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God had taken up the Jews and made a nation of them. He declared, "Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation." Gen. 18:
18. "You only have I known of all the families of the earth." They were to be a witness for God on the earth, and it is added, "therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." Amos 3: 2. After long patience of God with Israel the house of David was set aside and carried into captivity, the power of government for God was transferred to the Gentile, and the times of the Gentiles commenced in the person of Nebuchadnezzar. To him it was said, "Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory." The beasts of the field and the fowls of heaven were also given into his hand. Dan. 2: 37,
38. God held him responsible; and because he dishonoured God, and took the glory of the kingdom to himself, he was punished. Three other empires succeeded that of Babylon, and the times of the Gentiles still continue, under various phases of government. They will run on until God in His own time restores supremacy in the earth to His ancient people. "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." Luke 21: 24.