The detail given in Genesis 10, shows that God's intention to repopulate the world by means of Noah and his sons was carried out (Gen 9.1).
Amongst the names listed, there is one that stands out. "Nimrod ... began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar" (Gen 10.8-10).
An examination of Nimrod yields the following characteristics:
1. Nimrod had a Reputation. He was a "mighty one in the earth ... wherefore it is said 'Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD'."
2. Nimrod was a Rebel. His name means "rebel", and as the founder of "Babel", he must have been heavily involved in the rebellion of that place (see Ch 11.1-9).
3. Nimrod was Ruthless. He was a "mighty hunter".
4. Nimrod had a Realm. The "beginning of his kingdom was Babel ..."
Nimrod was a man's man. Being rebellious, successful, famous, self-assertive, and authoritative, he gained renown and respect in the world. We do not have to look far to see the difference between Nimrod and God's Man - the Lord Jesus Christ! In fact, the distinct character of the Lord Jesus is seen clearly in one New Testament passage, Philippians 2.5-8.
Rather than seeking a reputation, the Lord "made Himself of no reputation" (Phil 2.7). When He came, it was not to seek a name for Himself. He could say categorically " I seek not mine own glory" (John 8.50). The prominence, and pre-eminence, that was His in heaven, was certainly not His experience upon earth!
Rather than rebel, He "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil 2.8). His was a path of obedience from the start. "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6.38). His path of obedience continued to the end, "even the death of the cross". He who was high, became humble. He who was rich became poor.
Rather than being ruthless, we are instructed to "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil 2.5). What mindset marked Christ? That outlook which looked "not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil 2.4 ESV). It was His care for others, His concern for their welfare, that led Him to come from heaven. He is never described as a "hunter"! He is however described as a shepherd who went "after that which is lost until he find it" (Luke 15.4).
Rather than having a physical realm, He "took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man He humbled himself" (Phil 2.7-8). Servant character and humility are not characteristics we associate with rulers over cities and nations in this world. The nature of Christ's rule presently is different however! He rules in the hearts of His people, and His rule is evident in the lives of those who manifest the same character as He did.
Those who will, in the future, reign with Christ in the day of His manifest glory upon earth are characterised now by poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hunger for righteousness, purity of heart, a desire for peace, and are persecuted (see Matt 5.1-12). Hardly a list of characteristics we see in the rulers of this present world.
What a glorious Lord we have! And, because of these delightful characteristics, God has "highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2.9-11).
So, His Name will be remembered, and His Rule will be universal. What the Lord never sought after for His own glory, will all be His, "to the glory of God the Father".
Amen
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