The Coveted, But Missing Diadem

The downfall of the petty Jewish State two thousand five hundred years ago, was doubtless a small matter in the eyes of the politicians of that day. It would scarcely have made front-page news in the press of any country. For many years Judah had been tributary to Assyria, Egypt and Babylon, and the last occupant of the throne was a very despicable character. Yet the downfall of Judah was an event of the greatest possible importance in the history of the Earth. It meant the suspension for ages of the Creator’s gracious purpose for all nations.
Jerusalem and its people had a place in the mind of God never accorded to others. David’s throne was “the throne of Jehovah” (1 Chron. 29-23). It was meant to be the divine seat of government and blessing for the whole earth. The years of David’s rule, followed by Solomon’s forty years of peace and glory furnish a picture of what Jehovah desired. But the evil of the royal house, and the idolatries of the people made it impossible for God to go through with His gracious purpose.
While David’s throne stood, however feeble and contemptible might be its occupants, it was still “the throne of Jehovah.” The last king, Zedekiah, brought on the ruin by his perfidy.
Nebuchadnezzar “made him swear by God” (2 Chron. 36:13), but he despised the oath by “breaking the covenant” (Ezek. 17:17-18). Nothing was sacred in his eyes. Now note these words of Jehovah to him “And thou profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, at the time of the iniquity of the end. Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: his shall not be the same (or, what is, shall be no more). Exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high, I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is, and I will give it Him” (Ezek. 21:25-27). Ever since that day David’s throne has lain in the dust, and the diadem of rulership over the nations has been removed (Psa. 79:27-32).
No one has held the world-scepter since the overthrow of the throne of Jehovah in Jerusalem, and the removal of the diadem from the head of David’s unworthy heir. A limited measure of supremacy was granted to Nebuchadnezzar, and that only for a time. Babylon’s evil led to the subjugation of that Empire to another. “After thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee.” Others followed as allowed by God. But of no man yet has it been true, “He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth...Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him all nations shall serve Him” (Psa. 72:8-11).
Aspirants for world-dominion have never been lacking, and some have achieved for a time a measure of success. But against all such persons there stands the solemn sentence of Ezekiel 21 “I will overturn, overturn, overturn it.” He who sets his mind upon universal sway courts ruin for himself, and for all who are associated with him.
At the present fearful juncture in the world’s history many are peering into the future anxiously. The word of God to Zedekiah answers all questions. God has One in His mind, once born in grace of David’s royal line, for whom worldwide rule is purposed. Convulsion must follow convulsion until He appears. Mark the words, “until He come whose right it is.” How often, when partaking of the Lord’s Supper, have the words, “till He come” delighted our hearts! In Ezekiel 21 we have another “till He come.” In 1 Corinthians 11:26, our removal to the Father’s house on high is in view; in Ezekiel 21 the adjustment of all earth’s disorders, and the firm establishment of blessing from pole to pole. David’s Heir—He who suffered for our salvation—will yet take up the diadem which many here coveted, but could not obtain; and from Jehovah’s long-loved center in Zion He will ride for His glory, and for the good of all creation.
“Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.”