their ememies: so fell they all by the sword.

Daniel 1:2 And the LORD gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

Daniel 2:21-22,28,31,37-38

21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:... 22. He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 28. But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; 31. Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 37. Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

Daniel 4:1-5,17,25-26,31-37

1. Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 2. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3. How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. 4. I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 5. I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 17. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. 25. That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 26. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. 31. While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. 34. And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36. At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
I would like you to notice ( vs. 33-34) that Nebuchadnezzar was turned into a "street people" until... Daniel 5:21 (below)

Daniel 5:21 ...till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men and that he appointed over it whomsoever he will.

Daniel 7:6,13-14

6. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 13. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Hosea 8:4 They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
This is just like in Samuel when they wanted a king. This obviously wasn't God's choice. Actually the United Stated could fall right into this same situation. As I understand it, the signers of the Declaration of Independence that pledged to each other, their lives, fortunes and sacred honor, paid the price for that pledge almost to the man.

Hosea 13:11 I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.
Sounds a little scary to me.
Matthew 10:28 (See Psa. 56:4,11.)

Mark 10:42 But Jesus called them unto him, and saith unto them, ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

Mark 12:13-17

13. And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15. Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
So much for “natural law.”

Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Luke 3:12-13

12. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13. And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
Government entities are given the authority to tax by God. The more ungodly the people, the more they seem to be taxed by corrupt tax collectors.

Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
If the devil really could give it to whomever he wished, it is obvious that God gave it to him.

John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

John 19:10-11

10. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11. Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Acts 12:20-23

20. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. 21. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22. And the people gave a shout, saying, it is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Acts 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
A prime reason for separation of church and state.

Acts 17:9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
On the outside of it one would say, this is where the Constitution could be used.

Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Acts 23:5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
It seems that even if the leader is scum, he deserves the respect of the people he governs. He is who God has given them.

Romans 9:17-18

17. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

Romans 13:1-7

1. Let every soul be subject unto higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
This ties in with Prov. 8:15 and Dan.2:21 quite well. God is letting the devil have his way in government today much like he had with Job’s life in his day. Do not be deceived, payday is coming.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7

6. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Ephesians 1:16-17

16. Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
This is very important. None of what I'm saying can or will mean anything to anyone if the spirit of God isn't revealing the truth to him.

Ephesians 1:20-22

20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
This is when the world will be run according to God's laws. Christ will rule with a rod of iron in true righteousness. All rebellion will be put down.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
This is government's bottom line or last word. God rules!

1 Timothy 2:1-3

1. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; 2. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;...
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,...

1 Peter 2:13-20

13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14. Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17. Honour all men. love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

2 Peter 2:9-14

9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptious are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. 14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Jude 1:8-10

8. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, the Lord rebuke thee. 10. But these speak evil of those things which they know not:...

Revelation 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
These scriptures clearly point out that God is truly governing in the affairs of men. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can side step God or beat him at his own game. Daniel 4:17..."that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will,.." In our day and age it seems to truly be the “basest of men.”

The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence could very well be considered rebellion against God. God is the giver and the taker of "rights." Any man or men that God should so choose to remove our freedoms (in judgment) would be going against the Constitution, but God does not rule by paper and ink, but by his power and authority, as Creator of mankind.

The principle of - We get the government we deserve - works both ways. Bad leaders beget bad subjects and bad subjects beget bad leaders. Both of the above bring on judgment.

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