An illustration of this truth is found in the history of ancient Babylon. To Nebuchadnezzar the king the true object of national government was represented under the figure of a great tree, whose height "reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: the leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all;" under its shadow the beasts of the field dwelt, and among its branches the birds of the air had their habitation. Daniel 4:11, 12. This representation shows the character of a government that fulfills God's purpose--a government that protects and upbuilds the nation.

Man finder et eksempel på denne sandhed i oldtidens Babylons historie. For kong Nebukadnezar blev det sande formål med en regering fremstillet i skikkelse af et træ, hvis krone»nåede himmelen, og det sås til jordens ende; dets løv var fagert, dets frugter mange, så der var føde til alle derpå;« i skyggen af det levede markens dyr, og himmelens fugle boede i dets grene. Daniel 4,11-12. Denne fremstilling viser, hvilken slags regering det opfylder Guds formål en regering, der beskytter og hjælper folket.