Q. How did they rule?
The early nations chose kings to rule over them. The kings however did not govern God`s way of mercy and justice. They developed their own armies and led the people to war against other nations, killing, looting and taking people captive. (Gen. 14: 1 & 2, 11)
People chose to worship idols of creation, (sun, moon, stars, animals etc) and put their trust in them rather than to trust the Creator who made them.
`they....changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals..` (Rom. 1: 18: 25)
Thus self seeking, greed and misuse of power prevailed with every man having his own ways of behaviour. Life, was not generally respected, so violence, murder, cruelty and even sacrificing of humans, (often children) was common. (Deut. 12: 31)
`...every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes.` (Deut. 12: 8, Rom. 1: 26 – 32)
Q. Did God make them accountable?
God did bring judgment upon the Nations when evil came to a head and they did not repent. But God also showed mercy to those who humbled themselves before Him.
`...the Lord said,....their sin is very grave,...` (Gen. 18: 20)
`...the King of Heaven...His ways are just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.` (Dan. 4: 27 & 37)
The early nations chose kings to rule over them. The kings however did not govern God`s way of mercy and justice. They developed their own armies and led the people to war against other nations, killing, looting and taking people captive. (Gen. 14: 1 & 2, 11)
People chose to worship idols of creation, (sun, moon, stars, animals etc) and put their trust in them rather than to trust the Creator who made them.
`they....changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals..` (Rom. 1: 18: 25)
Thus self seeking, greed and misuse of power prevailed with every man having his own ways of behaviour. Life, was not generally respected, so violence, murder, cruelty and even sacrificing of humans, (often children) was common. (Deut. 12: 31)
`...every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes.` (Deut. 12: 8, Rom. 1: 26 – 32)
Q. Did God make them accountable?
God did bring judgment upon the Nations when evil came to a head and they did not repent. But God also showed mercy to those who humbled themselves before Him.
`...the Lord said,....their sin is very grave,...` (Gen. 18: 20)
`...the King of Heaven...His ways are just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.` (Dan. 4: 27 & 37)
