Read Genesis 10:8-14
Verse 8-14 -
Nimrod was a great man in his day; he began to be mighty in the
earth, Those before him were content to be upon the same level with
their neighbours, and though every man bare rule in his own house,
yet no man pretended any further. Nimrod was resolved to lord it
over his neighbours. The spirit of the giants before the flood, who
became mighty men, and men of renown, Genesis
6:4,. revived in him. Nimrod was a great hunter. Hunting then
was the method of preventing the hurtful increase of wild beasts.
This required great courage and address, and thus gave an
opportunity for Nimrod to command others, and gradually attached a
number of men to one leader. From such a beginning, it is likely,
that Nimrod began to rule, and to force others to submit. He invaded
his neighbours' rights and properties, and persecuted innocent men;
endeavouring to make all his own by force and violence. He carried
on his oppressions and violence in defiance of God himself. Nimrod
was a great ruler. Some way or other, by arts or arms, he got into
power, and so founded a monarchy, which was the terror of the
mighty, and bid fair to rule all the world. Nimrod was a great
builder. Observe in Nimrod the nature of ambition. It is boundless;
much would have more, and still cries, Give, give. It is restless;
Nimrod, when he had four cities under his command, could not be
content till he had four more. It is expensive; Nimrod will rather
be at the charge of rearing cities, than not have the honour of
ruling them. It is daring, and will stick at nothing. Nimrod's name
signifies rebellion; tyrants to men are rebels to God. The days are
coming, when conquerors will no longer be spoken of with praise, as
in man's partial histories, but be branded with infamy, as in the
impartial records of the Bible.
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