Understanding God’s Actions in Layman’s Terms
The Old Testament contains many stories about God acting as a loving but firm guide for His people, Israel. When they strayed away from Him—breaking their promises, worshiping idols, or committing injustices—God would sometimes use powerful rulers or entire nations to get them back on track. It wasn’t just about punishment; it was about teaching, correcting, and ultimately bringing Israel back to their covenant with Him. Let’s break this down simply and look at some examples.
Examples of God Using Rulers and Nations
Assyria
One major example is the Assyrian Empire. Israel, the Northern Kingdom, had fallen into idolatry and disobedience, turning their backs on God. As a result, God allowed the Assyrians to conquer Israel and deport its people. This event is known as the exile of the “Ten Lost Tribes.” Through this, God showed Israel the consequences of their actions and how far they had strayed from their covenant with Him.
Babylon
Another significant example is Babylon. The Southern Kingdom of Judah faced similar issues—unfaithfulness and ignoring the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah. God used Babylon, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, to discipline Judah. Interestingly, Nebuchadnezzar is even called God’s “servant” in the Bible because his actions, although wicked, served a divine purpose. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, taking many people into exile. This was a wake-up call for Judah to turn back to God.
Other Foreign Rulers
There are other instances, such as when Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem because of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. These moments remind us that God’s discipline wasn’t limited to just a few nations or rulers—He used whoever He needed to fulfill His purpose.
Why Did God Do This?
Israel’s Unfaithfulness
These events often happened because Israel broke their covenant with God. They worshiped idols, ignored His commands, and committed injustices. God, like a caring parent, wanted to correct them and bring them back to a place of faithfulness and obedience.
God’s Sovereignty
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign, meaning He has power over all nations and rulers—even those who are wicked or unjust. God can use their actions to carry out His plans, even if they don’t realize they’re part of something bigger.
Prophetic Warnings
Before sending judgment, God didn’t leave Israel clueless. He sent prophets to warn them, urging them to repent and turn back to Him. These warnings were acts of mercy, giving Israel a chance to change their ways before facing consequences.
The Goal of Chastisement
God’s purpose wasn’t just to punish—He wanted to bring His people back to Him. Discipline was a way to show His justice and faithfulness while teaching Israel important lessons about their relationship with Him.
God’s Mercy and Hope
Even during times of discipline, God’s prophets often spoke of hope and restoration. They reminded Israel that God’s promises were still intact, and if they turned back to Him, He would restore them and bless them.
Important Things to Remember
God Doesn’t Endorse Evil
When God uses wicked rulers or nations, it doesn’t mean He approves of their sins. Those rulers are still accountable for their actions. God’s sovereignty means He can work through anything—even evil—to accomplish His plans.
Human Decisions and God’s Plan
The Bible shows a complex relationship between human free will and God’s sovereignty. These rulers often rise to power because of their own sinful choices, yet they still play a role in God’s larger plan.
Ultimate Justice
Finally, the Bible assures us that God’s justice will prevail. Evil rulers who were part of His disciplinary plans will still face judgment for their wrongdoing.
In Conclusion
The Old Testament shows us that God used kings and nations to discipline Israel when they strayed from Him. These moments of chastisement were driven by love and a desire to bring His people back into a faithful relationship with Him. At the heart of it all, God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty shine through, reminding us of His ultimate plan to restore and redeem His people.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 