Analysis of earlier history is critical in assessing the facts so far presented; what is happening in America is not unprecedented.

Roughly 4,000 years ago, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, calls forth Abram from an array of pagan nations. This new nation, soon named Israel, is to be set apart and holy.

Center: 2008 visit to the Ur Ziggurat. Top Right: Author visits the (believed) house of Abram where Yahweh first called him.

By 605 BC, Israel has split into two parts. A remnant, called Judah, established themselves between the Egyptian and Babylonian empires. Within Judah, great walls are built around their capital city Jerusalem.

In their perceived might and comfort, the people do not remain faithful to Yahweh, their God, who first called Abram. The prophet Jeremiah is sent to relay Yahweh's charges against Judah: