Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of God removing His people before executing divine judgment. This is not just a theme but a prophetic foreshadowing of the final removal of the Restrainer—the Holy Spirit—before the great outpouring of God’s wrath. The Apostle Paul speaks directly to this in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, saying:
“And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”
This “He who now restrains” is a reference to the Holy Spirit, who is actively restraining the full force of wickedness in the world. When the Holy Spirit is removed, lawlessness will be unbridled, paving the way for the Antichrist to rise. The critical question we must ask is: How is the Holy Spirit removed? If He indwells believers, then this removal suggests the rapture, the taking away of the Church before judgment falls.
A Biblical Pattern: Removal Before Wrath
This principle is not new; God has consistently removed the righteous before unleashing His judgment.
Noah and the Ark
In Genesis 7:16, God sealed Noah and his family inside the ark before the flood came:
“So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.”
The shutting of the door symbolizes divine protection, sealing the righteous before destruction. This parallels the Church being caught up with Christ before the Tribulation.
Lot and gomorrah/”>Sodom
When Abraham interceded for Sodom, he asked God if He would destroy the righteous with the wicked. The answer was clear: God does not bring judgment upon the righteous. Genesis 19:22 records the angel’s words to Lot:
“Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.”
God withheld judgment until Lot was safely removed, just as He will with the Church before the Tribulation.
Enoch Taken Before the Flood
Enoch, a man who “walked with God,” was taken up before the flood. Genesis 5:24 says:
“And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”
This foreshadows the rapture, as Hebrews 11:5 clarifies:
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death.”
Just as Enoch was removed before judgment, so will the Church be.
The Church as the Temple of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, making the Church the dwelling place of God on earth. 1 Corinthians 6:19 declares:
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”
If the Restrainer is removed, and the Holy Spirit indwells believers, this suggests that the Church must be removed as well. The rapture is the vehicle by which this happens.
The Days of Noah and the Days of Lot
Jesus Himself made the connection between the days of Noah and Lot with the coming judgment:
“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:26-29)
The key phrase is “on the day that Lot went out.” Judgment did not fall until the righteous were removed.
The Rapture and the Restrainer
Paul speaks of this removal in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
When the Church is taken, the restraining presence of the Holy Spirit through believers will be removed, and the world will be handed over to the Antichrist.
My Final Thoughts
The removal of the Holy Spirit before judgment is consistent with God’s character. He is both just and merciful, never allowing the righteous to suffer His wrath. The rapture is not an escape plan; it is the fulfillment of God’s promise to His bride. When the Restrainer is taken away, the floodgates of evil will be opened, and the world will experience the full weight of judgment.
For those who are in Christ, our hope is secure. We do not look for wrath but for our blessed hope:
“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
The time is short. The world is primed for the removal of the Restrainer. The question is not whether He will be removed, but whether you are ready when He does.
The book of Joel is a powerful prophetic message calling God’s people to repentance in the face of judgment, while also offering a glorious promise of restoration and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Though it is a short book with only three chapters, its themes are timeless, dealing with God’s judgment, the urgency of repentance, and the hope of future redemption.
Joel’s message is one that echoes throughout Scripture: sin brings judgment, but God’s mercy is available to those who turn to Him with their whole heart. It is a book that warns of the Day of the Lord, but also reveals the heart of God, who longs to redeem and restore His people.
Who Was Joel?
Joel, whose name means “The Lord is God”, was a prophet to the kingdom of Judah. Unlike other prophets, Joel does not mention specific kings or historical events that allow us to precisely date his ministry. However, most scholars place him somewhere around 835–800 B.C., during the reign of King Joash.
His prophecy was directed to the people of Judah, warning them of an impending locust plague and using it as a symbol of a greater judgment to come. But Joel’s message does not end with destruction; he speaks of God’s desire for repentance and the promise of future blessing.
The Ultimate Purpose of the Book
The book of Joel is centered on two major themes:
The Judgment of God (The Day of the Lord): Sin brings devastation, and only repentance can turn away God’s wrath.
The Promise of Restoration
: God will pour out His Spirit on His people, and ultimate victory belongs to the Lord.
Joel’s message unfolds in three powerful movements:
The Locust Plague and the Call to Repentance (Joel 1-2:17)
The Day of the Lord and God’s Restoration (Joel 2:18-27)
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Final Judgment (Joel 2:28-3:21)
The Locust Plague and the Call to Repentance (Joel 1-2:17)
Joel begins with a devastating picture: a locust plague that has completely ravaged the land. This is not just a bad season of crops; this is a total disaster, bringing famine, economic ruin, and suffering. Joel describes it in graphic detail:
“What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten;
What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten;
And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.” (Joel 1:4)
The destruction is so severe that even the priests have no grain or wine to offer in the Temple (Joel 1:9). The joy of the people is gone (Joel 1:12), and their land, which was once blessed, is now cursed.
But this plague is not just a natural disaster; it is a warning from God. It symbolizes something greater: the coming Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment.
Joel calls the people to wake up and see what is happening. He urges the elders, the priests, and all the people to gather in the house of the Lord and cry out to Him:
“Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly;
Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land
Into the house of the Lord your God,
And cry out to the Lord.” (Joel 1:14)
This is the first key message of Joel: God’s people must repent before it is too late.
The Day of the Lord Is Near
As chapter 2 begins, Joel’s message intensifies. He describes an army approaching, darkening the sky like the plague of locusts:
“A people come, great and strong,
The like of whom has never been;
Nor will there ever be any such after them,
Even for many successive generations.” (Joel 2:2)
This is not just an army of men; it is the army of the Lord, bringing judgment upon the land. The Day of the Lord is not only about the locusts—it points to a future time when God will judge the nations.
Joel cries out:
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord,
“Turn to Me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.
So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.” (Joel 2:12-13)
This is God’s heart; though judgment is coming, He desires repentance. He is not looking for outward religious acts, but for a broken and contrite heart.
The Day of the Lord and God’s Restoration (Joel 2:18-27)
When the people repent, everything changes. God pities His people and promises to restore what was lost:
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.” (Joel 2:25)
God’s restoration is complete; not only will their land be restored, but their relationship with Him will be renewed.
“Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel:
I am the Lord your God
And there is no other.
My people shall never be put to shame.” (Joel 2:27)
This is the second major message of Joel: Repentance leads to restoration. God does not desire to destroy His people; He desires to bless them.
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the Final Judgment (Joel 2:28-3:21)
Joel’s prophecy now shifts to a future promise. Not only will God restore Israel, but He will pour out His Spirit on all people.
“And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.” (Joel 2:28)
This prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was given to the Church (Acts 2:16-21). It is a clear picture that God’s salvation is for all who call upon Him.
Joel then shifts again to the final judgment. In Joel 3, God declares that He will judge all nations who have oppressed His people. The Valley of Jehoshaphat (meaning “The Lord Judges”) is where God will gather the nations for war.
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14)
But for God’s people, there is hope. He declares:
“The Lord will be a shelter for His people,
And the strength of the children of Israel.” (Joel 3:16)
The final message of Joel is clear: Judgment is coming, but those who belong to the Lord will be safe.
My Final Thoughts
Joel’s message is both a warning and a promise. The Day of the Lord is coming, and only those who repent and turn to God will be saved. But for those who do, God will restore, redeem, and pour out His Spirit upon them.
This book reminds us that God is holy and just, but also merciful and loving. Even in the midst of judgment, He offers redemption to all who call upon His name.
“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Joel 2:32)
Nebuchadnezzar is one of the most powerful and complex figures in Scripture. He was a mighty king, yet a man of deep pride. He was a conqueror who built an empire, yet he was ultimately humbled by God. His story is one of glory, arrogance, judgment, and redemption. Though he ruled over Babylon at its peak, he learned the hard way that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men.
Who Was Nebuchadnezzar?
Nebuchadnezzar II reigned over Babylon from 605 B.C. to 562 B.C., leading it to dominance in the ancient world. He was the son of Nabopolassar, the founder of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. During his reign, Nebuchadnezzar expanded Babylon’s territory through military conquest, made it the most magnificent city of its time, and established its reputation as a world power.
Historically, he is credited with the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, in the Bible, he is most known for his encounters with Daniel, his role in the destruction of Jerusalem, and the dramatic way in which God humbled him for his pride.
The Conqueror of Judah
One of Nebuchadnezzar’s most significant actions was his conquest of Judah, which occurred in three stages. The first siege, in 605 B.C., resulted in the first wave of captives being taken to Babylon, including Daniel and his three friends. The second, in 597 B.C., led to the capture of King Jehoiachin and more exiles, including Ezekiel. Finally, in 586 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar’s army destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, bringing an end to the kingdom of Judah and fulfilling God’s judgment upon His rebellious people.
This destruction was foretold by the prophet Jeremiah, who referred to Nebuchadnezzar as “God’s servant” (not because he was righteous, but because God was using him as an instrument of judgment). Yet, despite being chosen for this purpose, Nebuchadnezzar was not exempt from God’s justice himself.
The Dream of the Statue
At the height of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that none of his magicians could interpret. Enraged, he ordered the death of all the wise men in Babylon unless someone could both tell him the dream and explain its meaning.
Daniel, a young Hebrew captive, sought God in prayer, and the mystery was revealed to him. The dream was a prophecy of future world empires. Nebuchadnezzar had seen a giant statue:
The head of gold represented Babylon.
The chest of silver represented Medo-Persia.
The thighs of bronze represented Greece.
The legs of iron represented Rome.
The feet of iron mixed with clay represented a divided kingdom.
Finally, a stone cut without hands (God’s kingdom) crushed the statue and ruled forever.
Though Nebuchadnezzar was impressed and acknowledged the wisdom of God, he did not fully humble himself. Instead, his pride would lead him to directly challenge the vision by making an idol of himself.
The Fiery Furnace
Despite Daniel’s interpretation of the dream, Nebuchadnezzar built a 90-foot gold statue and demanded that everyone worship it. This act of arrogance was not only idolatry, but also an attempt to establish his own kingdom as eternal.
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to bow, Nebuchadnezzar’s anger burned against them, and he had them thrown into a fiery furnace. However, to his astonishment, he saw four men walking in the fire, with one who “looked like the Son of God.”
At this miracle, Nebuchadnezzar once again praised the God of Israel, but his heart was still full of pride. He acknowledged God’s power, but had not yet surrendered to Him.
The Humbling of the King
God had given Nebuchadnezzar multiple warnings about his pride, but he refused to listen. Then, one night, he had another dream: a vision of a great tree that was cut down, leaving only a stump.
Daniel interpreted the dream as a prophecy that Nebuchadnezzar would be driven from his throne, lose his sanity, and live like an animal until he acknowledged that God alone is our authority. Daniel even pleaded with him to repent to avoid this judgment.
A year passed, and Nebuchadnezzar forgot the warning. One day, as he walked through his palace, he boasted,
“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)
At that moment, God’s judgment fell upon him. He lost his mind and was driven away from his kingdom. For seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lived like a beast, eating grass, his hair growing long like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like claws.
But after the appointed time, he lifted his eyes to heaven, and his reason was restored. He then made one of the most profound declarations in all of Scripture:
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” (Daniel 4:37)
Nebuchadnezzar finally understood what no earthly power could teach him: God alone is King, and no man can stand against Him.
The End of His Reign
Nebuchadnezzar ruled for several more years before his death in 562 B.C.. After his passing, his kingdom quickly weakened. His successors were incompetent, and within 23 years, Babylon fell to the Medo-Persians, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy.
The once-great empire that Nebuchadnezzar had boasted about was no more. But unlike Babylon, God’s kingdom endures forever.
Lessons from Nebuchadnezzar’s Life
Nebuchadnezzar’s life teaches us that God has authority over all kings and nations. Even the most powerful ruler on earth was humbled in an instant when he refused to recognize his God. His life is a warning that pride leads to destruction, and no one is exempt from God’s judgment. But it is also a testimony of God’s mercy, because when Nebuchadnezzar finally repented, he was restored.
The world today is full of leaders and nations that exalt themselves in defiance of God, just as Nebuchadnezzar did. But their fate will be the same if they do not humble themselves before the King of Kings. The message is clear: The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and He gives it to whomever He wills. (Daniel 4:17)
My Final Thoughts
Nebuchadnezzar was a man of great power, but he had to learn that all power belongs to God. He is a reminder that no one is too powerful to fall, but no one is too far gone to be restored if they repent. He went from being a proud king who exalted himself to a humbled man who worshiped the true God. This is the same journey that every person must take: to recognize that we are nothing without Him and that only in surrendering to Christ do we find true wisdom and peace.
Pride is one of the most dangerous sins in all of Scripture. It was the sin that led to Satan’s fall, the root of mankind’s rebellion against God, and the reason for destruction upon nations and individuals alike. The Bible speaks harshly against pride, declaring that it leads to ruin, destruction, and separation from God. The irony is that while the world celebrates pride (especially in the LGBTQ movement), the very thing they exalt is the very thing that God despises.
Pride: The Sin That Leads to Destruction
The Bible repeatedly warns that pride leads to downfall. Pride blinds people to their need for God, makes them trust in their own strength, and causes them to exalt themselves instead of humbling themselves before the Lord.
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.”
Proverbs 18:12 – “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.”
History and Scripture are filled with examples of those who were brought low because of their pride:
Satan’s fall
(Isaiah 14:12-15) – Satan said in his heart, “I will ascend into heaven… I will be like the Most High.” But God cast him down.
Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation (Daniel 4:30-37) – The proud king boasted of his kingdom, and God made him live like an animal until he repented.
Pharaoh’s stubbornness (Exodus 5-12) – Pharaoh’s pride hardened his heart against God, leading to Egypt’s devastation.
Every case shows the same principle: Pride exalts a person temporarily, but it always leads to ruin.
The Lord Hates Pride
Pride is not just another sin; it is something that God actively opposes.
Proverbs 6:16-17 – “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood…”
James 4:6 – “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Psalm 101:5 – “The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure.”
Pride is at the very core of all sin. Every act of rebellion against God begins with pride: thinking that we know better than God, that we do not need Him, or that we are above His authority.
The Irony of “Pride” in the LGBTQ Movement
One of the most openly defiant movements against God today is the LGBTQ movement, which has chosen the word “pride” as its central theme. This is no accident. The very thing that led to Satan’s downfall is now being worn as a banner of rebellion.
Romans 1:26-27 describes homosexuality as one of the signs of mankind’s rejection of God:
“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions… Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”
Isaiah 3:9 describes the boldness of sin:
“The look on their countenance witnesses against them, and they declare their sin as gomorrah/”>Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought evil upon themselves.”
Notice the key phrase: “they declare their sin as Sodom; they do not hide it.”
This is exactly what we see in the LGBTQ movement today, not only committing sin but openly boasting in it. Pride parades, rainbow flags, and a complete rejection of God’s design for marriage and sexuality are all outward expressions of rebellion against God.
But what does God do to the proud?
Psalm 12:3 – “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things.”
Isaiah 2:12 – “For the day of the Lord of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up; And it shall be brought low.”
Humility: The Antidote to Pride
While pride leads to judgment and destruction, the fear of the Lord and humility lead to grace and salvation.
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Philippians 2:8-9 – “And being found in appearance as a man, He [Jesus] humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him…”
Matthew 23:12 – “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
The world teaches people to exalt themselves, to be proud, self-reliant, and independent of God. But God exalts the humble and brings down the proud. The only way to avoid destruction is to humble ourselves before God, repent, and seek His ways instead of our own.
My Final Thoughts
Pride is the root of all sin, and it is the one thing that God consistently opposes. Whether in individuals, nations, or movements like the LGBTQ movement, pride always leads to destruction. The irony is that the very movement that boasts in pride is unknowingly fulfilling Scripture: the proud will fall.
However, God is merciful to those who humble themselves. No matter how deep in sin someone is, if they repent and turn to Christ, He will forgive them. The call today is clear:
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, consisting of only 21 verses. Despite its brevity, it delivers a powerful message of judgment against Edom and a prophecy of Israel’s restoration.
Who Was Obadiah?
Obadiah is one of the minor prophets, but very little is known about him personally. His name means “Servant of Jehovah” or “Worshiper of Jehovah”. Unlike other prophets, there is no mention of his family, his hometown, or even the specific time in which he lived.
However, based on the events described in his prophecy, most scholars place Obadiah’s ministry around 586 B.C., shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. Some argue for an earlier date; but the book’s focus on Edom’s betrayal of Israel strongly suggests it was written in response to the Babylonian invasion.
The Message of the Book
The book of Obadiah is primarily a prophecy against Edom, the descendants of Esau, who were bitter enemies of Israel. The Edomites not only refused to help Israel in their times of need but actively worked against them when Jerusalem was attacked. Because of this, God declared severe judgment upon Edom.
The book can be divided into three main sections:
The Judgment of Edom (Verses 1-14)
Obadiah begins by declaring that Edom’s pride will lead to its downfall:
“The pride of your heart has deceived you,
You who dwell in the clefts of the rock,
Whose habitation is high;
You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’” (Obadiah 1:3)
Edom was known for its fortified cities built into the mountains, particularly Petra, which seemed impenetrable. However, God makes it clear that no amount of human security can protect them from His judgment:
“Though you ascend as high as the eagle,
And though you set your nest among the stars,
From there I will bring you down,” says the Lord.” (Obadiah 1:4)
The reason for Edom’s destruction was their violence and betrayal against Israel. When Babylon invaded Jerusalem, the Edomites took advantage of the situation by looting, killing, and even capturing escaping Israelites to hand them over to their enemies:
“You should not have stood at the crossroads
To cut off those among them who escaped;
Nor should you have delivered up those among them
who remained in the day of distress.” (Obadiah 1:14)
Edom’s actions showed their hatred for Israel, even though they were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. This family feud, which began in Genesis 25, had now led to divine judgment.
The Day of the Lord (Verses 15-18)
Obadiah transitions from Edom’s judgment to the broader “Day of the Lord,” which is a time of judgment for all nations:
“For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near;
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.” (Obadiah 1:15)
This passage reveals a key biblical principle: what goes around comes around. Edom had betrayed Israel, so God would bring the same destruction upon them. God also declares that Israel will be restored, while Edom will be completely wiped out:
“But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance,
And there shall be holiness;
The house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.
The house of Jacob shall be a fire,
And the house of Joseph a flame;
But the house of Esau shall be stubble;
They shall kindle them and devour them,
And no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau,”
For the Lord has spoken.” (Obadiah 1:17-18)
This prophecy was fulfilled in history. Edom was eventually destroyed as a nation and ceased to exist. By the time of Christ, the Edomites (Idumeans) were absorbed into other cultures, and after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., they disappeared from history.
The Restoration of Israel (Verses 19-21)
The final section of Obadiah speaks of Israel’s future restoration and dominance over their enemies:
“Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion
To judge the mountains of Esau,
And the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obadiah 1:21)
While this prophecy had a partial fulfillment in the past, it also points to the future Millennial Kingdom, where Jesus Christ will reign and Israel will be fully restored.
The Purpose and Place of Obadiah in Scripture
Obadiah serves several key purposes in the Bible:
A Warning Against Pride and Betrayal : Edom’s downfall was rooted in pride and treachery. The Bible consistently warns that pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
God’s Justice : The book of Obadiah reminds us that God sees every injustice and will bring judgment in His time. Edom thought they had escaped punishment, but God’s judgment came when they least expected it.
The Faithfulness of God to Israel: Despite their suffering, Israel’s story does not end in destruction. Obadiah prophesies that God will restore them and fulfill His promises.
A Prophetic Picture of the End Times: The themes of the Day of the Lord, judgment of the nations, and Israel’s ultimate restoration all point to the second coming of Christ, where He will establish His kingdom.
My Final Thoughts
Though short in length, the book of Obadiah is rich in meaning. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over the nations, that pride leads to destruction, and that God’s people will ultimately be vindicated. The story of Edom is a warning that those who oppose God and His people will not escape judgment.
On the other hand, for believers, the hope of restoration remains. Just as Israel was promised deliverance, we too have the assurance that God will fulfill His promises to us through Jesus Christ.
“For the kingdom is the Lord’s,
And He rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28)