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‘Why is the glory of kingdoms cast down and still without dominion?’ ‘Bel she set up as king, and walked after him, against the law of God. Over her was then set the mistress of kingdoms,^[53] until God’s rule shines forth.’

She burned my dwelling-place, and crushed my saints, and yet her kingdom was prolonged. She spreads on all sides, she bends her bow against me, and extends her yoke. She terrified and crushed the tender people; and yet she still holds sway. She laid bare and waste my temple’s foundation; her guile is very deep. She lifted up her head, and took crafty counsel; her hands are exalted. Her cunning burns in her, she soars to the sky, and is girt with sovereignty. She rent my curtains, and destroyed my tent; she harrowed and ploughed my land. She props herself with dominion, is girt with sovereignty, and me she harasses. She plans rebellion, and hastes to serve strange gods;—God’s kingdom she profanes. She tortures the King’s sons, and says before the King: ‘Who in heaven is king over me?’